I would definitely recommend it to any hockey fan that missed 2K6 on the previous versions.

User Rating: 8.4 | NHL 2K6 X360
By chex81 | Review Date:
Gameplay: If you've played NHL 2K5 or 2K6 for Xbox or PS2, NHL 2K6 for Xbox 360 is hardly any different. This is the same incredible gameplay as the previous versions, except with one new feature. Crease Control allows the human player to take control of the goalie in this new mode, with a 3rd person goaltender prospective. If you click on the Right Thumbstick, you go into Crease Control. From there, you have buttons mapped on the 360 that convert to specific saves. There is a colored cone that shows up in front of your goaltender once you enter this new mode, Green will indicate you⿿re within the pucks range, Red will indicate you⿿re not. When a player shots, you will have the chance to lineup a small target symbol (where the puck is headed to) with a Red ring (you control this ring to lineup with the target). It⿿s pretty difficult to explain in words, but once you see actual gameplay it makes sense. As for everything else, like I said it⿿s the same. The only bug I noticed besides audio (explained in Audio section) is I⿿ve had a split second freeze happen right before I scored a goal. It doesn⿿t ruin the gameplay, but it isn⿿t what you⿿d expect from next gen. I⿿ve also heard around the boards and other reviews the notorious Franchise mode is still bugged, which is also a disappointment. 7.5/10

Graphics: The game looks exceptionally well in actual gameplay mode. The ice glimmering reflections and holding skate streaks to add a realistic effect. The scoreboard also looks great, with the new TV screen projecting penalty and goal replays. The crowd is now fully 3D, which is also nice. However, you can tell majority of the cut-scenes were brought over from the Xbox version and brushed up. However, it⿿s still a great looking game, the best hockey game I⿿ve ever seen that⿿s for sure. 8/10

Audio: If you try to use your custom audio tracks, you may in counter some glitches which is a disappointment. The sound effects are too low (even with the sliders completely filled). The crowd, commentary and horns are great. 7.5/10

Controls: As previous versions, it controls like a charm. There are many customization options to suit your needs, which has always been great about the 2K series. The new Crease Control is a very neat idea, but could be re-worked as it tends to get confusing changing prospective from goalie to player so often. 9/10

Replay: Xbox Live Online adds tons of replay value that will keep fans busy until 2K7. There are online season leagues, tournaments and quick match options if you want to play a friend or some random opponent. There is no lagging, the game runs smooth. 9/10

Overall: If you already have the Xbox or Ps2 version, maybe you might not want to spend $60 for some brushed up visuals and Crease Control. I would definitely recommend it to any hockey fan that missed 2K6 on the previous versions, like myself. It⿿s an incredible game, but $60 for a game that costs $20 on Ps2 or Xbox may be asking a bit too much.

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