Xbox 360

NHL 07

NHL 07 is easily the best playing, best looking, and best sounding hockey game currently available. If EA had not stripped away the additional gameplay modes, this would have easily been the game to beat. As it stands, it’s still the forerunner.

If you're looking for awesome graphics, revolutionary game play and realistic hockey, and don’t mind some sacrifices due to oddities in the game that EA happened to forget about and a lack of a major online component, this game is a hands down winner.

The bar has been raised. Stellar graphics and a great new stick/shooting system are the hallmarks of this title. While perhaps a little light, yet, on the multiplayer aspects, the game does have a solid franchise mode and is just pure fun to play. This is a game that brings hockey video games into the next generation with style and wonder.

EA crafted a complete package for its next-gen game, meaning a full Dynasty mode complete with the new salary cap and the ability to sign players to one- or two-way contracts. But this next-gen leap is more than just HD eye candy and enhanced features. The Skills Stick alone makes NHL 07 a completely different game and one worthy of the new NHL.

NHL 07 is a major step up in the franchise. While EA let 2k games take 2005 in the next generation NHL titles, they've spent the last year pushing the boundaries to make one of the greatest sports titles ever.

NHL 07 does a lot more right than it does wrong. In fact, it completely changes the way an entire genre is played. Though the game has its share of problems it succeeds in not only becoming the Xbox 360’s best hockey game, but the systems best sports game in general.

NHL 07 takes hockey videogames in an entirely new direction. After years of only minor changes, EA has changed everything for the better. The new dual analog based gameplay feels more natural than using the face buttons, and I hope to see EA expand on it in the coming years. For hockey fans, NHL 07 is a must buy with its exciting gameplay, gorgeous visuals, and superb sound.

Last year EA sat out the first year of the 360 so we were left with only 2K. Well, now EA hockey is back with a vengeance. In one of the most surprising moves in sports gaming, the company famous for putting out incremental updates every year has really stepped it up. This is even more shocking because it’s the first NHL game on the 360. Traditionally the first EA games for any new system are a sign off mediocrity. They usually mail it in (see the first Madden, FIFA, Tiger Woods and NCAA) by giving us less than we had in previous years. This changes everything. The new controls, new gameplay and new graphics have given an unexpected treat to gamers everywhere. Not to say that there aren’t issues like the awful manual, tough dynasty and some quirky things like being unable to select your favorite team like every other EA Sports game. This is a giant leap in the right direction.

The Dynasty mode is deep and fun, including a player-development system in the minors and concession prices. EA's online mode is still terribly thin. At this point, sports gamers expect online leagues and online seasons. Ranked and unranked matches suffice, but they don't cut the mustard. On the ice, however, NHL 07 represents the first truly next-generation gameplay innovation.

EA has prided it self on the realism of the game. There slogan states it all “if it is in the game, it is in the game”. This game is all about the strategy that can make you win the ultimate prize, Lord Stanley’s Cup.

NHL 07 does a lot more right than it does wrong. In fact, it completely changes the way an entire genre is played. Though the game has its share of problems it succeeds in not only becoming the Xbox 360’s best hockey game, but the systems best sports game in general.

Maybe it’s time for me to dig out my hockey cards and watch a few classic games on DVD. I might give the NHL another chance. If I could only find them on TV or afford a Blackhawks ticket…

Even though the feature set doesn’t provide all that some purists may want (ala many recent EA Sports titles), the innovation of the Skill Stick makes NHL 07 worth trying for anyone who is a fan of the sport. Not only does the Skill Stick help you feel a level of control and immersion not seen in other hockey games, but the presentation also helps convey a great sense of atmosphere that brings EA back towards its simulation roots.

Still, it's hard for me to feel disatsified with what is easily the best EA hockey game in over a decade. The competition between the 2K series and EA's has finally resumed its once fierce-fought battle, and I believe that next year's efforts could be the deciding factor. As it stands now, '07 is a fantastic incarnation of the series you thought you knew; an incarnation that changes up so many different but fundamental gameplay functions that it really feels like a totally different game than last year: and that's what makes it worth purchasing. Sure the modes aren't as plentiful, and not as fleshed out, but the gameplay of the hockey itself - the real reason to play the game - is currently unrivaled.

Overall, NHL 07 should be credited for its innovative control scheme, beautiful graphics, and depth. It gets poked by less-than-stellar sound, passing, and defensive play–but it’s still a great game, and quite possibly the best EA Sports team sports game released on the Xbox 360 so far. Hockey fans should definitely check this one out.

EA have got a truly great game on their hands. The graphics are great, the sounds are great and most importantly they've thrown the innovation-sapping-monkey off their back. The dual analogue controls could have been a hit-and-miss affair, but EA have pulled them off and it makes for a fantastic game that focuses on realism and is a great debut for EA's hockey series on the Xbox 360.

Besides the few minor hiccups, 07 offers, and excels at, giving the user something completely new. It'll feel like you're learning videogames all over again, and the reward is scoring off a wicked slapshot after a series of quick, sharp passes. Ahh, the joy. Ultimately, the biggest praise that can be heaped on this game is this: It feels like hockey.

The controls are revolutionary and the game looks great, but there's still room for improvement on the puck physics and pacing. A few more features would be nice, too.

It is very much give-and-take in NHL 07, a game that delivers on bringing an exciting new gameplay mechanic to the table, then rips out a bunch of features when you're not looking. With NHL 2K7 managing to squeeze in every single feature the series has been known for into both its Xbox 360 debut last year and its latest iteration this year, the fact that EA's first hockey title, released more than a year after the console's launch, would be so stripped down is disappointing. But even with that disappointment, you can't help but go back to the skill stick--and what a phenomenal addition it is to how hockey is played on consoles. Those who want to see where hockey gaming is headed in the next few years absolutely should check out NHL 07.

Despite a few minor flaws, the wait was worthwhile - EA Sports has delivered a very solid hockey game. Everything feels smooth and refined, and while everything could be refined even further, this lays the groundwork for next-gen hockey.

The first Madden game for the Xbox 360 showed how good the next generation would be in the near future. NHL 07, being the first of EA’s next-gen hockey games, does much of the same. While not as bare bones as Madden NFL 06, NHL 07 still could use a bit more substance to back up its innovative controls and killer graphics and sound.

Personally, I fall into category 2. I really enjoy playing this game, mainly in short bursts because the Dynasty Mode bores me a little, since I don’t follow hockey in the same way I do football. But the gameplay is superb, the stick control intuitive, and the multiplayer excellent (offline). Yes, the commentary grates a little, and the passing has a magnet affect, but it doesn’t detract from the enjoyment, so long as you are prepared to take your time and get used to all the new controls.

I have to hand it to EA, the Skill Stick is one of the best innovations in a hockey video game. Not only is it a new way to control the game, it's a measuring stick for the skill level of hockey fans around the world. However, while the Skill Stick innovates control, the feel of the game remains in question. Player movement in particular needs to be more precise. I only wish I could have the precision of NHL 2K7 and the control of NHL 07. That would be something to see. Online play also needs some work. In the end, NHL 07 is worth checking out for the new Skill Stick alone, just don't expect the most well-rounded hockey experience out there.

NHL 07 has its glaring flaws, particularly with its lousy AI and shoddy online play, but the skill stick breathes new life into a sport that hasn't seen much innovation in over a decade. The eye-candy visuals and terrific puck physics don't hurt either. A few improvements here-and-there and we could have a true classic on our hands next year.

The best NHL game EA has produced in a long time! Certainly the best looking sports game to grace the Xbox 360 at the moment with its beautiful visuals and lush presentation, however there is a feel of some minor loss of control from the lower frame rate provided. The gameplay is certainly more involving with the new control design and is well worth trying out, as attacking becomes a triumph in this latest incarnation. So hit the ice smiling with this superb addition to the series.

With a lot of emphasis on the shootout, Skill Stick offense, and goalie play, NHL '07 brings back a lot of glory to a somewhat-fading franchise. The gameplay experience is great and gets you really revved up for next year's iteration. The excitement might be a bit premature, as the pansy defensive players, coupled with the sound issues, really detract from the game. However, the new fighting system makes you more excited than anything currently going on in the actual NHL. Overall, NHL '07 is a strong effort; there's definitely some room for improvement, but there's enough going on here to make it a worthwhile play for any hockey fan.

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.

NHL 07 took some risks and for the most part it pays off. I still would have liked to see more added coaching features and defensive enhancements but it does show that EA wants to take the franchise to another level. Looking at the stats, it seems EA has scored when it needed but still needs some work on there special lines so to speak. Like any real NHL team rebuilding, it takes time. The changes to the graphics showed significant improvement as well. Hopefully next year there will be some great draft picks and continued improvements. I personally look forward to seeing what EA has planned. Let's just hope they will continue the changes and not settle for what is there now.

NHL 07 is fun, fast, addicting, plays well, and eats up your free time even better. Top it all off with being able to play a game in around 20 minutes and still feel fulfilled, is a treat nonetheless. While the competition plays a fine game of hockey, it felt too much like the same old song and dance to recommend over EA's brand this year. If EA keeps the pendulum swinging in their direction, there will be no stopping them from reclaiming the crown

NHL 07 is a very enjoyable game that gives you greater control over your players than ever before. The series has had a rest on next generation consoles thus far, and the break has certainly paid off.

The unique control, fast paced gameplay, and gorgeous visuals are excellent indicators of the direction the series is taking. EA Sports still needs to heavily improve their multiplayer modes, achievement structure, and frame rate, but the future is getting brighter for EA hockey fans. I recommend renting the game to test out the new control system and decide if the multiplayer issues are worth putting up with.

NHL 07 a la réalisation technique et le gameplay de son côté mais se sanctionne par une durée de vie qui ne satisfera que les joueurs Online. Jouissif, parfaitement introduit par une ambiance sonore bien travaillée, il comblera les fans de hockey sur glace et saura séduire les néophytes par son accessibilité grand public. Un effort est tout de même attendu dès l'année prochaine pour davantage de nouveautés et un contenu moins radin.

The most impressive feature of NHL 07 is the Skill Stick control, but it's not enough to save a game that is light on content and slack in other areas. The way things are going, the Skill Stick is probably something that will stay in hockey games for years to come. But there's not enough content, there's not enough work been done on the defensive moves and AI, and there are too many niggly technical issues that scar the gameplay for it to be deemed an essential sports game.

One big negative about NHL 07 is how easy it is to lose track of the puck. Those small triangles that are meant to indicate control and possession just don't cut it. Passing and switching between defenders is less responsive than 2K7, and be sure to turn off the fighting, which is a complete waste of time. 07 does boast excellent, professional commentary and animated loading screens that nicely explain the new controls. Hockey games have become somewhat stagnant over the past few years, so I'm glad EA took some chances with NHL 07. Those looking for instant gratification may gravitate towards NHL 2K7, but purists who give NHL 07 a chance will appreciate the depth and realism it has to offer.

The good news is this game is accessible and tight enough to mix it up with the competition. Standard multiplayer and online options mean everybody can lose the puck together, and the presentation is a joy to take in. Dollar for dollar, however, a year has passed and NHL 07 still can’t stand up to the number of modes and options packed into NHL 2K7. Between the two, EA may attract an audience by sheer ease of play but 2K Sports just gives players that much more to do. I was very close to loving NHL 07 but I think I’ll save my money for a year when I can hold onto the puck.