NHL 06

Despite the minor control issues, NHL 06 is still the best hockey game EA has produced in quite some time. Diehards will love the reduced emphasis on checking, while more casual fans should enjoy the new skill stick moves and the ability to place your shot wherever you please. Best of all, every rule change has made it into the game, so it's a great way for hockey fans to check out what's in store for the upcoming season. If you can't wait for the return of the fastest game on ice, NHL 06 is the perfect way to whet your appetite.

Just like the real-life NHL, EA's popular hockey series is heading back onto the ice.

Der Eishockey-Gott hält seine Hand schützend über die NHL-Reihe, denn auch der aktuelle Jahrgang ist ein erstklassiges Sportspiel — dank realistischer Puckphysik, schlauer KI, sinnvoller Taktikbefehle und der eingängigen Steuerung. Dennoch hat NHL 06 Schattenseiten: Die Abwehr der KI-Gegner ist häufig zu passiv, Alleingänge gelingen zu einfach. Zudem wirkt das Tempo unrealistisch hoch. Wer eine ernsthafte Simulation sucht, wird mit NHL 06 daher bloß eingeschränkt glücklich und muss das Spiel umständlich per Optionsmenü verlangsamen. Wer sich ein flottes Sportspektakel wünscht, kann hingegen zugreifen.

Die Torhüter im neuen NHL-Teil verhalten sich wie Schlampen - sie legen sich zu häufig und viel zu schnell hin. Im nächsten Moment halten sie dann unhaltbare Schüsse. Ominös. Und eins muss auch noch raus: Diese konsolentypische Menübedienung geht mir auf den Sack! Aber natürlich jammere ich auf höchstem Niveau, weil ich dieses Spiel so liebe. 06 ist deutlich besser als sein Vorgänger. Sehr gut gemacht, EA!

Das 13. NHL von EA Sports ist ein Glücksfall für Eishockey-Fans. Die von Verschlimmbesserungen, Innovationsstillstand und ausufernden Bodychecks geplage Serie schafft endlich einen Neuanfang- mit Bravour!

It wasn't easy living without hockey. Game developers didn't cancel their projects (I'm sure they're thrilled about that now), but it seemed like the rest of the world forgot the sport existed. It was sad seeing professional players sign up with the minors, even if they were doing it stay to in shape and not out of desperation.

In the grand scheme of things, NHL 06 is a solid game that is lacking in a few departments. The in-game additions are fantastic, but changes need to be made to ‘Franchise Mode’. Additionally, I really wanted to see Free4All available on Xbox Live, because it makes no sense to have this mode of play only offline. Getting enough players together on a single box can be too much hassle if all you want is a quick game of Free4All. These problems aside, the game is very fun to play, and I would strongly recommend this game to any hockey fan.

NHL 06 improves on things beyond NHL 2005. The addition of some gameplay moves, the fast-paced gameplay and stellar presentation assure that fans of the series won’t be disappointed.

NHL 06 improves on things beyond NHL 2005. The addition of some gameplay moves, the fast-paced gameplay and stellar presentation assure that fans of the series won’t be disappointed.

Die letzte NHL-Saison ging als schwärzestes Jahr der nordamerikanischen Eishockeyliga in die Geschichte ein. Da sich Spielergewerkschaft und Vereine nicht auf eine Gehaltsobergrenze einigen konnten, wurde die komplette Spielzeit abgeblasen. Jetzt ist der Streit vom Tisch und am 5. Oktober jagen die NHL-Kufenflitzer nach einjähriger Zwangspause wieder übers Eis.

EA Sports published their hockey game last year, but the real NHL never even bothered with a season. Now that labor peace has finally been reached, the league is without its ESPN national TV contract, but is attempting to rebuild enthusiasm back into its fan base, having been nearly replaced in the meantime by NASCAR fans. But that’s the real world. In the videogame world, EA Sports’ NHL 2006 hasn’t missed a season – or a beat. Released just a bit early to be sure of where all the players ended up, you’ll want to download a roster update just as soon as one is available, which ought to be soon. That aside, EA Sports never went on a hockey strike but have been hard at work creating a game that is a marked improvement over last year’s offering.

The game improved a great deal between the preview build we had and the final version. The computer AI was tuned and balanced so that you didn't feel like you had no chance to win even on the medium difficulty levels. You have to know how to play Hockey as a team, then you will not do well in NHL 06. If you're one of those guys that even if you have the puck and you're a defender, but you skate all the way across the ice and not try to pass the puck to a teammate, you're not going to have much fun with this game. And that's as it should be. I just wanted to put that out there, because I was impressed with the way the flow of the game went, and how if you play Team Hockey, you have a chance to win every game.

EA’s NHL title has certainly been improved over last year’s offering and may actually be their finest work since NHL 94. However, it feels like there have been more fixes than any truly groundbreaking additions to the game. What we finally have is a fun competent hockey title that has cleaned up the glitches and irregularities from past years. Combine this with EA’s stellar presentation, the depth of dynasty mode, and the fixed checking system and EA has seriously started to close in on the 2K series.

Hockey fans have had a rough ride over the past year. The lockout persisted despite the complaints of fans and analysts even suggested that it would torpedo the popularity of the sport outside of the devoted Canadian masses. The masses rejoiced this summer when the owners and the players' union finally ended the dispute and guaranteed action on the ice in 2005-2006.

Hockey fans have had a rough ride over the past year. The lockout persisted despite the complaints of fans and analysts even suggested that it would torpedo the popularity of the sport outside of the devoted Canadian masses. The masses rejoiced this summer when the owners and the players' union finally ended the dispute and guaranteed action on the ice in 2005-2006.

NHL 06 is een boeiend, snel en sensationeel spel dat de scherpe randjes van de voorgangers eraf vijlt. Grensverleggend is het echter niet.

EA has made a lot of strides with NHL 06, especially on the offensive side of the ice. That being said, the AI is still a problem area that prevents the series from reaching its maximum potential. As in previous years, NHL 06 is probably the hockey game of choice for the casual fan, but its lack of depth in the gameplay modes and often unrealistic play will turn off the hockey purist. Multiplayer play alleviates many of the problems and makes for a much more enjoyable experience. If a happy medium between free-wheeling offense and stifling defense can be found for next year’s game, then EA will have a Stanley Cup champ on their hands.

Mission accomplie pour EA Sports, NHL 06 se pose en référence de base dans le genre en attendant la performance de NHL 2K6. Accessible par tous mais essentiellement destiné aux adeptes, ce titre a pour lui de sérieux atouts à commencer par ses nombreux modes de jeu et le plaisir que l'on a à évoluer sur la glace.

Mission accomplie pour EA Sports, NHL 06 se pose en référence de base dans le genre en attendant la performance de NHL 2K6. Accessible par tous mais essentiellement destiné aux adeptes, ce titre a pour lui de sérieux atouts à commencer par ses nombreux modes de jeu et le plaisir que l'on a à évoluer sur la glace.

If you haven't bought a hockey game in a couple of years, NHL 06 is worth a purchase. That said, if you own NHL 2K5 and you're not a hardcore hockey fan, you're better off sticking with that this time around. Despite improvements across the board, the lackluster controls, disappointing team and player editor, and lack of new features make NHL 06 a good, but not great game.

Mission accomplie pour EA Sports, NHL 06 se pose en référence de base dans le genre en attendant la performance de NHL 2K6. Accessible par tous mais essentiellement destiné aux adeptes, ce titre a pour lui de sérieux atouts à commencer par ses nombreux modes de jeu et le plaisir que l'on a à évoluer sur la glace.

If you're jonesing for some Hockey action, EA's NHL 06 is well worth checking into. If you prefer a style of play more akin to the stuff we saw back in the SEGA Genesis days, this is your game. Less complexity - more fun.

Despite the minor control issues, NHL 06 is still the best hockey game EA has produced in quite some time. Diehards will love the reduced emphasis on checking, while more casual fans should enjoy the new skill stick moves and the ability to place your shot wherever you please. Best of all, every rule change has made it into the game, so it's a great way for hockey fans to check out what's in store for the upcoming season. If you can't wait for the return of the fastest game on ice, NHL 06 is the perfect way to whet your appetite.

It's best to think of NHL 06 as a polished version of 05, with better presentation values, improved gameplay and just enough new features to keep things fresh. Those looking for a completely revamped entry into the series might want to look elsewhere, but for everyone else, NHL 06 offers plenty of solid entertainment. Let's only hope we can say the same about the real NHL season.

Cette année, une fois de plus, le mois d’octobre coïncide avec la sortie des fameux jeux de sport d’Electronic Arts. Après Fifa 2006, voici l’arrivée de NHL 2006. Cette arrivée est d’autant plus attendue que cette année, le retour du fameux jeu d’Electronic Arts coïncide parfaitement avec le renouveau de la NHL qui s’était arrêtée durant une saison complète. Ce retour commun réjouira bien évidemment les fans de hockey sur glace ; mais n’allez pas croire qu’il est possible de ne pas apprécier NHL sous prétexte que le hockey sur glace n’est pas un sport qui passionne les foules en France. En fait, NHL est un jeu d’une telle qualité qu’il ne peut que vous amener à vous intéresser au hockey sur glace. Et cette année encore, Electronic Arts n’a pas fait dans la demi-mesure…

It's best to think of NHL 06 as a polished version of 05, with better presentation values, improved gameplay and just enough new features to keep things fresh. Those looking for a completely revamped entry into the series might want to look elsewhere, but for everyone else, NHL 06 offers plenty of solid entertainment and some enjoyable online play to keep you going until next season. Let's only hope we can say the same about the real NHL season.

Call me crazy, but I love hockey. There's a sheer beauty in watching a fantastic series of passes result in an amazing goal, or watching a good, old-fashioned fight break out after two sworn enemies have just had enough of one another. Even the loss of a season last year, which has arguably punished the league and players a lot more than it did the fans (who learned to enjoy WHL while waiting for an NHL season), isn't enough to dampen my love of the game, so I love getting to review hockey titles for DailyGame.

In this year's battle for hockey superiority, in the return of the much-missed NHL itself, it seems there's lots of competitors out there. I've already taken a look at one, NHL 2K6, and while I enjoyed it, it just seemed to be lacking in overall freshness, especially in comparison with last year's champion. Now the shoe's on the other foot, and it's great to see EA Sports mount a big comeback with their NHL product, NHL 06. The gameplay is refined better than before, the presentation is mostly sharp, and there's lots for hockey fans to do. Here's the Stanley Cup contender right here.

Therefore if you’re incredibly rich and you don’t know what to do with your pocket money: buy this game. If you’re an enormous fan of hockey games: wait for NHL 2K6. This game isn’t only cheaper but also better. A fact that’s true for all 2K Sports titles really. Sorry Electronic Arts, but the truth has to be told.

Fans of EA's brand of hockey will undoubtedly take something positive away from NHL 06, but even they will find it hard to deny that the game isn't everything that it could have been. 06 just doesn't do anything significant for the franchise, as it just adds some ancillary features that are neat to have but don't ultimately change the face of the game, leaving some of the most important (and, in some cases, most flawed) aspects of it practically in stasis. It's good hockey, but it's not great hockey. And there are better choices available.

Fans of EA's brand of hockey will undoubtedly take something positive away from NHL 06, but even they will find it hard to deny that the game isn't everything that it could have been. 06 just doesn't do anything significant for the franchise, as it just adds some ancillary features that are neat to have but don't ultimately change the face of the game, leaving some of the most important (and, in some cases, most flawed) aspects of it practically in stasis. It's good hockey, but it's not great hockey. And there are better choices available.

It's got all the new rule changes, as well as an almost entirely up-to-date roster, but considering how similar the game is overall to 2005's version, you have to ask yourself, "Is that really enough?"

All in all, the main game of NHL 06 is fine, but this so-called "bonus" left a very bad taste in my mouth.

Somebody at EA needs to stick a post-it note on the producer's door that reads "Dynasty Mode." It's a mess. I recommend the developer focus most of their attention in the coming year to that aspect of the game because I can't recommend this franchise to hardcore hockey fans until they do. With that said, the gameplay in NHL 06 has improved considerably, the new NHL rules have been well implemented and the easy to pick up controls lend perfectly to casual hockey fans seeking some good quick action.

Hockey may be back, but I guess it's like they say "Its gonna get worse before it gets better."

Hockey may be back, but I guess it's like they say "Its gonna get worse before it gets better."

Hockey may be back, but I guess it's like they say "Its gonna get worse before it gets better."

Somebody at EA needs to stick a post-it note on the producer's door that reads "Dynasty Mode." It's a mess. I recommend the developer focus most of their attention in the coming year to that aspect of the game because I can't recommend this franchise to hardcore hockey fans until they do. With that said, the gameplay in NHL 06 has improved considerably, the new NHL rules have been well implemented and the easy to pick up controls lend perfectly to casual hockey fans seeking some good quick action.

Don't get me wrong though, if I'm pointing out more of the misses than the hits it's only because EA was so close to fully redeeming itself with this year's effort. NHL 06 is definitely a huge step in the right direction. They've dropped a lot of the over-the-top hits and replaced them with more hip checks in the neutral zone. They've made the goalies more realistic and the defense savvier without being cheap. They have also deepened the dynasty mode. If EA can carry these steps in the right direction onto the next generation, then we're going to see some phenomenal games. If not, though, we'll still have a solid hockey game to play with that promises not to get old even after weeks of play.

Don't get me wrong though, if I'm pointing out more of the misses than the hits it's only because EA was so close to fully redeeming itself with this year's effort. NHL 06 is definitely a huge step in the right direction. They've dropped a lot of the over-the-top hits and replaced them with more hip checks in the neutral zone. They've made the goalies more realistic and the defense savvier without being cheap. They have also deepened the dynasty mode. If EA can carry these steps in the right direction onto the next generation, then we're going to see some phenomenal games. If not, though, we'll still have a solid hockey game to play with that promises not to get old even after weeks of play.

Don't get me wrong though, if I'm pointing out more of the misses than the hits it's only because EA was so close to fully redeeming itself with this year's effort. NHL 06 is definitely a huge step in the right direction. They've dropped a lot of the over-the-top hits and replaced them with more hip checks in the neutral zone. They've made the goalies more realistic and the defense savvier without being cheap. They have also deepened the dynasty mode. If EA can carry these steps in the right direction onto the next generation, then we're going to see some phenomenal games. If not, though, we'll still have a solid hockey game to play with that promises not to get old even after weeks of play.

I better conclude this review before I break something. This is a complete turnaround from last season, and a direction that I hope EA steers clear in the future. The user should always have control over the most basic of gameplay functions.

I better conclude this review before I break something. This is a complete turnaround from last season, and a direction that I hope EA steers clear in the future. The user should always have control over the most basic of gameplay functions.

I better conclude this review before I break something. This is a complete turnaround from last season, and a direction that I hope EA steers clear in the future. The user should always have control over the most basic of gameplay functions.

2005: Not exactly the brightest year for hockey fans. The player lockout caused the NHL to cease activities, and EA's NHL franchise took a step backward with the shortsighted NHL 2005. Now, with the Zambonis back in action, EA returns to the rink with NHL 06, which offers just enough tweaks to bring back some of the series' lost luster.

The longest-running NHL videogame franchise has been showing its age recently, being routinely spanked by 2K Games' sublime NHL 2K series year in and year out. And while NHL 2K6 still wins this year's on-ice matchup, EA's NHL 06 hasn't grown fat and lazy in the prolonged off-season, making this one of the closest contests in recent NHL videogame history.