NHL 07
Posted October 22, 2006
It's about time someone at EA wasn't content with simply releasing a minor update to the NHL franchise – so rather some be news event surrounding the addition of a deke added to the right analog stick it's actually something newsworthy this time. Looking at the differences between NHL 07 and the 2006 version, I actually felt like there was some additional effort put into the presentation of the title, as well as the already deep dynasty mode for those who not only like to play hockey, but to micromanage it.
Gameplay:
The biggest change to the game this year was the dramatic alteration with the way the game is actually controlled. Passing and shooting are no longer handled exclusively by the face buttons – in fact the face buttons are active only when the player gets desperate while trying to learn the new system.
The left stick plays as it always has – it controls your player. The right stick however now becomes and extension of the player and is used to control HIS stick. When you have the puck using the stick to manipulate the black hunk of rubber feel oh so satisfying, especially when splitting the defense and making it in for a shot on goal. Passing is the first big change – instead of pointing your left stick and highlighting a teammate to pass to you simply flick the right stick to send the puck in his direction. Passing is the easy thing – it gets slightly more complicated as you try to take a shot on goal.
When taking a shot you also use the right stick, but to differentiate between a pass you need to also hold down a trigger button as the indicator. Not only that but you use the left stick to aim your shot making this a two stick and trigger motion. For my first couple of games I barely managed to register any shots on goal, let alone score one. But as I let the frustration of the control scheme go I quickly embraced it and was able to perform not only the same moves I could do easily in other version of the game, but pull off some moves which only guys like Gretzky and Sidney Crosby could do thanks to their dexterity.
Present are the standard modes of play that almost any sports game has, a simple season mode for those who don't want to deal with the GM roles, and of course a good time is always had by all online. For those not content with playing as the NHL teams fear not – as four of the Elite European leagues can be played here. It's a different style of hockey that is for sure, but it's entertaining none the less.
Two other modes of play are here for the quick gamer or for playing against friends in a party game style. EA Free For All is an all out scoring game played like a half-court basketball game. One net, one goalie and up to four players competing for the most goals. If that doesn't sound interesting then try out the shoot-out mini game to take on a power goalie.
In Dynasty mode you take a team through all stages of the year as a new General Manager. You'll need to choose a style of GM that you wish to play, each will have an effect on how the team and owner of the team reacts to you. Once you choose a style you hire coaching staff, start training camp, and get ready for the season. The full 82 game season is played but if you simply want to simulate each game to work your way through multiple seasons that is an option too.
Graphics:
The presentation took a step forward this year as well, with a new set of animations added in thanks to the remapping of the right stick. It also looks like EA took the time to enhance the graphics overall too. Player models seem a little sharper, and the ice deforms as the period plays on, and naturally the replay mode looks spectacular. One thing that is a little disappointing is the lack of a progressive scan option. Even NBA Live was put out this year pumping 720p for the Xbox, so why not even toss in 480p for gamers with the high end setup?
Audio:
Normally the EA Trax section of the NHL blows me away with some great songs to get the blood pumping – this year however I was disappointed by the song quality. Now I'm not sure if the A list was funneled towards the 360 version and the little brother was given the hand-me-downs, but that's the feeling I get. The commentary is exactly how I remember from the last iteration of the title. Early on in your career it's clean crisp and fresh, but make it 50+ games in and the repetitiveness really sinks in and you'll be longing to turn it off.
Conclusion:
Naturally the biggest difference to this year's game is the new control mechanism. Love it or hate it, it's going to take some time to get over the initial learning curve. Once that curve is flattened out though the level of control that is available to the player is amazing, making the old face button method of controlling seem archaic. I hope that this addition doesn't become a one season trial to see the reaction, but that it is expanded on and small kinks worked out in further versions. I think EA is really onto something here with it.
I recommend this game to someone looking to upgrade their severely outdated version, and those who are looking for a change to the way they play hockey. A rental is a must to skeptics, but be sure to give it a fair shot as the learning curve is quite steep for the first half-dozen periods.
Gameplay:
The biggest change to the game this year was the dramatic alteration with the way the game is actually controlled. Passing and shooting are no longer handled exclusively by the face buttons – in fact the face buttons are active only when the player gets desperate while trying to learn the new system.
The left stick plays as it always has – it controls your player. The right stick however now becomes and extension of the player and is used to control HIS stick. When you have the puck using the stick to manipulate the black hunk of rubber feel oh so satisfying, especially when splitting the defense and making it in for a shot on goal. Passing is the first big change – instead of pointing your left stick and highlighting a teammate to pass to you simply flick the right stick to send the puck in his direction. Passing is the easy thing – it gets slightly more complicated as you try to take a shot on goal.
When taking a shot you also use the right stick, but to differentiate between a pass you need to also hold down a trigger button as the indicator. Not only that but you use the left stick to aim your shot making this a two stick and trigger motion. For my first couple of games I barely managed to register any shots on goal, let alone score one. But as I let the frustration of the control scheme go I quickly embraced it and was able to perform not only the same moves I could do easily in other version of the game, but pull off some moves which only guys like Gretzky and Sidney Crosby could do thanks to their dexterity.
Present are the standard modes of play that almost any sports game has, a simple season mode for those who don't want to deal with the GM roles, and of course a good time is always had by all online. For those not content with playing as the NHL teams fear not – as four of the Elite European leagues can be played here. It's a different style of hockey that is for sure, but it's entertaining none the less.
Two other modes of play are here for the quick gamer or for playing against friends in a party game style. EA Free For All is an all out scoring game played like a half-court basketball game. One net, one goalie and up to four players competing for the most goals. If that doesn't sound interesting then try out the shoot-out mini game to take on a power goalie.
In Dynasty mode you take a team through all stages of the year as a new General Manager. You'll need to choose a style of GM that you wish to play, each will have an effect on how the team and owner of the team reacts to you. Once you choose a style you hire coaching staff, start training camp, and get ready for the season. The full 82 game season is played but if you simply want to simulate each game to work your way through multiple seasons that is an option too.
Graphics:
The presentation took a step forward this year as well, with a new set of animations added in thanks to the remapping of the right stick. It also looks like EA took the time to enhance the graphics overall too. Player models seem a little sharper, and the ice deforms as the period plays on, and naturally the replay mode looks spectacular. One thing that is a little disappointing is the lack of a progressive scan option. Even NBA Live was put out this year pumping 720p for the Xbox, so why not even toss in 480p for gamers with the high end setup?
Audio:
Normally the EA Trax section of the NHL blows me away with some great songs to get the blood pumping – this year however I was disappointed by the song quality. Now I'm not sure if the A list was funneled towards the 360 version and the little brother was given the hand-me-downs, but that's the feeling I get. The commentary is exactly how I remember from the last iteration of the title. Early on in your career it's clean crisp and fresh, but make it 50+ games in and the repetitiveness really sinks in and you'll be longing to turn it off.
Conclusion:
Naturally the biggest difference to this year's game is the new control mechanism. Love it or hate it, it's going to take some time to get over the initial learning curve. Once that curve is flattened out though the level of control that is available to the player is amazing, making the old face button method of controlling seem archaic. I hope that this addition doesn't become a one season trial to see the reaction, but that it is expanded on and small kinks worked out in further versions. I think EA is really onto something here with it.
I recommend this game to someone looking to upgrade their severely outdated version, and those who are looking for a change to the way they play hockey. A rental is a must to skeptics, but be sure to give it a fair shot as the learning curve is quite steep for the first half-dozen periods.