In terms of graphics, the players have wonderful detailing that gets closer and closer to looking real life. The ice, glass and player visors reflect objects in stunning detail. The arenas look great and fans of both teams are clearly pictured in the audience. In fact if
you look closely enough you will notice that the fans are even wearing home and away jerseys to the games. This might be a minor detail, but to the true hockey fans out there it will add a sense of gratification. Ice will fly off a players skates when they do a quick stop and playing in 720p for a high definition experience certainly doesn’t hinder the overall presentation and beauty of the game.
Gary Throne handles the play by play and Bill Clement provides the color with the usual drab of commentary. It is not the worst commentary you have ever heard, but it does get old when they start to repeat themselves. You would think that out of the millions that have complained about the repetitive nature of commentary, someone would respond and put in more. Sound effects in the game are another matter and are done quite well. There is not a more distinctive sound then the puck hitting off post or crossbar. Fans of the Buffalo Sabres will of course hear that noise with consternation. Ambient noise is appropriate with detailed crowd noise and a swoosh while players are skating and stopping.
It is the Multiplayer online aspect of the game that causes most of the negativity surrounding this title. Other than ranked or unranked single player matches and leaderboards there is nothing to the online facet of the game. Roster updates will of course come through Xbox Live, and EA is not known for its incredible use of additions to games but to not include a Tournament mode is just illogical. If you are looking for online modes for a hockey game NHL 2K7 is sadly where the action is.
Overall EA does a great job reinventing a standardized control system. NHL 07 will impress some and leave others concerned about a lack of online features. However if you are a Hockey fan and wish to purchase a next generation game you certainly cannot go wrong with NHL 07. EA shoots; they score an 8.
