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NHL 2K7 Review (X360)

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NHL 2K7 Review (X360)2K Sports
Another hockey season is upon us and we are blessed with yet another great hockey game from 2K Sports. It is as if all they know how to do is breathe and make good hockey videogames. NHL 2K7 packs all of the great features and gameplay of the last few years along with significantly upgraded graphics and sound, which make this one of the best looking and playing NHL games yet.
Quick Hits

  • Title: NHL 2K7
  • Platform: Xbox 360
  • Publisher: 2K Sports
  • Developer: Kush games
  • ESRB: “E” for Everyone
  • Genre: NHL ice hockey
  • Pros: Nice graphics; sliders; fun gameplay; lots of modes
  • Cons: Doesn’t take any risks

Features and Modes

The features list in NHL 2K7 is mostly the same as last year’s game, but that is OK since it still gives you a ton of stuff to do. Quick match and dynasty mode are present and accounted for, but you can also play a ton of minigames in party mode, or play games on a mini rink or even on an outdoor pond. The Skybox feature is back and lets you purchase bonus teams and items when you earn points by completing specific tasks during gameplay. And, of course, you can take the game online and you can play quick games or even form leagues of anywhere from 4 to 30 teams.

One new feature of NHL 2K7 is called cinemotion. You have a choice between a traditional TV-style audio presentation or the musically enhanced cinemotion mode. An orchestral score accompanies all of the action on the ice, and as you perform better or worse the music changes. It sounds like a slight change, but it adds a lot of excitement and drama that makes the game just that much more satisfying.

Gameplay

2K Sports
Gameplay is an area that NHL 2K has always excelled, and it is no different in 2K7. At the default settings, it plays like a fairly realistic simulation. It is harder to score, the AI plays tougher defense, and you have to really be on your toes to win. If that isn’t your cup of tea, however, you can adjust a ton of different sliders to make the game play however you want it to. This is the absolute best feature in this game because it lets you play the game however you want, whether you are in the mood for a hardcore sim or an easy 15-0 victory.

For the most part, the gameplay in NHL 2K7 stands above what you’ll find in EA’s hockey effort, particularly if you use the sliders to customize it, but it is a bit disappointing that 2K7 doesn’t introduce anything as ground breaking as the right stick shooting in NHL 07. You can do a drop pass between your legs to a teammate behind you in 2K7, but the gameplay is mostly the same as it has always been. It is still very good, but it would have been nice to see a few more risks taken with the gameplay rather than just delivering the same tried and true formula of years past.

Graphics and Sound

Graphically, NHL 2K7 is a very nice looking game that is right up there with NHL 07 in terms of visual splendor. The players are nicely detailed and the action on the ice is fast and smooth and it all looks really good. One area where 2K7 really excels is with the new default camera angle. It is a little lower and closer to the ice and zooms in and out and pans around to slight angles to give you some really nice views of the action on the ice.

The sound is also very well done. One issue I had with last year’s game was that the sound effects seemed really subdued and lacked impact. That isn’t a problem this year and checking is once again a bone crushing and satisfying experience.

Bottom Line

2K Sports
Overall, NHL 2K7 is a great hockey game that both casual and hardcore hockey fans will have a lot of fun with. Thanks to the sliders, you can make it as much of a simulation or arcade-style game as you want, and having that choice really puts it over the top in my book. It looks great and plays like a champ and stands as the best hockey game you’ll find on the Xbox 360. For the 06/07 season, NHL 2K7 is definitely the game to own.

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