NHL 2K6

A nasty backhand … a vicious body check … no, this is not a fighting game or the preamble to pro wrestling match; this is the fastest sport in the world – ice hockey.

Visual Concepts and Kush Games are behind NHL 2K6, a dazzling isometric game of puck, featuring a nice range of new features, fast-paced game play and some terrific game modes.

You want options – this game has a host of them. New features? Yep, that is here too.

But let’s get something straight. ESPN dropped NHL hockey from its lineup of televised sports – a little matter of money offered to the NHL to broadcast the games (that is the simplified version). Concurrently, ESPN dropped its name from the Visual Concepts-published title. Does it make a lot of difference? Not really. If NHL 2K5 was the top dog in ice hockey games last year, 2K6 builds on that.

Top among the new features is the Pro Control. Get into the offensive end, press down on the right analog stick and suddenly all the players have icons by them, defining passes. Quick passing, snap shots off the pass and a solid chance to beat that net minder.

But if you thought that was good, there’s now On-The-Fly coaching, which employs the D-pad to allow games to make formation changes rapidly. Crash the net on offense or collapse your defense, or release a player for a breakaway attempt – these are a few of the new options available.

In the Franchise mode you must pay attention to team chemistry, which takes into account player happiness with their contract, player performance and time spent on the same line as teammates. A player on the other team playing a little too well? That is what enforcers are for. Lay into him a few times, send the message that you would rather he be tentative than aggressive.

Ok, so Marty Turco is on the cover – what does that mean? Means that the keepers have had a bit of an upgrade from 2K5. Smarter AI, some jaw-dropping saves guaranteed to leave you cursing under your breath, and the ability to take control of the keeper to initiate those reflexive saves.

The opposing team tries to clear the puck and does manage to get it over the blue line before one of your defensemen picks it up. Can’t dump it back into the offensive zone because you would have players offsides. By using the L1 button, you can now skate backwards with the puck, let your forwards clear the zone and then start the attack anew. Pressure-sensitive dumps, pass and go, wraparounds – all this is in the game.

And what that translates to is a game that has much more going for it than ever before. Bob Cole and Harry Neale handle the play-by-play and do a terrific job. The music is hit and miss, for the most part, going from driving rock to almost that elevator Muzak sound. Not too much has been done visually to the game; maybe a few minor tweaks to the animation, but this is a game that looks very good.

Of course the game does allow for online play, but the online interface is a bit cumbersome. Still, you want to play online, you will have little trouble finding an opponent.

If you are looking for game modes, there is no shortage here. You can edit teams, trade players, create teams, and create players. Party mode offers three mini-games designed to be quick and fun. There are six game modes – exhibition, season, playoffs, franchise, tournaments, and dream team – and you can work on skills.

The true joy of this game, though, comes when you launch into the season or franchise and start working your way through a grueling schedule. The anomalies of the sport, injuries and team chemistry, make this more than just a reflexive outing, but a cerebral one as well. Toss in Pro Control and On-The-Fly coaching and you have a game that sparkles.

Gameplay: 8.7
The game does have some load times that slow the momentum in an otherwise well-paced game. The controls are easy to get a handle on, with a small learning curve.

Graphics: 8.5
Mostly you see the game from the isometric viewpoint and while not bad, you do no see those great close-ups available in the screenshots.

Sound: 9.0
The play-by-play and color commentary is excellent. The music is hit and miss, but the arena sounds are solid and spot on.

Difficulty: Medium
Five difficulty settings should allow players to find the right fit easily.

Concept: 9.0
Great additions have been made to an already solid game. Each of the new features only enhances the game’s standing as one of the best on the market.

Multiplayer: 8.8
Playing a game against someone else is always more fun than against the AI, but the online interface can be frustrating at times.

Overall: 8.9
No lockouts, no missed seasons, NHL 2K6 is all about the game of the hockey and it delivers fast-paced and exciting action. The online interface is a little cumbersome, and the game does have some load times. Get past that and you will be treated to a wonderful hockey experience that sparkles with smart AI, terrific control schemes and great action. The options package is just another reason why this game is Stanley Cup material.