Articles
By Penthrox
Published: Mar. 18, 2007 2:52 PM
When Xbox 360 first came to us there was only one game hockey fans had to choose from and that was NHL 2K6. This game came at you like a 200kph slapshot until you put it into your 360 only to find out it was a port with a few polished pieces here and there. This time around 2K Sports has come out to prove they can produce a game worthy to be called a true Xbox 360 hockey game. Have they accomplished what they set out to do? Or will it flop to EA’s new release NHL 07. Well just read on to find out.
2K Sports last year released 2K6 to mixed reviews. Many said game play was solid but ports are just not on, which costs you double if not triple to purchase a game you may already have. With the processing power of the 360, fans expected a lot more; well now they have it. This time around 2K Sports concentrated on making more of a 360 title than a 360 compatible title. The game seems as though it was built for the 360 and this year, with EA’s sexy NHL 07, 2K Sports needed to really beef up the graphics. To everyone’s joys and delights they have done just that. The visuals both on and off the ice are right up there (more on this later). This year the icing on the cake for 2K7 (or so 2K Sports hopes) is their “Cinemotion” style of gameplay. The “Cinemotion” effect has 2 different settings: One is commentary with Bob Cole and Harry Neale and second is the cinematic score. The score really has nothing to do with hockey and reminds me of the Band of Brothers theme but does offer a nice substitute to the mostly boorish broadcasts of the commentators. There is also a standard commentary option for the traditionalist player. A unique camera set up has been added to give more of a realistic feel to the game. I especially liked the camera view that hovers just over the ice following the puck.
The first thing you notice when you start up a normal match is the coach ranting and raving about your upcoming match. Thankfully you are just a button press away from skipping the gibberish and getting down to what we came here to do, and that’s play hockey. The on-ice action is very smooth and maintains a constant high frame rate which is a nice change of pace from EA’s NHL 07. Admittedly EA’s game visually looks better but gameplay flows a lot better in 2K7 giving you a better feel for your team. The game also boasts a lot of features. There are mini games to keep you occupied which are particularly great when you have friends over. Things like shooting the pucks over barricades that pop up and down or playing tag to score points. The mini rink action is where I spend most of my time. It is a fast paced 3 v 3 half rink good for big hits and big scoring.
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