NHL 2K6 – Review

As with EA and Konami where FIFA and ISS are concerned, the on-ice battle has raged between EA and Take Two’s 2K for a number of years in the hockey arena. Results, as with the football, have been largely one-sided, with the 2K series generally emerging as the better pick in all applicable departments. And, with EA’s NHL 06 exhibiting some worrying style over substance tendencies and drowning in dizzying content, the slot looks decidedly clear for the latest 2K offering to one-time a shot over the goalie’s stick and score the game-winning goal…again.

Annual sports editions generally change very little, noticeable only by detailed increments. So, for those who care to know, the new additions to this year’s 2K offering are as follows: The newly implemented NHL alterations laid down for this season, which are the removal of the two-line pass rule, and the removal of goalies playing the puck freely behind their own red goal line are both in attendance. Naturally, of these two changes, the removal of the two-line pass rule makes for considerably more fluidity in every game, and a marked increase in odd-man rushes and direct scoring chances. There’s also a new ProControl icon player selection system that creates instant selection and execution for precise passing, and sparks much more snappy and continual delivery when in the offensive zone during powerplays. The other addition is on-the-fly coaching, which means quickly selecting different tactics during actual gameplay, such as screening the opposition goalie before taking a shot on net, or dispatching a winger to better prepare for an outlet pass from center.

Those are the most noteworthy changes to NHL 2K6, but do they actually add anything tangible to the series? The official rule alterations certainly open events in actual play, and the removal of the two-line pass ruling is a definite plus—though opting to remove it from the set-up menu has been available in other series iterations, as is re-instating it in 2K6. The goalie rule change is negligible, and perhaps only hardcore hockey fans will garner any real gameplay differences from it addition. ProControl, while intriguing in concept, is a little clunky and awkward to grasp (much like FIFA’s dreaded ‘Off the Ball’ system). Clicking in the right analogue stick initiates ProControl and a representative face-button icon subsequently appears above each on-ice line member of your team. Then a simple press of the appropriate button will dispatch a pass in that direction. Again, great in principle—and certainly helpful when pulling around defensive lines while setting up for a powerplay goal attempt—yet almost pointless in terms of execution. The analogue stick itself acts as a directional command system to swiftly find a player of choice with the puck (there are only 5 linemen on the ice at any one time, picking out an accurate and desired pass is rarely difficult and doesn’t create arcade-like pop-up icons above the players either). Finally, the on-the-fly coaching options are a plus point for authenticity, and a quick tap on the directional pad instigates a set coaching change on the ice. Yet it fails to make considerable impact because its execution is reliant on first crossing the center line and then repositioning the left thumb (usually on the left analogue stick for skating direction) across to the D-pad for selection. Obviously fluid skating through this motion wasn’t a major concern at Take Two, especially considering the brawny defense-men intent on breaking down bones as well as attacking moves.

Yet, regardless of the little additions—and there are a few more on offer—it’s the staple standards of 2K6 which emerge as most noticeable in terms of change. Graphically, NHL 2K6 hasn’t progressed since the 2K5 release and, if anything, it may well have regressed in performance. The 2K series has always boasted genuinely visceral gameplay fluidity through its slick and polished graphics, yet everything on show in 2K6 seems oddly underplayed and lacking in the pizzazz that normally fires the series past its competition. Arena crowds are laughably flat and sweeping camera shots across the ice are subsequently slaughtered for believable immersion. Player models are adequate; though again they don’t exude any tangible progression, and the disgraceful processing pauses during ice-time whereupon players momentarily freeze while the PlayStation 2 pathetically struggles to catch up is an absolute gameplay killer. Actual in-game proceedings differ very little, and when the game isn’t freezing, or its lack of evolution isn’t causing regret as to why cash was spent for the sake of a ‘6’ in the title…then NHL 2K6 still plays fairly well, but no better than 2K5.

The lack of ESPN’s licensing on the presentation side of things (a first for the NHL 2K series) also causes worrying dents in the overall package. Of course, the injection of ESPN throughout the game’s aesthetics had no real bearing on actual gameplay, but the removal of the license certainly detracts from the overall experience. Again, where once 2K sported easily achieved and carefully maintained levels of immersion, naught but by-the-numbers menus and modes now remain. It’s shocking how much impact is created by the lack of ESPN’s professionally deft touch—especially the game’s commentary, which, while acceptable, is nowhere near as good as in previous incarnations. Yet another damaging aspect of NHL 2K6 is the flagrant disregard it shows the European hockey audience. The game may well have seen release in the US back in September of 2005 (November for 360), but it is appalling that the in-game rosters were not updated to better resemble current squad lists before the Euro release. With a spring 2006 retail date, it’s not like they could cry off through lack of time. To the more casual gamer this won’t pose any problem, but real fans of the sport should expect some seriously heavy shuffling to gather together the current rosters of their favorite team(s). Again, another detracting slapshot to the battered face of immersion.

Girl gamers are once more unfairly consigned to the sin-bin with NHL 2K6, and the game offers no direct female participation in terms of team and player gender—even though the sport is represented at World and Olympic levels by willing ladies (and probably all with their own teeth too). Nope, NHL 2K6 is crammed with mullet-wearing chaps from start to finish.

Gamers with hearing difficulties can still play the game perfectly well, and even though the commentary flows satisfactorily, the actual content isn’t that impressive, and certainly far from memorable. That also goes for the accompanying game music.

EA’s NHL 06 was heavily ramped for arcade lovers, and the usual array of simulation details in its gameplay were abandoned in favor of insanely inflated score lines and non-stop action. It failed to inspire. While NHL 2K6 is still a better game in terms of justly portraying the hockey experience, and certain (token) elements have been added, the series is betraying signs of stagnancy. The current generation of consoles may have seen the last of its great ice hockey games. Those hoping for anything to the contrary shouldn’t put their hopes on NHL 2K6.

Review by Stevie