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989 Sports releases its first hockey game for PSP. Based on the last console version of the game, Gretzky NHL 2005 for PS2, Gretzky NHL for PSP is a decent title but one that was affected too negatively by the conversation process. As you know, Gretzky NHL 2005 was 989 Sports’ semi-triumphant return to the virtual rink after taking a year off to retool the franchise.
Gretzky NHL includes a number of the expected game types, although some of the modes found in the PS2 version of the game have been stripped. In Gretzky NHL, you’ll find the expected Exhibition mode for those who simply want to play a quick game and a single-season mode (complete with trading). Theoretically unique to the series it the “Gretzky Challenge” which allows you to complete a number of simple objectives like winning a face-off or something to that extent. The Challenge is more useful in that it allows you unlock a number of jerseys, cheats and even different versions of Wayne Gretzky. Not included in the game is the PS2’s version franchise mode, however.
The actual hockey in the game is pretty well-done. The game gives you much control over the characters and includes neat little tricks, like the ability to pass to someone and force that character to pass back to you, and being able to determine the power of your shots. The game’s controls were not the most responsive on PS2, and this is further complicated on the PSP due to the limited number of buttons and cramping that occurs when you need to use the L button. Thankfully, this isn’t often, but it doesn’t protect the game from the loose feeling found throughout. This is further complicated by the framerate problems that I’ll mention more thoroughly below.
As with NBA for PSP, Gretzky NHL includes online multiplayer. Limited to two-players, you’ll be able to engage in one-on-one multiplayer against another opponent via the wonders of wireless internet. The experience is largely lag free, although some technical tribulations to tarnish the process (these are found in single-player, too, however). Aside from online multiplayer, local multiplayer is also included for direct PSP-to-PSP multiplayer.
When everything is standing still, Gretzky NHL looks great. As with the PS2 version, the player models, stadiums and rinks all look great. The animations are solid, as well. If you played the PS2 version extensively, you’ll notice where 989 Sports cut some corners to accommodate the game for the PSP game, but by and large, this is PS2-quality graphics. Unfortunately, this comes at a hit to the framerate. The framerate stutters pretty frequently, although not enough to completely ruin the game.
As with the PS2 version, Gretzky NHL’s audio isn’t as impressive. The sound effects fail to evoke any emotion, and don’t really live up what is going on visually. The soundtrack is compromised largely of rock tracks, which fall squarely in the “average” category. Gone from the PSP version of the game are the announcers. This is not a criticism, though, as the announcers didn’t particularly stand out.
Gretzky NHL for PSP is fairly competent. The game is a pretty decent port of its PS2 sibling. Unfortunately, the generally lackluster gameplay and sporadic framerate make it hard to recommend to anyone except those that must absolutely have a portable hockey game. Gretzky NHL isn’t bad, is certainly aided by addition of online play, and is currently – and will likely remain for a while – the only option. -- Jake Wilson, PGNx Media
---- Apr 26, 2005
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