NHL 06

"One of the best NHL games out there"

Introduction:

NHL games have been coming out every year, with updated rosters, new hockey rules, and better animation for moves. Everything looks as real as it does in real life, with skill shots, and even players celebrating after a goal. Shootouts, which is new in NHL series, are breath taking and tense moments. Injuries happen as much as you want them to happen, and almost everything is configurable.

Gameplay: 9/10

This game is fun, and only as difficult as you want it to be. You can change how frequent the computer players pass, shoot, hold the puck, and even how aggressive they are. The only thing I found kinda bad about it, was some glitches with the puck staying on top of the net, and the goalies glitching about trying to get the puck.

Story: 7/10

Not really a story, more like a season. Not much can be said here, but just like in hockey, you play games, and you get sorted for playoffs depending on how you did in the games before. There is Dynasty mode, which seems a little unfinished, or a little rushed to get out. Next year it should be done right.

Graphics / Sound: 10/10

Beautiful is written almost everywhere on the graphics. The only bad graphics would be the top row of the crowd, which looked like little cardboard men, which was hardly noticeable, you could only see them in replays. The announcer commentary is also well done, they talk constantly keeping you updated, and even telling players stats sometimes while watching a replay. The only problem I found was they talked a little slow, sometimes they would say that I have a breakaway, about five seconds after I already shot. It happened very seldom, so it wasn't too bad.

Playtime / Replayability: 10/10

You can play this game for hours on end, and even go through the seasons. One thing that the developers could have done, was let you continue onto the next year. Once your finished a season, you have to start a new season instead of continuing onto the next year. Not a major problem since the gameplay is very stable and exciting.

Final Recommendation:

Buy this game if your looking for good fun with your friends, or even by yourself. You can deck your friend if hes on the other team and start to get into fights with each other. If you like party type games, this is a good one for a night with friends.

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 11/15/05