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EA’s NHL franchise returns. NHL 2005 was a very solid hockey game hindered by its similarity to past games and less-than-stellar implementation of online play. NHL 06 includes a number of changes to last year’s version making it better and an even better hockey game than previous years.
The game’s Dynasty mode is still the primary mode in NHL 06. It isn’t too different from last year’s but definitely still enjoyable. You’ll still have to accomplish goals set by the owner as you try to make it to the playoffs and perhaps win the Stanley Cup. Dynasty mode lets you sign about whoever you want since there is no salary cap unless the owner has specifically specified such a budget. Quick play and season mode are also included for those with more demanding schedules. One neat feature about season mode is that it will alert you of new pertinent information without constant checking of email. Other gameplay modes include international teams and accompanying world tournament, three additional leagues, and a minigames. The expected create-a- player and team modes are included.
The actual gameplay in NHL 06 is standard to the series. The game is quicker and fiercer than a typical game of hockey without going to extremes. It can certainly be defined as an enthusiastic simulation. Changes implemented in last year’s game, namely the two-button shooting, return making the game as easy to play. The AI is a bit more balanced, as well, since they won’t try to make you crash into the ice as often as possible. Changes added this year include a new right-analog shooting scheme allows for fancy maneuvering when shooting if you are playing as a NHL 06-noted superstar. The new left-analog decking feature lets you fake out the defense as you move on the ice. Both additions work very well with NHL 06’s arcadey-esque style of play, but the game nonetheless allows for proper plays to be executed if you desire.
NHL 06 features online multiplayer for Xbox and PlayStation 2. The game includes the typical EA Sports online features including lobbies, downloadable rosters, tournaments and of course, head-to-head gameplay. We found that lag was barely noticeable in the Xbox version of the game thanks to Xbox Live. The game does lag a bit for the PlayStation 2, meaning that some moves need to be executed about a second before you really want to do them. It takes some getting used to, but thankfully don’t totally damage the online experience.
Unique to the PS2 version of the game is an old-school version of NHL that some fans have designated to be NHL 94 (though you are never explicitly told which version it is in NHL 06). This is old-school hockey at its best and arcadeier point. It’s a neat value to have the origins of the franchise in the game, showing newer fans their roots.
The game’s visuals are awesome as expected from EA Sports’ NHL franchise. The game’s player models are very detailed, with new body size differences added this year to more properly convey differences between the different players. They animate very well, pulling off the tricky and fancy moves they do with ease. The stadium is wonderfully detailed, with the ice including amazing reflections and deforms. The game is nearly identical across the platforms though the framerate seems to drop a bit more frequently in the PS2 version than in the other two. The Gamecube version’s framerate drops occasionally. As a bonus, the Xbox version has fancier ice reflection and a nicer particle effect system.
The game’s audio is good. The commentary from Jim Hughson and Craig Simpson is quite enlightening at times yet a bit boring at others. Overall, though, the duo does a good job. The sound effects are awesome, really bringing to life the on-ice action. The soundtrack includes artists like Pennywise and Fall Out Boy, thanks to the usual EA Trax soundtrack feature.
NHL 06 improves on things beyond NHL 2005. The addition of some gameplay moves, the fast-paced gameplay and stellar presentation assure that fans of the series won’t be disappointed.
-- Edited by Jose Liz -- Adam Nunez, PGNx Media
---- Oct 3, 2005
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