NHL 07

"EA's Return to Greatness..."

NHL 07
A short review....

For years, EA's Hockey Empire was untouchable. Nothing could outdo it and nothing was more fun. That is until 2K rolled up on the scene on Sega's Dreamcast. From 2K's hockey debut on the Dreamcast until last year EA seemed washed up and personally, been brutally beaten in the hockey video game scene. There is no argument there. Of course, I jump ship back then when that Sega system came out. Who didn't? Like when Paul Kariya gotten layed out flat by Scott Stevens, in the middle of the rink...EA just glided on their back without a prayer looking up at the stars. From 2K until 2K5, I was a 2K-Fanboy.Big time. And I always wished EA would bounce back and reclaim the video game hockey throne they created when I was a young kid playing Genesis.

Now, after so many years EA has finally put out a contender. And you know what? It's about damn time! I've waited for this game forever....

EA's next gen leap is superb. Notably the Skill Stick. The Skill Stick is the Best thing to happen to video game hockey. Period. I'm serious. We've had this before but not as user controlled if you know what I mean. Before we'd tap the right analog stick and we would get a scripted animation of a deke that would never really work. Well, now we can pretty much shoot the puck where we want after a series of mind blowing moves. Toe drags, spins, fake outs, dekes, and the user does it him/her self and when you score, it pays off. Not that 2k7 is bad because it's an outstanding game, BUT it's still a one timer fest. Well we don't have that here. You WORK for you're goals. Even with the skill stick, you just can't waltz in the zone and do whatever you want. You wanna score? You better work your butt off.
On the offensive front, EA has implemented PERFECT gameplay....

On the Defense side, things aren't so pretty. Obviously, EA put more effort into offense. While fun, playing D can be a real pain. You still gotta give EA credit for this innovative control scheme using only the trigger buttons and analog sticks. It's leaps and bounds ahead of the age old face buttons...

The only thing that may turn some people off is the steep, steep learning curve. It's very difficult to get used to not pushing face buttons. After about 25 games, I STILL miss opportunities to score because I find myself reaching for the face button, or I'll accidentally pass because I'm used to the Right Trigger being speed burst. But seriously, when you get it down, you will not be disappointed. Jack up the difficulty and just try doing stuff your used to doing and it won't work. Which brings me to the goalies.

This year goalies are astounding and unforgiving and I mean that in a good way. Anti 07 people will argue that they're weak but, don't listen to them. Regardless of some silly goals that happen you will still be in awe of the goalies.

The dynasty mode is great too. I love how they threw in an almost accurate way the whole contract things work. While not perfect it's always fun. You can even adjust ticket prices and whatnot to gain more profit to upgrade your team behind the scenes...

Create a player is flat out weak and there is NO excuse for this.

Oh yeah, the sound is fantastic too...

As for the online play, I don't care. I'm not an online guy so...I cant help you there. The main reason is for people who quit half way through a game because they're losing and give you negative remarks. I don't have time for that so I don't play online. To me, online is much more fun on a PC in different genres of games...

So..There you go, a half a$$ review. Many, many people will tell you to not buy this game. Don't listen to them. It's the best and most realistic hockey game on the market.

SCORE: 9/10

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 09/15/06