If you ask hockey fans if they are ready for the season to start, you may get a look that says “Are you crazy?”. I mean let’s be real here. Hockey fans are die-hard even if they don’t think they are. Any sport fan that goes an entire season without their favorite sport is going to be waiting for the puck to hit the ice again. Do I agree with the walkout that left me without my favorite sport last year? No, but this is not a chance for me to rant and discuss what went wrong. Instead I decided to forgive those pretty boys and enjoy the new season. I know the new rules will impact the sport but then again change happens, and so does… well, you know the other saying. As long as I get my fix, I am happy.

I already had a great start with the last Hockey game I reviewed and now a chance to review the rival. I am not trying to be funny, but the two companies that put out hockey games are rivals and if they had their own teams, I would love to see that on TV. The real question is how does the rival, in this case NHL 2K6, stack up with the changes and the new features with a whole real season missing? Read on to find out.

Gameplay

Most fans of video hockey games have been divided on which one is the best. The last few years 2K’s ESPN look and feel gave them the edge with some fans while EA’s NHL series was fast-paced action. This year NHL 2K6 brings a lot of new features and controls but seems to have suffered a bit in the process. The ESPN look and feel is almost gone and that leaves the game to rely on the gameplay and controls. In fact, the ESPN license is no longer on the game and it really shows. Now as a true hockey fan, I can get by without the fancy presentations as long as the game is solid.

The gameplay is solid as far as options and the realistic feeling of the sport. The problem is that they really jammed in a ton of new features and controls. The game camera does not allow the gamer to see the new features at the right angle to appreciate them. It’s not horrible but not up to par with the past few games in the series. In the case of the goalie, you have control but at times due to the angle the camera uses, you have to really guess which makes a few of the new features seems sort of a waste.

The game just does not have that polished look of the past few years. Now the gameplay thankfully makes up for this to a point. Hockey fans have more realistic controls than ever before and are great for those who like the more Sim like approach 2K has gone for. The newest features include the ProControl, On-The-Fly Coaching and the Maximum Goaltending. The ProControl is almost like the Sill Stick that EA introduced this year. The On-The-Fly Coaching is great but those new to the game may want to take time before using this option. I will talk more on these added features in the control section of the review.

It seems like 2k went and revamped or tweaked almost every aspect of the game. I like most of the new tweaks and adjustments, however, while a few seem rather thrown in at the last minute. After playing the game for awhile, I got used to the changes and it’s enjoyable. I just think the series took a few steps backwards as a result. The game is still the most realistic from a Sim stand point and I always liked that in the series. I just wish they had made the game a bit smoother overall.

Fans of the series will also notice the penthouse is back along with all the modes from last year. There are plenty of jerseys and other things to unlock. While this is a neat touch, it really is a chance to take a break from the real game. They also added the mini-games once again and the trivia machine which I personally loved. The real stand out feature this year are the high impact hits. The fighting is still less frequent and when it does happen, it just seems in need of revamping. This is one area 2K decided not to touch this year.

Control / Playability

Now that the controls are set from easy to complex, you can use all of them right away or decide which ones you want to use if you’re learning. The controls will take a good hour to get used to for those familiar and about another 30 minutes for those new to the series. The controls are that detailed that they even have them listed on the menu page by page to use as a reference.

They work well but a few are complicated and again sound great but are not able to shine due to the camera. You now have complete control with the ProControl, pushing in the right analog stick gives you advance passing and shooting controls and they are pretty sharp. The On-The-Fly Coaching takes time to get used to, but once you learn it this can really change the game. It also adds more of a realistic feeling and less arcade like of a game.

The Maximum Goaltending controls are great but again this will be more useful to those who are veterans of the game. Overall the controls are laid out well and easy to use, but at times you need to use several buttons at once. For those used to the game, it will come easier to learn and use than those new to the game.

Xbox Live

The lobby is well-made and easy to find a room for beginners or the more skilled players. You will need to win at least ten games before entering the other lobbies which I really don’t understand. The part I do like is after a game, you’re asked to leave feedback for the person you played against. This new feature was added to prevent people from dropping out if they are losing. The invites are easy to see as well as your normal friends list. You can even create a league or join one and enter some real competition, a nice addition. You can also bring in a guest to play online. Just remember you are responsible for the guest and the same feedback will go on your gamer profile.

The lobbies have easy to read connection meters and this helps show how stable a player’s connection is. The game has a bit of lag at times and it seems like something that a patch may fix. The lag does not last and seems to happen when there is a lot of action around the net. Other than that the game plays well online. Those not very familiar with the advanced controls will want to read the challenge and read the rules of the game before accepting to avoid being stomped on. Overall a well made lobby with a few new features gamers wanted.

Graphics / Presentation

2K has always done a great job with capturing the look of the arena and the crowds. This year is no exception. There are times when the camera zooms in on a player and he looks a little fat-headed and no I am not trying to be funny. Perhaps a glitch but at times makes the game stand out and not in a good way.

The players look good for the most part, but again the game seems to have dullness in the graphics on the ice this year. At times it looks great then switches and looks okay at best. The hat-trick celebrations are done well and the scoreboard and effects are very good. The locker room segments look great as well as the penthouse.

NHL 2K6 Xbox Screenshot

NHL 2K6 Xbox Screenshot

NHL 2K6 Xbox Screenshot

View all NHL 2K6 Xbox Screenshots

Audio

Bob Cole and Harry Neale are the broadcasting team and are legendary in the sport. The commentary seems a bit watered down from past years, but is generally well done except at times you hear the same phrases. They did capture the on ice sounds perfectly and even managed to recreate the puck bouncing of the net post.

Overall the sounds fit the action. The music fits as well and when you’re in the penthouse, you can even play your custom soundtrack songs. I would have liked a little more depth added to the commentary and miss the ESPN segments and highlights though.

Replay Value

Keeping in mind that the game is priced at $19.99, it offers hockey fans a lot. While it suffers a bit, it does allow players to have more realistic controls and shots that were not there before. The game can be customized to fit the level your comfortable playing at and I like that.

The game is loaded with features and with the updated rosters available online and the new NHL rules, not a bad job. Hockey fans will enjoy it but at times shake their head at the same time. Just like the real sport itself. I think any hockey fan will enjoy the game but walk away feeling it was missing a little polish.

Overall Score

Overall Score: 8.2/10 [not an average]

Additional Comments

Keeping in mind this budget price and all the options NHL 2K6 is worth buying. I still think they took a few steps backwards and that concerns me. The new controls and features are a great addition and may just need a year to get them down pat. Hockey fans that like more of a Sim approach will run and buy this one despite the few flaws. Either way it’s enjoyable and offers players plenty of options. I do hope that 2K fixes the problems in next year’s game. They have the right idea.

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