ESPN NHL 2K5

ESPN NHL 2K5 is the worldwide leader of hockey video games.

The actual season may be in serious jeopardy, but at least puck heads can count on getting their virtual fix, and it doesn't' get much better than ESPN NHL 2K5. Thanks to stellar graphics, an in-depth control scheme, and solid features, it sets the bar for what a hockey game should be, providing gamers with the best sim on the market this year.

Twisted Wrister

Truth be told, NHL 2K5 isn't a whole lot different than last year's offering--it still has great gameplay options, including a deeper Franchise mode and the addition of a new party mode (because those are all the rage these days). There's even the Dream Team Challenge, which is a compilation of all-star teams hand-selected by some of the NHL's more notable stars, like poster boy Martin St. Louis. It basically makes up for the omission of a World Cup of Hockey mode. However, where NHL 2K5 really shines is with its core gameplay, which is really what's important.

For starters, the control scheme has been enhanced to enable players to perform even more on-ice actions. On offense, it's now possible to perform a pass and go, which is very similar to NHL 2005's Total Control feature in that a player can give the puck to a computer-controlled teammate, create space, and then call for a return pass.

On defense, it's now possible to control when a player skates backwards, and that works perfectly with the new Total Stick Control function, which enables defenders to wave their stick back and forth in front of the offensive player to cause a little disruption. NHL 2K5 also includes Intense Contact Control, which lets players bump up the physicality during each contest.

Like other hockey games in the franchise, NHL 2K5 still retains its more in-depth strategy features, such as the ability to match the best players on your squad with the best players on the opposing team, on-the-fly play calling, and the ever-important ability to make independent offensive and defensive line changes. Furthermore, the graphics are just as polished, including some exceptionally life-like animations, but the nod definitely goes to the Xbox version in this respect. Other than that, both versions are right on par with one another.

Unfortunately, not everything is perfect on this frozen pond. The action still moves at a slower clip than we would have liked, even when bumping up the Game Speed slider, and the players don't make quick, crisp cuts-instead, they tend to glide a little too casually. Ideally, if a balance could be found between NHL 2K5 and NHL 2005 in this regard, it'd be darn near perfect. And while the commentary is superlative, the in-game effects could use a bit of work as they just aren't dynamic enough.

Lighting the Lamp

Despite the game's shortcomings, ESPN NHL 2K5 is the Cup champ because it really plays and, aside from the rather sluggish-moving players, feels like a hockey simulation should. The game is feature-rich, the controls are the most comprehensive around, and at only $19.99, there's no reason for hockey fans not to own it.

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