NHL 2K7

UPC: 710425370540

Platform: PlayStation 2

Publisher: 2K Sports

Developer: Visual Concepts

Category: Sports

Style(s): Hockey

Synopsis: Glide around on the ice and give your opponent a nice, friendly check in NHL 2K7. This year's game features an improved skating engine that enhances offensive and defensive controls, including gliding, turning, stopping, and an overall adjustment of movement on the ice. Advancements made in "ProControl" let you execute drop passes, set up plays on the go, and create scoring opportunities that catch the goalie off guard. Developers have also added tactical elements to the game's "Pressure Control" system that allow you to instruct teammates to defend opposing players with varying degrees of intensity. For example, you may instruct a teammate to shadow a selected opponent, or deliver a big check. Other improvements include a default camera that is lower, allowing you to see more of the action on the ice, such as spotting an open man to make a pass or keeping your eye on the entire offensive line. A new rivalry system gives your team emotions that vary between wins and losses, and in fights against opposing squads. NHL 2K7 also revisits favorite features, such as the "Skybox," air hockey, and "Party" mode. ~ Gracie Leach, All Game Guide

Package Contents: Registration Card

Controls: Joystick/Gamepad

The booklet is filled with all sorts of specific controls and information about game modes. The in-game loading screens also double as information screens. ~ Christopher Brown, All Game Guide

The graphics are average. The animation is smooth and the camera follows the game action very well but the players don't look terribly crisp during game action. ~ Christopher Brown, All Game Guide

The yearly release of sports games often means that they are the first to take advantage of the improved hardware in new consoles. Unfortunately that means those same sports games for the old consoles don't get as much attention from the developers. This seems to be the case with NHL 2K7 for the PS2, which, while still a quality game, is very similar to last year's version. 2K Sports games are known for their unparalleled depth when it comes to in-game control, and NHL 2K7 is certainly no different. Gamers can take control of the goalie, set their goons upon the opponent's stars, or call plays on the fly. One of this year's few additions is pressure control, which allows gamers to target certain players for extra attention by holding down the L2 button. Another nice feature is the "parametric" camera angle that takes the traditional top-down hockey view and adds a nice auto zoom feature. NHL 2K7 also features one of the largest collections of bells and whistles around. Party mode returns with an impressive number of interesting, if not necessarily outstanding, mini-games. The Skybox also returns with innumerable unlockables along with the ability to play air hockey and mini-shuffleboard. The game also features the best online hockey around, allowing people to face off in mini-games, tournaments, or full seasons with up to 30 teams. Individual game customization is also spectacular with sliders galore, including lots of pre-determined settings like sound controls to simulate the differences between watching a game on TV, from the stands, or even on the ice. The franchise mode is also solid this year. Gamers deal with a salary cap, schedule practices to boost player attributes, and they can try to boost chemistry by switching up lines and winning games against rivals. The rookie scouting and drafting is also very nice, allowing gamers to play full games with prospects. Some of the more intricate aspects of franchise ownership are omitted, but it's not a big deal. The game features some funny quirks, like the occasional goal that scoots in from behind the net, and the way that in scouting games, the announcers claim everyone is named Abbott. This leads to awkward exchanges in which Abbott passes to Abbott for a one-timer, only to be stoned by the goalie, Abbott. NHL 2K7 is a good game overall, but it appears to have reached the limits of effectiveness on the PS2 and it isn't likely to blow anyone away. ~ Christopher Brown, All Game Guide

The deep franchise and online modes give NHL 2K7 plenty of replay value. ~ Christopher Brown, All Game Guide

The game sound effects are terrific, effectively simulating slap shots and bone-crunching hits. The announcers spend a lot of time talking about general trends during the game and not much about the actual game. When they do talk about the game they get very far behind the action. The music is decent indie rock that fits hockey well. ~ Christopher Brown, All Game Guide

The game is very enjoyable to play. The intricate controls allow for increasing levels of mastery and provide a great challenge. ~ Christopher Brown, All Game Guide

the game requires Joystick/Gamepad.