Tue, October 4, 2005

Unfortunately, you can't make players' heads bleed in NHL 2K6 .. but it's fun to try!

For the second year in a row, the '2K' entry in the hockey sweepstakes trumps all other challengers, plain and simple. It has the best of everything anyone could ever wish for in a hockey game. Whether you're starting a new franchise from scratch or simply playing a game of Dodge-the-Barrels, NHL 2K6 is a stunning addition to the world of sports games.

The level of customization and number of unlockables in the game is simply mind-boggling. You can do everything from start a quick-play game and just choose teams and jerseys, to start an entire franchise where you choose your players, names, lines (and how much chemistry players have with each other) and so much more it's almost ridiculous. But ridiculously good.

It's tough to pick an area to begin with a game as expansive as 2K6. We'll start with the gameplay itself because when push comes to bodycheck, that's what makes a hockey video game truly fun. Rest assured that actually sitting down with one or more friends (either online or on the same television) is a blast. And that's one great thing about 2K6 - with a network-connected game like Halo 2, it's almost a requirement to have no more than two people on the same TV for the sake of keeping visuals clear. And it means almost certain death nowadays to have an opponent on the same screen because they can see everything you do. With a game like 2K6, things are actually a lot more fun when four controllers are plugged into the same Xbox on the same television set. Action is intense and it's impossible not to hear trash talk coming from at least two other people sitting right beside you.

As with last year's NHL 2K5, this year's game allows both experienced and inexperienced people the chance to play to their own specific levels. There are basic controls, such as hitting X to shoot (hold it down for a slapshot) or A to pass, but for those looking to take their game to the next level, it's possible to use advanced controls by holding down the L-trigger. For instance, if you're on a breakaway and want to pull off an awesome deke, hold down the L-trigger, and go from up to up-right on the right thumbstick to perform a short deke right. You can hit the white button while on offence to perform a pass-and-go move. Or you can use the D-pad to make your teammates change actions on the fly, such as if the opposing team is pressing in your zone and you need everyone back playing tighter defence, just hit down on the D-pad (there are even on-screen hints to help you out) and your players will do as they're directed. There are just as many controls while playing on defence, from poke checking to diving on the ice to block a shot.

This is only the tip of the iceberg folks. If you've ever watched a real hockey game on TV and thought to yourself "I could coach better/play better than this bum!" now is your chance to prove it.

As mentioned earlier, from the opening menu you can choose everything from a quick game to a tournament to a season to franchise, where you build your team from the bottom up season after season, drafting players, trading, signing free agents, etc, etc, and etc again.

The one main complaint with NHL 2K6 is probably that the menus are overwhelming sometimes. When I first went in to customize the music soundtrack (it can't be that difficult, right?), I went a little cross-eyed trying to follow all the directions. I went through three screens of directions, all illustrating the different buttons you need to use to change the settings. If you have an older TV or one with a small screen, you'll have trouble following along, trying to figure out if the menu is saying to use the right trigger or left, or right or left thumbstick.

The graphics in the game are about equal to last year's game - that is, fantastic. The players have several animations on-ice and everything is clear and easy to pick out. As with almost any sports game, the crowds aren't mind blowing and varied, but since you likely won't be spending most of your time staring at the stands, they do just fine. The players' faces and bodies are also quite true to real life (if you're a 'real life' hockey fan as well, that is, and know what everyone looks like). During a stoppage in play or during an instant replay, it's quite easy to differentiate the Mats Sundins from the Brett Hulls. I'm still waiting, though, for the day when players leave the ice after an intense period with cuts and bruises.

The commentators are Bob Cole and Harry Neale, who many Canadian fans will know very well. The folks at 2K Sports did an insanely good job in this respect. You won't find Cole and Neale repeating the same lame "what a save!" comments over and over again. Pregame insight is, well, actually insightful. The two focus on specific players and even when you pause during the game to adjust a line, the commentators will treat it like a break in the action and chat about what's happening. They'll also talk excitedly and very in-depth about a great save or an awesome goal, going into quite a bit of detail about what just happened. At times you'll swear they're sitting behind you watching the game.

2K6 is, of course, online enabled for Xbox Live and it's just as slick and fun as last year's version. Just like with the single player mode, you have the option of simply jumping into a game, or you can join a league and watch as you climb the standings or fall deep into the basement, with your friends laughing at you all the way. You can track all the stats and standings online on your computer as well by setting up a league Web site. This is a great way (especially during the offseason) to make things even more exciting.

In addition, there are plenty of unlockables. You'll be able to unlock special games like the Heritage Classic and play on an outdoor rink in Edmonton, you'll be able to open old-school jerseys, open new rinks and tons more. There is a lobby section where you can view awards won in franchise mode (including a spot for the holy grail of hockey, the Stanley Cup if you're so skilled to win it) as well as a games room to kill time playing trivia, air hockey or darts (most of which are surprisingly addictive).

The best part of all of this is that you'll be able to find NHL 2K6 for brand new at a discounted price. This is proof that price can make a difference, though this game would be well worth it even at the average price of $60 (CDN).

Whether you're a rookie on the ice or a seasoned veteran of the world of pucks and octopi, NHL 2K6 is at the top of its class. It truly has something for everyone, and is a great way to herald the return of the NHL as it hits the ice after a year-long lockout. It's great to once again be able to say "game on!"

WHAM! Rating: 9.4 out of 10 ESRB Rating: E (Everyone 10+) Official Web Site: www.2ksports.com