Unlike NBA 2K6, it doesn’t seem like such close attention has been paid to the presentation side of things this time around. It’s still good, but not on the same scale as the other 2K sports games. That is, you won’t be thinking that this is a TV presentation, as much as you might have after seeing it implemented in NBA 2K6.
He'll control differently
From our time playing the game, it was clear that the experience is intended to be as realistic as possible. It’s not like in a game like FIFA where you have the ball and all you do is move around with it. It’s more like Pro Evo where you are rewarded with precision and understanding of the game, so you can’t really just stake the puck up the ice and hope to beat everyone with some swift dodging.
We didn’t get a chance to check it out, but it was made known to us that there is a new goalie control system. However, it is unlikely that this will have a significant impact on the gameplay as a whole - more along the lines of an interesting distraction. Franchise mode is back with a vengeance, too. Online play is also an option - thankfully it has not been taken out for PAL games this time (at least, not yet anyway).
There was definitely a sense of refinement about the game. However, all accounts point to the game being pretty much identical to its “previous” generation predecessor. That, and there have not been many additions to the game to help set it apart from the cheaper Xbox version. This point was particularly picked-up upon in the US, where the Xbox 360 version cost significantly more than the previous-gen versions.
Face-off
Graphically, the improvement is difficult to see from the perspective that the game is played. It isn’t until you zoom in using manual replays that you can see the details of the player's faces and clothing. They’re not on the same level as NBA 2K6, but the difference really does show.
NHL 2K6 is unlikely to be a disappointment to anyone who is looking for a good game of ice hockey. It’s based off a solid and successful formula. However, if it’s a next generation game that you’re looking for, you may have to wait for the next round.
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