VIDEOS:
Cinemotion
// Fast
Paced Hockey // Traditional
Broadcast
(Press play to start once window
has opened)
Introduction
It’s
easy to argue that NHL 2K6 was more of a quick-and-dirty
port than a true Xbox 360 title because the developers
wanted it to be ready for launch, and as a result
that game wasn’t leaps and bounds ahead of the
PS2 and Xbox versions. This year, however, is much
different because NHL 2K7 combines enhanced gameplay
features with the new Cinemotion presentation to undoubtedly
improve on an already great series. As a result, it’s
clear to see that NHL 2K7 360 is not just another
port, but instead we see just how powerful the Xbox
360 can be.
Cinemotion
in Motion
2K6’s
graphics were fairly comparable across all platforms,
which shouldn’t be true considering 360 owners
had to pay a much heftier price. This year you can
rest assured you’ll get your money’s worth
because 2K7 was clearly built from the ground up for
the 360. The revamped skater animations look much
smoother, especially due to the precise momentum physics
system, and each environment is overflowing with detail.
The best feature of all is the new Cinemotion, which
provides as an alternative to traditional broadcast-style
gameplay. While you can still select to play in a
standard manner, Cinemotion recreates the experience
into what is basically an epic hockey film. The dynamic
camera angles focus in on the action rather than staying
in a fixed location. This increases the overall intensity
of a game because you’re always immersed right
into the heart of the action.
On
the sound side of things, the Cinemotion also comes
into affect here. Gamers have the option to listen
to the regular commentators or to have their game
accompanied by a suitable orchestra. If your team
is trailing the music will be dreary and depressing,
but if you start to make a comeback the orchestra
chirps up to really get the adrenaline pumping. Furthermore,
little touches like players yelling at each other
and coaches making calls depending on different situations
all contribute to a much more realistic experience.
Although there are some points when the crowd settles
down and the music gets relatively quiet, overall
2K7’s presentation definitely shows a significant
amount of progression from previous years.
Face-off
Time
Sports
titles in general have a reputation for being similar
to games of previous years. To help deny this rumor,
2K Sports incorporated tons of new control options
and gameplay modes to make the changes from last year
easily noticeable.
As
far as player control goes, veterans will be able
to pick up a controller and get right to work, but
there are a few moves that are worth checking out
as well. Abilities like crease control for goalies
and icon passing for those heated breakaways can still
be found, but there are even more techniques to give
the gamer an unparalleled amount of control. The pressure
system allows you to target a specific opponent that
seems to be giving your team a lot of trouble. You
can order your players to shadow him, play aggressively
around him, and even check him hard in order to intimidate
him. At the risk of obtaining a penalty, it’s
great to see that you can break a cocky player’s
confidence by putting him in his place.
Drop
passes are now available, which allow you to pass
the puck to a nearby teammate by tapping the right
bumper. It isn’t much of a challenge to pull
a few dekes and get a quick snap shot by the goalie
on the novice difficulties, but on the harder levels
there are other shot types you can perfect to keep
your opponents guessing. Wrap around shots can easily
be executed by having a skater with the puck swing
around the net. Once you direct him all the way around
and tap ‘X’ he will do his best to dump
the puck in the net. This type of shot is great because
it often confuses the goalie and can greatly reduce
the usefulness of crease control. Other touches, such
as being able to skate backwards by holding down the
left trigger, really make you appreciate how much
control you have over your players.
On
top of the typical quick match and season modes, the
franchise mode offers plenty of depth outside the
rink. You'll receive plenty of trade offers, especially
right before the deadline, but you'll have to deal
with tighter salary caps due to the revised NHL Collective
Bargaining Agreement. The rookie scouting system and
free agent interface are intuitive and provide tons
of detail if you're all about building a dream team.
These features are fairly standard throughout most
franchise modes though, so this game really shines
with other additions.
The
enhanced rivalry system offers bonuses or punishments
depending on how your team performs against rival
teams. Initially your rivals are determined solely
on your team's history in real life, but as your franchise
progresses new rivalries can be developed if a certain
team robs you of glory. Another interesting add-on
involves e-mails the owner receives regarding his
team. By reading different messages, certain players
on your team can either benefit or lose based on actions
in their personal life. For example, if a player signs
a new deal he will receive a stats boost, but if you
find out that somebody has been up too late they reflect
their lack of sleep in a game. You can avoid reading
these e-mails entirely to avoid any penalties, but
sometimes it can be worth the risk if it means your
players could perform a lot better.
NHL
2K7 in the Long Run
The
online play supports anywhere from two to eight players
in any match with up to four players on one console.
Online league play is back and better than ever with
support for up to thirty teams. The amount of user
interaction here involving scheduling, stats tracking,
and tons of other factors show how innovative this
title is compared to other hockey games. In addition,
the party games and minirink modes can also be played
online if you want a break from straightforward hockey.
Minirinks provide a comical twist by having miniature
sized rinks placed in the most absurd locations. The
party games involve random objectives like scoring
as many goals as possible or breaking as many items
as you can, and while you certainly won't be spending
a lot of your on minigames they are still a nice touch.
With all of these options delivered in a virtually
lag-free environment, there is plenty of opportunity
for fun to be had online.
Conclusion
Compared
to last year's release, NHL 2K7 raises the bar for
all hockey games on the Xbox 360. The visuals are
top notch, and the Cinemotion presentation delivers
a legendary gameplay experience. With plenty of online
modes to keep you busy as well as more depth in the
single player field, NHL 2K7 unquestionably warrants
a purchase if previous titles have left you looking
for something more.
| Gameplay |
17/20 |
| Graphics |
18/20 |
| Sound |
18/20 |
| Value |
17/20 |
| Preference |
17/20 |
| Overall |
87/100 |
