NHL 2K7 Xbox 360 Hockey Review
Last year when the Xbox 360 launched Hockey, fans got the short end of the stick. 2K Sports decided to port over their 2K6 with a few polishes but it was nowhere up to par of a real Xbox 360 game could be. It was decent but with only 5 achievements, it just seemed rushed. Even with decent reviews the flaws were pointed out. This year 2K Sports has brought out the deepest NHL game to date. Read the full NHL 2K7 review to see why this is simply the game for the die-hard Hockey fans.
The 2K series already had options that gave players options like crashing the net, coaching on the fly and a more realistic game play style. While a little complicated to learn everything, the amount of option made it the clear winner among gamers that wanted a pure NHL experience. Visual Concepts went back and revamped the presentation on and off the ice. The game engine has been tweaked a bit, but it’s basically the same in that department as last year. The first thing fans will notice is the new look and camera angles. The ice looks great! Players now show emotions and the fights are realistic looking. While looks are great, we hockey fans are a different breed. Just watch someone who plays the game or a fan and you’ll see what I mean.
We take the sport very seriously. 2K took this into consideration and adjusted a few things that needed tweaked and threw in more options. The ProControl is awesome and adds almost every move as seen in the NHL. With practice, players can bounce a puck off their stick, deke and change shots on the fly. As far as game modes, nothing is really different than last year but seems to fit and play better. Take the Franchise mode for example. They added a ton of options and new management choices. Now you need to know something about the sport to do well in this mode. Of course the huge appeal of the 2K brand of hockey is the fact that it can be adjusted to any skill level and then adjusted as your skills improve. Some of the achievements require the use of the ProControl or All-Star settings, but that will come in time even for those new to playing video hockey.
From the minute I popped in the disc to the drop of the puck, I was in love with this game! The amount of realistic touches is amazing. Dump off the puck to someone yelling for it and the switch with ease to that player and go in for the score. Anyone who enjoys playing hockey games has said they want more control of the goalie and this year 2K has nailed it with the improved control system. It does take some time to get used to, but having the chance to see the ice from the mask is something hockey fans waited for. For older fans of the sport you will have the chance to beat the 1980 USSR Olympic team and see if you can recreate The Miracle on Ice. For fans that want to go back even further you can unlock the “Original Six†and play old time hockey with some of the first great players. NHL 2K7 is loaded with throwback Jerseys, Historic Teams, Stadiums and anything else fans could possibly want.
More advanced gamers will love the new line chemistry feature and enjoy finding the right mix of players. Once again they kept in the ability to adjust the settings and you can play a straight up simulation style of game or crank things up and get very physical. It may sound like NHL 2K7 totally revamped everything and its all brand new. When in fact most of the features are the same as last year, it seems more impressive with everything working the way it should during the game play itself.
There are two sets of controls “Classic†and “ProControl†and while both are well set-up, most fans will want to use the Classic controls especially online since passing is a bit too easy with the ProControl method. Switching between the two styles is as easy as holding down the left joystick and activating the ProControl. More advanced controls like defense styles and offensive styles are once again made on the fly using the D-Pad. Make no mistake for those new to the series; it will take some time to learn everything. However, the time is well worth it and yes for those who asked there is the option to drop pass and grab a puck from the air and lay it down on the ice.
Overall, the controls are the best out there and while most players online will ask you to use the classic controls, it’s so simple that it never is a problem. The learning curve varies. To learn the basics and hit the ice will take about an hour. To learn everything it will take a few days. Hockey is the most complicated game to learn and many think it’s just passing and shooting the puck in the net. Thankfully with the emphasis on realistic style of play this is no longer the case. The instruction manual is about 47 pages and also features every control and features on the disc, something every game company should take notice to and duplicate. Overall, there is no problem with the set-up or the controls and for those used to another set-up, it allows for custom controls in your user profile.
The Lobbies are the same as last year although there are a few new improvements with one minute updates via the sports ticker. Challenging a player is easy and accepting one as well. The online play is smooth and syncs great it even supports 8 players 4 on 4! You will see the game exactly as it is offline and penalties and replays are there. I have no complaints at all with the online modes or set-ups at all. Make sure before accepting to look at the player’s settings since they may use a different camera angle or presentation that you are not used to.
A few other options can be tweaked as well so like any online game you will find a few players that loved to crank everything up to its highest settings making the game nothing like the real sport. Thankfully, you have a way to check the settings before starting the game and can agree on changes. Tournaments get wild and anyone that has the game or is going to get it should try one. They even have leagues now and really adds to the online aspect.
Last year while a port, the graphics looked good at certain points. This year the extra animations added make it look great. Sweat pours from a player as he skates up ready to take the face-off. Other times you will see his breath as he skates back. These added touches are never overdone. I know it’s not really part of the game but last year when NBA 2K had the commercials talking about Shaq sweating and everyone in the room going crazy makes sense now to me. Models are realistic and not overly bulky. At times a few players look a bit fuzzy but I give them credit for an outstanding job in recreating all the players and coaches. Die-hard players will love the fact you can deke a referee that is in your way. Hey, they need to stay out of the pucks way! The view point in the net will take some time to get used to but looks great as well. Targeting will be the hardest to learn and when to use it and when to stay in normal mode.
Again, flawless switching between the views gives the game that all around solid look. The fighting looks better and less like dancing but we need blood. Come on, its hockey and no one gets jabbed 4 or 5 times right in the nose or jaw without some blood! I am not trying to be gory or a hockey goon but having been in enough fights on the ice, blood happens and is a part of the sport. Other than that the replays are dead on and you have complete control to watch it over from any angle to see what went right or wrong and adjust. When the demo hit the Marketplace, it looked dull washed out and trust me the final version looks great. All the little extras are back like the hat trick celebrations and the crowds dancing all the little things that make it look great.
The newest change to the presentation is the “CineMotionâ€. Basically it has two settings. One uses music and different camera angles to enhance the game. Nice but most will choose the old stand by of play by play and normal TV style. Although the music and new camera features are cool, they tend to get a little old. Musically, the groups are okay but if you want you can adjust the soundtrack with your own music. Adjust what group or song plays when at home or away when you score or even while fighting. This feature really adds to the game and since only you’ll hear the music you pick. The commentary by Bob Cole and Harry Neale is well done and beefed up since last year’s version. When a puck smashes the glass, it thunders through the arena. When you hit the pipe off the net and it bounces off, you can tell by the sound which pipe it hit. Every small detail has a unique and realistic sound. Not perfect but outstanding and really no complaints.
NHL 2K7 keeps your stats in every mode and with the challenges and the skybox this game offers plenty of options for players when tired of playing a season or franchise. The amount of teams, uniforms and other unlockables are great and also increase the replay value. Throw in the new 17 achievements that make sense this year and all around 2K7 is the deepest and realistic hockey game out there. No matter their skill level, anyone will take to the game with ease. In addition with the updated rosters and a deeper franchise mode, this one will not sit and collect dust even after the real season is over.
Overall Score: 8.8/10 [not an average]
In short, you have fans of 2K and fans of EA and each offer something different. However, when you add everything in 2K’s attempt, it’s simply a real hockey fans dream game. It still could use and hopefully will improve. Based on the changes in less than 1 year, I have to say 2K has scored the hat trick and on their way to setting a scoring record.
Review by XBS Head Writer Rich Reed
Filed under: Reviews • Xbox 360
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Thanks but you do know this was last year’s version? Read the 2K8 review before buying if you have not bought it yet.