NHL '06 with some tweak's and a bit of polish

Ok let me start off by saying this is close to the same game that you saw just a year ago. Which is why I rated it a 4. Don't get me wrong this is a great game all around, just would have been nice to see a big more added to the game. The grafix, are bassically the same a bit more done up. The ice at the start of the period is clean, and as the period goes on the ice get's more scuffed up from the trail's the skate's leave in the ice. They did add another european league to the game which I am guessing is where most of the extra's for this year went. They also added more depth to the dynasty mode. Having to work within the restraint's of the salary cap, and also managing your minor league player's. To keep up moral and player development. The did take away the abbility to control front office finance's, which I did enjoy dabbling with. (Mabee you get control later in the game with more upgrade's) Being as I am only a few month's into my first season I can only say what I see now. The control's are where some major change's were made. Feeling a touch bit ocoward at the start, utilizing more of the R and L button's than the actuall rest of the controller. But the new control's definatly help speed up the game and control. Using the R3 analog stick to pass, and poke check. And simplifying the open ice control so now almost anyone can use the feature. The audio is great, and they have added more commentary to the game which help's cut back on hearing the same thing over and over again. Don't get me wrong you still do hear repeat's just not as often. I do wish that they added a form of off season training, kind of like madden and spring training but I guess when a game is this good you just take what they give you. Overall this game is extreamly fast and fun, everything flowing perfectly. If you are a big fan of the NHL series you will not be disapointed. If you are looking into the series, or enjoyed NHL 06' but are just a casuall fan you might want to rent it to decide. Or just wait for 08'. Overall a great game but to much like 06' to get a 5 from my end.