ESPN NHL 2K5

"Simulation Hockey"

Ive been a big fan of hockey, and usually get the other NHL series of hockey games made by EA Sports, but I tried ESPN's version, and I was presently surprised.

Game play 9/10
The game play is superb, it puts the player in control. You can control every aspect, from kicking the puck while pinned up against the boards, to catching a flying puck. There are three different control levels, Classic, Intermediate, and Advanced. The higher level of control you pick, the more control you are in during the game.

Graphics 8/10
The graphics are spectacular, especially the work done on the player faces. Players for once, actually look like there supposed to, not just some cheap thing stuck on there head. You can definitely tell that the makers put in hard working hours to make this game look great.

Difficulty 10/10
This game makes you work. If you don't know how to play hockey, and try to skate right up the middle, your wrong. The computer AI are some of the best I've ever seen in a hockey game, there not mindless machines, they don't just try to score, if there in the lead by 2, they'll back off in the third and dump the puck in and try to contain it, rather then just blasting away shots at the goalie.

Fun Stuff 10/10
This game is full of fun things to do. You can earn skill points and go to your sky box and unlock historic teams, and jerseys, and even different play modes like no helmet hockey. This game rewards you for playing a great hockey game. Another thing is the mini-games, there are several, and you can join in with your friends for great hockey fun. Skills tests are by far one of the funests things, have you ever wished you could shoot the targets, or puck handle your way through cones, well now you can.

Buy or Rent
Buy, Buy, Buy, this is the greatest hockey game I've played so far, although I have not checked out the new NHL 2005, I do not know how that game is yet, but until that comes out, this is the best one to buy, renting it will not give you everything you need out of this great game.

Reviewer's Score: 8/10, Originally Posted: 10/09/04