Difference in Opinion

What? You mean there is a sport that isn’t played on a court or on grass? Hockey is not the most popular sport here in the US, but that shouldn’t discredit the enjoyment and challenge of the game. I have never watched a hockey game on TV, only been to a couple minor league matches in person, and the last hockey videogame I played is the one I own for SNES. It took me a little while to get my bearings on the ice, but once I got used to the game I found it rather enjoyable.

As with most sports games, you can make your own team, your own player, and skate your way through the virtual history books. One problem I found was that it is extremely hard to make a team when you have no idea of what the player’s stats mean. I just looked at the overall rating, but I had no idea of what other stats to check for. Aside from that, there are a slurry of logos and attributes you can use to customize your team until you see fit. You can play a season and play matches against all the other teams and do your best to make the playoffs and get the Stanley Cup.

The gameplay was a bit tough for a hockey noob like myself to get used to, but once I did, I had a lot of fun figuring out plays in my head and trying to execute them. Sometimes you need a lot of team work and strategy to get a goal, and other times it is all about rushing it and knowing when to take your shot. Your opponents will through you for a loop if you aren’t paying attention, but luckily your goalie is sort of auto-programmed to block most shots.

For hockey fans, this is a must buy. I can only imagine how much more I would enjoy it if I was into the technicalities of hockey like I am with other sports like football. There are so many ways for you to create teams, play games, or even replay famous matches like the 1980 US vs Russia match (you even get an achievement if you can recreate the ‘miracle’ results.) Most sports fans will enjoy this game as well, since it is very competitive, but if you are not a very big sports person, then unfortunately I would have to suggest that you steer clear. There is a bit of a learning curve that may frustrate people that don’t have some understanding of the game.

Final Score
Gameplay: 8 out of 10
Graphics: 7 out of 10