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2K Sports makes a proper next-generation hockey title. NHL 2K6, released last year along with the console, offered the same engaging gameplay that the series was known for on current-generation consoles. Unfortunately, it was more or less a port of the Xbox version with nothing but a $40 price hike to differentiate it. NHL 2K7 drastically improves the graphics engine but leaves the gameplay engine unchanged.
NHL 2K7 includes a recognizable list of gameplay modes. You’ll find a fully functional franchise mode with the ability to scout for rookies, trade, bid for free-agents, communicate between the staff and negotiate contracts. You’ll also have a practice mode, where you need to make sure that team members are used to get the most out of them. There is a chemistry system which forces you into using different types of players to have the most effective time. The game also includes 17 minigames –12 new and 5 from last year’s game – which center on small tasks like scoring as many goals as possible. The game has a dream team ladder where you face superstars, the skybox mode with all of the stats, and the all-star weekend.
The underlying gameplay is still top-notch. The game includes an improved passing system that lets you accurately pass the puck to other players thanks to the right analog stick and the intuitive system that follows. The game also includes instant play calling thanks to the D pad to get your team to work on some of the more elaborate plays. You’ll also find that the enforcer system makes a return. Essentially, each team has an enforcer that intimidates players on the other team. Intimidated players are marked with an “I” and take a hit in their stats, most notably speed. The system works well and encourages you to use it to gain an unfair advantage against the other team.
The game lets you take direct control of the goalie through a third-person behind-the-goalie view. You’re shown a vision cone that tells you how likely you are to block the coming shot. The system isn’t totally realistic since time slows down and the puck has a red glow around it but it is fun and works well. The rest of the game is pretty realistic and remains fun. There are a few additional gameplay changes but they don’t substantially change the game.
NHL 2K7 includes full Xbox Live support. You’ll be able to participate in ranked and unranked matches online. You can play regular matches for two to eight players (up to four per console). The minirink and party games are also available. The game also includes the online leagues from last year’s game. Xbox Live manages to perform pretty well, though the games we tested ran well.
NHL 2K7’s graphics have been completely redesigned this year. Last year’s game used the current-generation game engine and while it looked good—for an Xbox game—it was mediocre on the Xbox 360. This year’s player models are much better designed with good looking faces and realistically moving jerseys. The animation system has also been improved with the on-ice flow looking particularly good. There are some left-over animations that don’t fit in with the larger, more detailed players but overall the graphics are much better. While the game looks particularly good on HDTV, the improvements are obvious on SDTV.
As mentioned above, the presentation is what 2K Sports focused on with NHL 2K7. This obviously includes the audio. Part of cinemotion is an epic, orchestrated, interactive soundtrack. If you’re making a comeback, the soundtrack is sweeping and faster while if you’re behind, you’ll notice that the music is a bit drearier. When playing in cinemotion (it’s optional), you’ll still hear the great on-ice sound effects that the series is known for. If you really need game commentary, you can turn it on to play during cinemotion or play the game without the optional feature. The commentary is once again provided by Bob Cole and Harry Neale, although their lines seem similar to last year’s game. If you don’t play in cinemotion, the soundtrack is largely made up of rock music. Nonetheless, the audio is definitely improved over last year’s game.
NHL 2K7 improves on its predecessor’s biggest weakness: the outdated presentation. However, it’s still the second best looking NHL game on the Xbox 360. The gameplay hasn’t changed much in the last year which is particularly glaring since NHL 07 made huge strides this year. As it stands, the only thing NHL 2K7 has over NHL 07 is the variety of gameplay modes, which for some may be the deciding factor. -- Jose Liz, PGNx Media
---- Oct 15, 2006
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