Five minute major for use of the skill stick? Does EA’s most recent hockey game score top shelf, where mama hides the cookies, or end up in the penalty box? NHL 07 for the Xbox 360 is EA’s first endeavor at a next generation hockey title. While the overall look and feel of the game is certainly next generation, the lack of some industry standard play modes has caused us some head scratching.
For those of you that have played hockey games before, you will immediately recognize that something has changed with NHL 07, EA has given control over shot selection in an exceptionally inventive way. How? The right analog stick has become your hockey stick and torso and is now called the skill stick, controlling all your shots. Draw the stick back and the player performs a slap shot, tap it forward and it’s a wrist shot. It is a fundamental change from pressing the buttons for shot selection. This change, albeit awkward and somewhat frustrating at first, does become second nature and intuitive – it’s a great new feature.
Don’t misunderstand me – you will get frustrated with the unusual use of the analog stick at first and it will take some game time to master. It does however give the player control and that control is where you gain the greatest sense of accomplishment. When your player scores you feel like your action caused the goal in a way that pushing a button could never deliver. EA’s development team should be given high marks for this creative and innovative game play mechanic. It is not without some problems though, such as the switch from defense to offense, which will cause you to shoot the puck with the touch of the stick. It sometimes happens so quickly you have taken a shot before you can do anything about it. If you really don’t like the skill stick feature you can, if you so choose, go back to the classic style of play using the controller buttons. Gasp!
The game begins with a shoot out between last years Stanley cup finalists, the Edmonton Oilers, and the Carolina Hurricanes. This is your first introduction to the use of the new control system. EA, in its infinite wisdom, forces you to play through the tutorial. In a nutshell, here are the controls. The left analog stick controls player movement, the right stick shoots and has control of your upper body (torso) and the right trigger passes. Successful one timer’s are available only when the game situation dictates that they should be. You can of course attempt one timer’s, but unless there is a lane for the puck to get to you, your pass will be intercepted or your one timer will shoot wide. I know that you are thinking that you must use a button for speed bursting, but alas you do not. In another great innovation, the game recognizes when a player should speed up and does so – a welcome addition. Playing defensively remains somewhat unchanged. You can poke check at the player using the right bumper and the skill stick. The AI, like in most hockey games, follows your predetermined pressure settings and it does a decent job defensively, but nothing near as creative as what EA did offensively. Players that are snipers are the ones you want to set up for shots on the point. Stay at home defenseman play that way. Each player has a role and for the most part they are followed.
