NHL 2K7 on Xbox 360

WARNING - Best Hockey game ever alert!

Orion from England [Highly rated reviewer] , 30/01/2008

Hopefully without resorting to hyperbole, will I attempt to convey just why this is, in my opinion, the greatest hockey game ever released.

First of all, it builds upon a represents the pinnacle of the 2K Sports franchise that wowed audiences on the Dreamcast with NHL 2K. I am including the latest version NHL 2K8 in this argument, as I consider this to be a step backwards due to the current trend of obsessively making games more 'realistic' by increasing the use of the right anaologue stick (the end result being a game that is far less fun, and still not realistic).

Firstly - a sprawling franchise option, with dynamic trading, easily navigable menus, rosters and management options, with infinitely customisable gameplay and presentation options catering for every taste and ability. Awesome stat-tracking and hands-on training regimes really put you in charge and make the experience complete and thoroughly addictive.

Players challenges are spread across the entire game and all of its modes, meaning that even if you have nailed all of the achievements on offer (no easy feat), there are many unlockables to discover that can be purchased from your personalised Skybox (which comes complete with Airhockey, Shuffleboard and Trivia Machine). Classic teams, jerseys, and mini-rinks for fast 1-on-1 or 2-on-2 hockey can be purchased (fancy a little 1-on-1 in a circus big-top?)

Lots of party games are also offered, with a surprising amount of skill needed to master some of them - and all of them are actually great competitive fun in multiplayer.

The online community is still supportive of this game, although the lobbies are fairly dry, online leagues are continually competitive, and most players are friendly and supportive.

The game has blistering speed compared to the trudge-through-treacle EA NHL series, and crystal-clear HD graphics, although fans will notice that the players don't particularly resemble their real-life counterparts.

Achievements are a world-apart from the 1000-points in 30 minutes that was NHL 2K6. In this release, you will really have to work for your points - from winning 100 games, to the monumental task of winning 3 consecutive Stanley Cups on Pro difficulty.

Further items of note are the manual goalie control, which is far superior to even NHL 08, and the commentary team, which really are the best in the business, bar none.

There's nothing to complain about or even commiserate here; the only slight downside being that the pre-game introduction no longer includes the arena interiors fly-bys that graced 2K6.

Whether you prefer to smash the glass with a rocket from the blue-line, or skillfully manage an average team to Stanley Cup glory, or even smash through giant ice-cubes in one of many mini-games, there are potentially hundreds of hours of gameplay to be had, giving gamers dare I say it, the ultimate hockey game!

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