Kush Games has made a quantum leap beyond their previous edition in the latest incarnation of their NHL franchise. 2K6 had the feel of a polished Xbox game, while 2K7 fits the 360 like a glove. NHL 2K7 delivers the goods with exceptional graphics, intuitive controls, and a bevy of features that make 2K7 a “must own” game for any 360 sports enthusiast. The innovations to the gameplay presentations have added a dynamic new element to sports games and the Xbox Live options are unparalleled.
In a word, NHL 2K7’s graphics are spectacular. The animations and frame rate are very smooth, and seem to be on par with the very best games that the 360 has to offer. The player models are rendered superbly with realistic body sculpting, faces and jerseys. The players pass, shoot and deke beautifully. The goalie animations are smooth and varied. Of course there are also plenty of glass breaking and helmet dislodging hits to add to the beauty of the game. The skating is smooth and physically sound. All the little touches such as skaters digging their skates in the ice to get up to speed and lost helmets left on the ice add to visual magnificence of 2K7. This is one of the better-looking sports titles for the Xbox 360.
NHL 2K7’s parametric camera complements the stunning visuals. The camera zooms in when the puck is in the attack zone, allowing you to get a good look at the net as well as the aforementioned graphics. When a wider angle is needed, the camera flawlessly zooms and pans as necessary. The dynamic camera gives you a great view of the action without being cumbersome or disorienting in any way. You can see your full team while on the break, while still getting a good view of the net for your shot aim. 2K7 has delivered a great improvement compared to the typical, fairly static camera that has been a hallmark of hockey games of the past.
Another great innovation to the game presentation is the ability to rid yourself of the broadcast announcers in favor of a cinematic style musical score. 2K7’s Cinemotion score follows the action of the game from the upturns and downturns in momentum. In addition to the musical score, you’ll hear player and coach chatter when playing in the Cinemotion mode. The only real complaint with Cinemotion is the lack of crowd noise. The fans are seemingly watching a tennis match rather than a hockey game. One would think that with Kush Games’ emphasis this year on rivalries and team morale, the so-called “7th man” would play a bigger role. For those that opt for the play-by-play and color commentary typical of all sports games, you can easily toggle Cinemotion on and off without having to go to the options screen. Bob Cole and Harry Neale are adequate as video game broadcasters but, if you’re like me, you’ll turn them off after you’ve heard everything they have to say for the 10th time.
There are no real surprises in the control scheme, other than there being a novice and expert control setting. The greatest addition is the ability to turn up the pressure on the opposing team’s star player. By using the Left Bumper (LB), you can command one of your players to shadow an opposing player closely. Two presses will call on the player to rough up the opposition a bit (of course there is a potential to draw a penalty). Another press of LB will call on your players to double team the opposing player of your choosing. This is a great feature that allows you greater freedom to manage your team on the go and quickly adapt to the changing situations on the ice.
