NHL 07

"EA rewrites it's NHL series"

Unlike EA's NBA Live series which has been going downhill for a while now ( only exception being the 05 version), the NHL counterpart has been improving every year and had been finally catching up to the 2k sports versions. NHL 07 finally reasserts EA as the king of hockey games. Consider this a new chapter in the EA hockey series.

Graphics 10/10

As expected, the graphics rocked but if they wouldn't have, I would have protested this is the Xbox 360. For example, Ryan Smyth is as ugly in this game as he is in real life. Top-notch.

Music/Sound 6/10

I don't know if it's still Harry Sinden doing the color commentary but I hate him. I've heard the phrase : "It's a cannonade!!!" at least 100 times already. I don't need to know at that the start of every single home game I play with the Oilers that they got to one game of the cup last year. The music isn't very good either but I consider music unimportant in this game, the commentators? not so.

Gameplay 10/10

Simply amazing, EA finally decided to try and do something new instead of improving it's graphics and selling out a rehash of last year's game. Instead of shooting with the b button and passing with the a button, they chose to add a new shot stick. You do all your dekes and shooting with the right analog stick and pass with the right shoulder button ( speed burst simply doesn't exist anymore). At first, I kind of didn't like this method but after I got passed the steep (very steep) learning curve, I absolutely loved the shot stick. Skating circles around your opponents has never been more fun. For a few years now, I thought I would have to switch to 2k sports to get a worthwhile hockey game, EA has just assured me that I could stick with them ( well as far as hockey is concerned).

Fun Factor 10/10

Combined with the kick-ass gameplay, the fun factor makes this game THE MOTHER of all hockey games and should be considered as the blue print for all future hockey games. EA has put to shame the 2k sports series that seemed poised to take over EA's turf. Play this game alone or with friends and I guarantee you will always have fun. NHL 08 better be amazing otherwise I'll just stick with this one until I see the necessity to trade up.

Buy or Rent?

Rent... no just kidding! This is the one hockey game to buy and probably will be for a while. Would be a perfect 10 if not for the music... 9/10

Conclusion

If you don't already own this game go get it, or Georges Laraques will find you and kick your ass.

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 03/07/07