NHL 2K7

UPC: 710425390531

Platform: Xbox

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

About half of the manual covers the various control schemes. The manual could really use a lot more information on Franchise mode for users new to sports video games. ~ Jonathan Sutyak, All Game Guide

It doesn't look too different from previous versions of the series. The ice accurately begins a period with a slick and shiny appearance while dulling as a game progresses. ~ Jonathan Sutyak, All Game Guide

NHL 2K7 is a solid hockey game, but aside from the NHL's rule changes, it isn't very different from NHL 2K6 or even NHL 2005. If you already own either of those versions there is little reason to play this one, unless you have to have the latest team rosters. Graphics, gameplay, and modes of play are all about the same as in the previous releases. Franchise mode is the heart of the game, and offers plenty of options while giving full control to almost every aspect of running a team. Hire coaches, run practices, and keep up on the latest news via the in-game messages you receive from your coaches and the team's owner. There is also a minor league team to keep your eye on. If Franchise mode is too much to handle, NHL 2K7 also offers single-season and tournament modes. Gameplay is as smooth as it as been for all of the series' releases. Games can be played at a faster pace than in the NHL, but that will likely lead to defenders being caught out of position, plus it will fatigue players more rapidly. Users can also opt to keep things simple, with basic controls, or an advanced control scheme can be chosen for more options on shot selection and defensive moves. There are a few issues that make it appear as if the game may not have been completed before release. When receiving in-game information on players, a small picture of the player is included. However, some well-known players' pictures are noticeably missing. Rookie sensation Sidney Crosby is without an image, as is 2006 Stanley Cup Finals MVP Cam Ward. Another flaw is that when a player gets injured during play he leaves the game right away, but will return even if the injury is major. Yet after the game you'll see that he'll be out for a significant amount of time. Most of the bonuses that can be unlocked are the same things that players unlocked the past few years. The Skybox -- where users can view their achievements, choose what to unlock, or play a game of air hockey -- appears unchanged as well. While NHL 2K7 is a fine game with plenty of replay value, it just doesn't bring anything new to the series. ~ Jonathan Sutyak, All Game Guide

Franchise mode has plenty to do, plus there are party games included as well as Xbox Live support. ~ Jonathan Sutyak, All Game Guide

The play-by-play is boring and repetitive. Arena sounds are true to real-life; a howl can be heard when the Coyotes score a goal at Glendale Arena, for example. ~ Jonathan Sutyak, All Game Guide

NHL 2K7 is a good game for hockey fans who don't already own NHL 2K6. ~ Jonathan Sutyak, All Game Guide

the game requires Joystick/Gamepad.