Review: NHL 2K6 (PS2)

Although a player strike devastated last year's NHL season, the video game versions have continued undeterred. The lockout prompted a revision of the premier ice hockey league, with changes made to rules to make the sport far more entertaining and bring back disillusioned fans. Yet the interactive versions of the sport have always managed to surpass the real thing, with playability and attractive multiplayer options overcoming the lack of mass appeal. Has the gap been maintained?

NHL 2K6 is set upon the strong foundations that we have come to associate with the 2K Sports range. The series is also known for its innovation, and this instalment introduces new additions including ProControl, Enforcers, tactical systems and the ability to skate backwards. The smallest, simplest changes, it seems, can have the most dramatic impact.

The ProControl allows you (at a click of a button) to bring up icons that represent players on the ice. When in possession this makes for an intuitive and flowing experience, as you rampage down to the opponent's goal. There is no longer any need to correctly aim passes, or position your player to facilitate the most effective pass; instead, you are more in control than ever before. Just like the Pro Evolution Soccer series, the control system is much deeper than the initial outline; tricks and moves can be performed as the player becomes more tuned to possibilities.

The most important factor is the experience during matches. The illusion is never shattered, as NHL 2K6 delivers, and the tempo of the sport is fast and frantic. You never have a moment to question the physics or handling, not only because of the onscreen velocity, but simply because there is nothing worth cross-examining.

The game makes full use of the limited online functions of the Playstation 2. Regular news is available, as are roster updates, lobbies, friends lists, leagues or just that quick match. Casting aside the disappointing attendance from other players, everything in an online capacity is there to enable a thriving community. NHL 2K6 even goes so far as to support voice communication (take note Capcom), which is extremely welcome after enduring virtual or USB keyboards for other PS2 releases.

As predicted, NHL 2K6 offers the variety of single player modes that will keep most players amused if they are unable to go online. For the real connoisseurs, the game includes a tremendous selection of famous historical teams, stretching across fifty plus years. Kush Games has built into this release a series of offline multiplayer options that can almost be pigeonholed as party games. It is fantastic to see a developer who not only appreciates the sport but also, given the opportunity, can mould its foundations into something novel.

Any potential sporting license it seems is never safe from the magnetic charms of Electronic Arts and its formidable bank balance - and this is the case with 2K Sports losing the ESPN license. The lack of the ESPN pre-match presentation is noticeable, but welcome, as matches flow into one another without the need for constant loading or repetitive sports presentation. Shame, however, that the menus and surrounding décor were not enhanced to make up for the shortfall.

The real tangible benefit comes in the form of the commentary, which is arguably one of the best Gamestyle has experienced to date. The lack of ESPN backing forced Kush Games to go in search of something else, and the Californian studio ended up in Canada with the CBC duo of Harry Neale and Bob Cole. Commentators on hockey Night in Canada (the same standing as Match of the Day, here), their love and knowledge of the sport is captured and implemented extremely well during play. At times there is a slight lag behind onscreen events, yet this potentially embarrassing flaw is cast aside by the atmospheric audio presentation.

NHL 2K6 lacks a star-studded musical accompaniment, as it shuns the A-list for the independent option popularised by the Amped series. Such colourful tunes co-ordinate with the onscreen action, but never enter the dreaded metal or heavy rock arenas. Even when confronted by a bog standard stereo audio set up, the sound field is believable and the sound effects authentic.

Graphically, this release may include improved graphical touches and animation, but it is rarely in a position to be fully appreciated. This is not the fault of the developer, but rather the sport itself. A range of viewing stances are supported, but ice hockey (like Sensible Soccer before it) can only be maximised from the default overhead angle. As a result, most visual enhancements will go undetected. Only by making that rare trip down to ice level do you appreciate the speed, animation and subtle differences that can be visualised.

NHL 2K6 is a multi-storey release, as it provides entertainment on so many levels. Players looking for online or offline multiplayer action will find a game well worth revisiting, or even those who want a longer franchise inspired or season challenge. It's essential to have competition in the market, and NHL 2K6 throws down the gauntlet for others to pick up.

Rating: 8 / 10

Words by Jason Julier