Official NHL2K5 Impressions Thread!!!

[JackB1]

lets post our thoughts here! Can't wait to pick this one up tonite!

[tjung0831]

Ok....this is based on one game of play at my local EB during lunch. This was also the PS2 version.
I thought the game looks decent on the PS2. I read some other reviews and people were complaining about the graphics on the PS2 version. It Looked pretty good to me at least during the actual gameplay. I also enjoyed the game that I played and that's a good sign since I didn't care for 2K4. The game felt more like 2K3 to me and I think that's another good sign. Everything felt right as far as gameplay goes and it didn't feel to fast or slow on the default settings. Sometimes the onetimer animations didn't look right....not awful but sometimes something just didn't look right. I saw a couple of glitches early including a couple of weird frame skips to where I was skating up the ice and then the next thing I knew my guy would be near the penatly box...kind of weird.
The controls felt good enough that if I don't like how my Xbox version feels control wise I would have no problem trading it in for the PS2 version.
One thing that I didn't care for was after scoring a goal it immediately throws you back at center ice. Not even a quick replay or any team celebration. Makes you kind of feel cheated. Also as soon as the period ended it seemed like my guys were skating back out onto the ice for the next period to begin. Another thing that stuck out was that I didn't see alot of different goalie annimations but then nothing can hold a candle to the goalie animations from last years NHL Hitz Pro game.
While I liked the game and I have it sitting at home right now...it's a $20 game for sure. It's just a roster update and few new bells and whistles for sure. I'm looking forward to seeing how my Xbox version plays tonight compared to the PS2 version.
By the way I took the Islanders against the Blues. Cliff Ronning had 2 goals and 1 assist. Alexi Yashin, Trent Hunter, and Mark Parrish had the other goals in my 5-0 win.

Tim

[hrudey32]

thanks for the impressions, tim.......i look forward to getting my copy tonite and seeing what's up. i've seen several impressions thus far ranging from real good to not so good. seeming more like 2K3 is a good thing but i hope its more than a roster updated 2K3.

until i try both ESPN and EA, i will make no judgment. all i know is i'm ready for some new hockey games and i can't wait to get ESPN today and EA in a couple of weeks. let the best hockey sim prevail!

[marino]

Ok....this is based on one game of play at my local EB during lunch. This was also the PS2 version.
I thought the game looks decent on the PS2. I read some other reviews and people were complaining about the graphics on the PS2 version. It Looked pretty good to me at least during the actual gameplay. I also enjoyed the game that I played and that's a good sign since I didn't care for 2K4. The game felt more like 2K3 to me and I think that's another good sign. Everything felt right as far as gameplay goes and it didn't feel to fast or slow on the default settings. Sometimes the onetimer animations didn't look right....not awful but sometimes something just didn't look right. I saw a couple of glitches early including a couple of weird frame skips to where I was skating up the ice and then the next thing I knew my guy would be near the penatly box...kind of weird.
The controls felt good enough that if I don't like how my Xbox version feels control wise I would have no problem trading it in for the PS2 version.
One thing that I didn't care for was after scoring a goal it immediately throws you back at center ice. Not even a quick replay or any team celebration. Makes you kind of feel cheated. Also as soon as the period ended it seemed like my guys were skating back out onto the ice for the next period to begin. Another thing that stuck out was that I didn't see alot of different goalie annimations but then nothing can hold a candle to the goalie animations from last years NHL Hitz Pro game.
While I liked the game and I have it sitting at home right now...it's a $20 game for sure. It's just a roster update and few new bells and whistles for sure. I'm looking forward to seeing how my Xbox version plays tonight compared to the PS2 version.
By the way I took the Islanders against the Blues. Cliff Ronning had 2 goals and 1 assist. Alexi Yashin, Trent Hunter, and Mark Parrish had the other goals in my 5-0 win.

Tim

I disagree with most of Tims's opinions.There is much more new to this game then a roster update and new bells and whistles.The Franchise mode is leaps above last years alone.Though,not enought time yet to find franchise bugs,but scouting the minor leagues is cool.The ai definietlly cycles the puck more and not every scoring chance is a one timer.I played 3 games on my extended luncj(lol) on pro.I upped the ai offense and defense sliders to full and gave them a littlie speed burst advantage.My god so far so good.I scored on a wrister,slap shot ,scramble for the puck in front of the goalie and a deflected shot from the point.I lost two games 4-3.5-4 and won 3-1.

The sliders do make a difference,With pass aim on zero I was missing a bunch of one timer opportunites,I also lowered shot accruacy and was seeing a bunch of shots going wide.Most of the goalie animations are the same and styles seem to be the same as last year.

I would have paid 49.99 for this one.I just can't stand when people say it is a $20 game because it is more than a so called budget game.

Sliders can be used in a non ranked online game.

[Diablo25]

I disagree with most of Tims's opinions.There is much more new to this game then a roster update and new bells and whistles.The Franchise mode is leaps above last years alone.Though,not enought time yet to find franchise bugs,but scouting the minor leagues is cool.The ai definietlly cycles the puck more and not every scoring chance is a one timer.I played 3 games on my extended luncj(lol) on pro.I upped the ai offense and defense sliders to full and gave them a littlie speed burst advantage.My god so far so good.I scored on a wrister,slap shot ,scramble for the puck in front of the goalie and a deflected shot from the point.I lost two games 4-3.5-4 and won 3-1.

The sliders do make a difference,With pass aim on zero I was missing a bunch of one timer opportunites,I also lowered shot accruacy and was seeing a bunch of shots going wide.Most of the goalie animations are the same and styles seem to be the same as last year.

I would have paid 49.99 for this one.I just can't stand when people say it is a $20 game because it is more than a so called budget game.

Sliders can be used in a non ranked online game.

Good to hear. I'll be playing it in a few minutes so impressions in about an hour or so. I certainly hope it plays more like 2K3. I loved that game. If the sliders make a difference then we are golden

[tjung0831]

Ok....this is based on one game of play at my local EB during lunch. This was also the PS2 version.
I thought the game looks decent on the PS2. I read some other reviews and people were complaining about the graphics on the PS2 version. It Looked pretty good to me at least during the actual gameplay. I also enjoyed the game that I played and that's a good sign since I didn't care for 2K4. The game felt more like 2K3 to me and I think that's another good sign. Everything felt right as far as gameplay goes and it didn't feel to fast or slow on the default settings. Sometimes the onetimer animations didn't look right....not awful but sometimes something just didn't look right. I saw a couple of glitches early including a couple of weird frame skips to where I was skating up the ice and then the next thing I knew my guy would be near the penatly box...kind of weird.
The controls felt good enough that if I don't like how my Xbox version feels control wise I would have no problem trading it in for the PS2 version.
One thing that I didn't care for was after scoring a goal it immediately throws you back at center ice. Not even a quick replay or any team celebration. Makes you kind of feel cheated. Also as soon as the period ended it seemed like my guys were skating back out onto the ice for the next period to begin. Another thing that stuck out was that I didn't see alot of different goalie annimations but then nothing can hold a candle to the goalie animations from last years NHL Hitz Pro game.
While I liked the game and I have it sitting at home right now...it's a $20 game for sure. It's just a roster update and few new bells and whistles for sure. I'm looking forward to seeing how my Xbox version plays tonight compared to the PS2 version.
By the way I took the Islanders against the Blues. Cliff Ronning had 2 goals and 1 assist. Alexi Yashin, Trent Hunter, and Mark Parrish had the other goals in my 5-0 win.

Tim

I disagree with most of Tims's opinions.There is much more new to this game then a roster update and new bells and whistles.The Franchise mode is leaps above last years alone.Though,not enought time yet to find franchise bugs,but scouting the minor leagues is cool.The ai definietlly cycles the puck more and not every scoring chance is a one timer.I played 3 games on my extended luncj(lol) on pro.I upped the ai offense and defense sliders to full and gave them a littlie speed burst advantage.My god so far so good.I scored on a wrister,slap shot ,scramble for the puck in front of the goalie and a deflected shot from the point.I lost two games 4-3.5-4 and won 3-1.

The sliders do make a difference,With pass aim on zero I was missing a bunch of one timer opportunites,I also lowered shot accruacy and was seeing a bunch of shots going wide.Most of the goalie animations are the same and styles seem to be the same as last year.

I would have paid 49.99 for this one.I just can't stand when people say it is a $20 game because it is more than a so called budget game.

Sliders can be used in a non ranked online game.

Good lord...I said it was based on one game of play. I never even got into franchise mode. I also played on default settings. I liked what I saw but it's no where near the end all be all hockey game and it's not worth $50 to me and I'd be willing to bet that it wouldn't be worth $50 to a lot of the die hard hockey gamers. It seems to be a decent game though but I wouldn't even call it a steal at the $20 price tag.

Tim

[Sully]

Ok....this is based on one game of play at my local EB during lunch. This was also the PS2 version.
I thought the game looks decent on the PS2. I read some other reviews and people were complaining about the graphics on the PS2 version. It Looked pretty good to me at least during the actual gameplay. I also enjoyed the game that I played and that's a good sign since I didn't care for 2K4. The game felt more like 2K3 to me and I think that's another good sign. Everything felt right as far as gameplay goes and it didn't feel to fast or slow on the default settings. Sometimes the onetimer animations didn't look right....not awful but sometimes something just didn't look right. I saw a couple of glitches early including a couple of weird frame skips to where I was skating up the ice and then the next thing I knew my guy would be near the penatly box...kind of weird.
The controls felt good enough that if I don't like how my Xbox version feels control wise I would have no problem trading it in for the PS2 version.
One thing that I didn't care for was after scoring a goal it immediately throws you back at center ice. Not even a quick replay or any team celebration. Makes you kind of feel cheated. Also as soon as the period ended it seemed like my guys were skating back out onto the ice for the next period to begin. Another thing that stuck out was that I didn't see alot of different goalie annimations but then nothing can hold a candle to the goalie animations from last years NHL Hitz Pro game.
While I liked the game and I have it sitting at home right now...it's a $20 game for sure. It's just a roster update and few new bells and whistles for sure. I'm looking forward to seeing how my Xbox version plays tonight compared to the PS2 version.
By the way I took the Islanders against the Blues. Cliff Ronning had 2 goals and 1 assist. Alexi Yashin, Trent Hunter, and Mark Parrish had the other goals in my 5-0 win.

Tim

I disagree with most of Tims's opinions.There is much more new to this game then a roster update and new bells and whistles.The Franchise mode is leaps above last years alone.Though,not enought time yet to find franchise bugs,but scouting the minor leagues is cool.The ai definietlly cycles the puck more and not every scoring chance is a one timer.I played 3 games on my extended luncj(lol) on pro.I upped the ai offense and defense sliders to full and gave them a littlie speed burst advantage.My god so far so good.I scored on a wrister,slap shot ,scramble for the puck in front of the goalie and a deflected shot from the point.I lost two games 4-3.5-4 and won 3-1.

The sliders do make a difference,With pass aim on zero I was missing a bunch of one timer opportunites,I also lowered shot accruacy and was seeing a bunch of shots going wide.Most of the goalie animations are the same and styles seem to be the same as last year.

I would have paid 49.99 for this one.I just can't stand when people say it is a $20 game because it is more than a so called budget game.

Sliders can be used in a non ranked online game.

Good lord...I said it was based on one game of play. I never even got into franchise mode. I also played on default settings. I liked what I saw but it's no where near the end all be all hockey game and it's not worth $50 to me and I'd be willing to bet that it wouldn't be worth $50 to a lot of the die hard hockey gamers. It seems to be a decent game though but I wouldn't even call it a steal at the $20 price tag.

Tim

Just curious....how can you say it's definitely not worth 50 bucks and might not be a steal at 20, if you only played one game? I had been skeptical of this game up until the last two weeks or so. Everything I've been reading has been mostly positive. I can't wait to get home and fire it up.

[webdanzer]

From one lunch time game:

Played all-star, one level from highest
Left most settings alone, but changed:

Controller to advanced
Speed burst after fight off
ref collision all
Pass assist off
manual shot aim
manual puck protect
10 min periods

Played as Devils vs Lightning, got my ass kicked 5-1, outshot like 50-30.

Surprising choppiness, at every faceoff and occasionally during play. It didn't affect play, really, but ugly.
Default speed was pretty good!
Good number of penalties for both sides (a little low) at default
Scored my one goal on first shot with Niedermayer...a clean slapper two strides in from the blue line. on ALL-STAR level. Good sign!
CPU wasn't nearly as one timer happy. CPU scored on 2 one timers, One clean wrister alone on goalie, one deflection, and one garbage goal. Felt much better to me than last year (pre-patch)
Goalies definitely more human, again, even seeing this on All-star level.
Lines don't fatigue enough (IMO) on default levels.
Goalies come out to play puck better.
'Intense moves' or whatever that is called on d....meh. Choppy animation transitions.
More jaggies on xbox than I remember
Arena music editor looks sweet.

Plenty of sliders and options, too, but I'm getting too old for that. Have at it, boys, and post your results!

Not much of substance, I know, but I played really quickly to fit it in.

Overall, though, ESPN was my least favorite hockey title of last year, and I see lots of improvements already.

Easily worth $20, too.

[lexbur]

Plenty of sliders and options, too, but I'm getting too old for that. Have at it, boys, and post your results!

LOL!

Let the madness begin...

[JackB1]

Tim.....how could u play it for an hour and then say "definitley a $20 game"? and then you wonder why this guy slammed you afterwards.
Don't make definitive statements after 1 hour of play. Play more and let us know

[tjung0831]

I disagree with most of Tims's opinions.There is much more new to this game then a roster update and new bells and whistles.The Franchise mode is leaps above last years alone.Though,not enought time yet to find franchise bugs,but scouting the minor leagues is cool.The ai definietlly cycles the puck more and not every scoring chance is a one timer.I played 3 games on my extended luncj(lol) on pro.I upped the ai offense and defense sliders to full and gave them a littlie speed burst advantage.My god so far so good.I scored on a wrister,slap shot ,scramble for the puck in front of the goalie and a deflected shot from the point.I lost two games 4-3.5-4 and won 3-1.

The sliders do make a difference,With pass aim on zero I was missing a bunch of one timer opportunites,I also lowered shot accruacy and was seeing a bunch of shots going wide.Most of the goalie animations are the same and styles seem to be the same as last year.

I would have paid 49.99 for this one.I just can't stand when people say it is a $20 game because it is more than a so called budget game.

Sliders can be used in a non ranked online game.

Good lord...I said it was based on one game of play. I never even got into franchise mode. I also played on default settings. I liked what I saw but it's no where near the end all be all hockey game and it's not worth $50 to me and I'd be willing to bet that it wouldn't be worth $50 to a lot of the die hard hockey gamers. It seems to be a decent game though but I wouldn't even call it a steal at the $20 price tag.

Tim

Just curious....how can you say it's definitely not worth 50 bucks and might not be a steal at 20, if you only played one game? I had been skeptical of this game up until the last two weeks or so. Everything I've been reading has been mostly positive. I can't wait to get home and fire it up.

It's worth $20 for sure however it wouldn't be worth $50 to me. While it's worth $20 I don't consider it a steal but it's still worth that price. NFL 2K5 was more of a steal at $20. IRL 2005 and Colin McRae 04 were steals at $20 in my eyes.
However you are right I have only played one game and I could end up changing my tune after I play the Xbox version....of course that tune could go both ways I suppose. Even Hrudey said everything he's read on the game was mixed reaction. While the gameplay I found to be good....parts of the game feel rushed. Presenation is nowhere near what NFL 2K5 did. This is supposed to be ESPN hockey right? What about scoring goals and the lack of celebration. I think goal celebration is a pretty huge part in hockey games and it's been part of all the hockey games in the last 10 years or so. So while it's good it also has that "Lets make it an upgrade feel" at least to me.

Tim

[tjung0831]

Tim.....how could u play it for an hour and then say "definitley a $20 game"? and then you wonder why this guy slammed you afterwards.
Don't make definitive statements after 1 hour of play. Play more and let us know

Jack,

Those are my initial impressions after playing one game. Thats all I had time for. It's a good game. Maybe I'll love my xbox version...i'll find out tonight.

Tim

[Airdog]

I'm digging it so far, after two games of default pro settings (speed zero though, tweaked camera [zoomed out further]), offline, vs. another person.

Obviously the change isn't as profound between 2K3 and 2K4 because the visuals are nearly the same.

As far as skating is concerned I think I prefer this game - it seems a little slower and deliberate and I like how the players use their stick to cradle the puck better.

Errant passes are plentiful on pass/aim @ zero so I had to turn it up a bit until I can get a better feeling for the game.

Cycling is way easier because the defencemen hold the puck in better at the blue line, but they're still not perfect in that respect.

The goalies collision detection is WAAAAAAAAY better, as far as suction is concerned. The glove is 100% better in this respect, although the puck will still suck back into the goalie if it does that silly spin bounce behind him - which is one of the other disappointments that I've seen so far.

The Heritage Classic also isn't playable immediately and you have to unlock it, which is a bit of a let down for me especially considering they have it listed as a feature on the back of the box.

I cannot wait until a great set of sliders is set up for this game, especially in regards to one timers - which I find a lot less accurate already.

First game - COL 4 - TOR 3 in my friend's favour.
Second game - TOR 2 COL 1 - 2OT, win for me.

My first goal was a Mats Sundin goalie deke that he backhanded top shelf - was very nice. I also got another goal where the goalie was screened.

Something that was really impressive for me, was that they did an ESPN replay of a very nice block shot and talked about hockey players sacrificing their bodies. I found that to be a great touch.

Anyway, those are my first impressions and they're definitely subject to change as the hours, days, and weeks go on. I'll check back in at the end of the night with more.

[seanmac31]

I would have loved last year's game if not for the super goalies, and the super goalies are definitely gone. I've only played a bit, but every goal I've scored to this point has been off a straight shot- not a one timer in sight, and none of them were off a deke move, either. Just solid position and quick wristers in for goals.

The graphics actually seem a tad worse than last year thanks to a bit of chop. Nothing major, but it is noticeable. The default gamespeed is very good, and it looks like there have been some nice new controls added- one time passing to cycle around during the powerplay, for instance, as well as a specific goalie deke for breakaway situations. Haven't been online yet, but I'm about to check it out (I hope they have done a better job of standardizing the game speed this year, as it was always a chore finding someone who didn't have the speed cranked way up in 2K4).

So far, so good.

[DChaps]

Never mind......

[Diablo25]

WooHoo! Custom cameras are back! This really hurt the game last year and now its just like it was in 2K3. I just played a quick period on "Pro" and was winning 3-1 against the Lightning. I usually play on All Star but I figured I would play the first game with Pro and mess around. Puck physics are definately improved. I love the free swinging poke check with the right analog. So far its very cool. These are very early impressions but I like it. Gamespeed is very nice on default. It will be interesting once sliders are created.

BTW, some of you guys may recognize me from the HighHeat boards as "Doby"

[XXXIV]

2 games in I give it a thumbs up........Feels right.......Seee me in a week.

I actually had a 3 goal game on all star.......ofcourse I was playing against khazakisomething.

[Diablo25]

It definately feels great so far! I just beat the Lightning on All Star 4-2 (was on Pro for a period and a half). I scored several different ways...one timer and a shielded slap shot that was sweet. The right analog dekes are done very well in 2K5...smoothness. I was getting a little slow down in frame rates right after face off with camera transition but then its pretty clean. The AI is nice. I had a power play after a fight and the "D" wasn't aggressive they played conservative and I was able to set up in the zone and move the puck around. I had a ball in my first game. I'm not gonna go nuts with these impressions but it feels super so far.

[snate]

Welcome Doby. Good to have you over here. I think you will like it alot.

[pk500]

>>>While I liked the game and I have it sitting at home right now...it's a $20 game for sure. It's just a roster update and few new bells and whistles for sure.<<<

I played two games after work and before dinner tonight, and I couldn't disagree more with Tim's initial impressions.

I played one game on default (Amateur) and one on Pro, with no changes to sliders. Won 7-0 as Edmonton over Tampa Bay on Amateur and won 3-0 as St. Louis over Pittsburgh on Pro.

This game is WAY more than a roster update and a few bells and whistles, and it's worth WAY more than $20. I'll go so far as saying this game is a more dramatic upgrade from 2K4 than 2K4 was from 2K3. But the upgrades are very subtle yet very effective. A quick rundown:

-- The CPU plays neutral-zone, dump-and-chase and cycle offense a lot more than previous years. It doesn't skate down the wings and just either shoot or attempt one-timers.

-- The dekes for human players are much more smooth and much more effective than in the past. I actually scored on a breakaway for the first time since maybe NHL 2K on the Dreamcast!

-- Great variety of goals scored without any slider setting changes. I've scored on garbage rebounds in front of the crease, a blast from the top of the circle and a pretty backhand on a short-handed situation. The short-handed goal came at the Pro level, too, something I hardly ever did last year.

-- Goalies are much smarter when playing with the puck, both human and CPU. They don't clear the puck right to an opposing player in the slot. Still, you better make up your mind quickly this year whether your goalie will play the puck or cover up because you can't stand around making a decision like last year. An opposing forward will poke the puck away from the goalie and take a shot.

-- I really like the Full Contact Controls. They don't produce big hits like the EA Bruise Control. What they do is hook or slash the player, adding clutch-and-grab hockey to a console game for seemingly the first time. They also add the "chippy and cheap" element to a console game for the first time I can remember. There's a definite risk and reward to the Full Contact Controls, as you will be called for a penalty if the slash, hook or hold is blatant, and it seems enforcement is more strict if you slash, hook or hold a star. I barely tugged Mario Lemieux and was called for a penalty just moments after chopping the sh*t out of a less-skilled player and getting no penalty.

-- The backward skating and stick controls are absolutely brilliant when your players are on defense. This is the best new feature of the game, by far, and will go thousands of miles toward keeping the CPU shots on goal down to a realistic level. It's so rewarding to poke a puck away just as a guy is shooting.

-- The direction of dump passes are user-controlled this year. Not every dump of the puck will head for the nearest corner or become a hard-around the boards. You can flip the puck out of your end when under pressure without icing it every time, like last year. I think this is the second-best new feature behind the backward skating and stick controls.

-- The default game speed is slower. Very nice.

-- Ubergoalies of the last two years are gone. No cheap goals, but no brick walls, either.

-- The annoying habit of scoring on the short side on non-screened slap shots from long distance that plagued ESPN NHL 2K4 is gone. When I scored on a blast from above the circle in the 7-0 rout, the shot was a perfect bullet high over the goalie's shoulder to the far side.

-- Working the puck on the power play is much easier with one-time passing. It works just like one-time shooting from years past except you hit the A button and the joystick toward the intended recipient of the second pass before the recipient of the first pass receives the puck. Fantastic for setting up on the PP.

-- There's more detail on player's helmets and jerseys, with jersey wrinkles a la ESPN NFL 2K5. The player faces are much better than last year's, too, probably in response to the incredible face mapping being done in NHL 2005.

-- The fighting system is bad-ass. It's so cool to be able to move around the ice and scrap instead of just standing toe-to-toe like Rock 'Em Sock 'Em Robots.

Now for a couple of things I didn't like:

-- The picture-in-picture window on faceoffs is totally worthless and creates a moment of massive slowdown right after the faceoff. I sure hope the PIP can be turned off.

-- It seemed like there was a huge imbalance in penalties toward the human player. I was called for seven penalties against Pittsburgh, which received one. Granted, it was one game. So hopefully it was just an anomaly.

There are a lot of other little positive things that I noticed but have forgotten. But bottom line, this is a big step forward for this already strong franchise.

No way this is a roster upgrade and a few doo-dads thrown in. Not even close. This is a superb hockey game with a ton of really nice, but subtle, improvements, based on my very early impressions.

More to come.

Take care,
PK

[Diablo25]

Welcome Doby. Good to have you over here. I think you will like it alot.

Thanks dude...I've been lurking a few weeks so I figured I would post and let those who know me as Doby know.

[Sully]

Wow, PK, great impressions man. I'll be picking mine up in about an hour. Hopefully I'll see some of you on XBL tonight.

[Diablo25]

>>>While I liked the game and I have it sitting at home right now...it's a $20 game for sure. It's just a roster update and few new bells and whistles for sure.<<<

I played two games after work and before dinner tonight, and I couldn't disagree more with Tim's initial impressions.

I played one game on default (Amateur) and one on Pro, with no changes to sliders. Won 7-0 as Edmonton over Tampa Bay on Amateur and won 3-0 as St. Louis over Pittsburgh on Pro.

This game is WAY more than a roster update and a few bells and whistles, and it's worth WAY more than $20. I'll go so far as saying this game is a more dramatic upgrade from 2K4 than 2K4 was from 2K3. But the upgrades are very subtle yet very effective. A quick rundown:

-- The CPU plays neutral-zone, dump-and-chase and cycle offense a lot more than previous years. It doesn't skate down the wings and just either shoot or attempt one-timers.

-- The dekes for human players are much more smooth and much more effective than in the past. I actually scored on a breakaway for the first time since maybe NHL 2K on the Dreamcast!

-- Great variety of goals scored without any slider setting changes. I've scored on garbage rebounds in front of the crease, a blast from the top of the circle and a pretty backhand on a short-handed situation. The short-handed goal came at the Pro level, too, something I hardly ever did last year.

-- Goalies are much smarter when playing with the puck, both human and CPU. They don't clear the puck right to an opposing player in the slot. Still, you better make up your mind quickly this year whether your goalie will play the puck or cover up because you can't stand around making a decision like last year. An opposing forward will poke the puck away from the goalie and take a shot.

-- I really like the Full Contact Controls. They don't produce big hits like the EA Bruise Control. What they do is hook or slash the player, adding clutch-and-grab hockey to a console game for seemingly the first time. They also add the "chippy and cheap" element to a console game for the first time I can remember. There's a definite risk and reward to the Full Contact Controls, as you will be called for a penalty if the slash, hook or hold is blatant, and it seems enforcement is more strict if you slash, hook or hold a star. I barely tugged Mario Lemieux and was called for a penalty just moments after chopping the sh*t out of a less-skilled player and getting no penalty.

-- The backward skating and stick controls are absolutely brilliant when your players are on defense. This is the best new feature of the game, by far, and will go thousands of miles toward keeping the CPU shots on goal down to a realistic level. It's so rewarding to poke a puck away just as a guy is shooting.

-- The direction of dump passes are user-controlled this year. Not every dump of the puck will head for the nearest corner or become a hard-around the boards. You can flip the puck out of your end when under pressure without icing it every time, like last year. I think this is the second-best new feature behind the backward skating and stick controls.

-- The default game speed is slower. Very nice.

-- Ubergoalies of the last two years are gone. No cheap goals, but no brick walls, either.

-- The annoying habit of scoring on the short side on non-screened slap shots from long distance that plagued ESPN NHL 2K4 is gone. When I scored on a blast from above the circle in the 7-0 rout, the shot was a perfect bullet high over the goalie's shoulder to the far side.

-- Working the puck on the power play is much easier with one-time passing. It works just like one-time shooting from years past except you hit the A button and the joystick toward the intended recipient of the second pass before the recipient of the first pass receives the puck. Fantastic for setting up on the PP.

-- There's more detail on player's helmets and jerseys, with jersey wrinkles a la ESPN NFL 2K5. The player faces are much better than last year's, too, probably in response to the incredible face mapping being done in NHL 2005.

-- The fighting system is bad-ass. It's so cool to be able to move around the ice and scrap instead of just standing toe-to-toe like Rock 'Em Sock 'Em Robots.

Now for a couple of things I didn't like:

-- The picture-in-picture window on faceoffs is totally worthless and creates a moment of massive slowdown right after the faceoff. I sure hope the PIP can be turned off.

-- It seemed like there was a huge imbalance in penalties toward the human player. I was called for seven penalties against Pittsburgh, which received one. Granted, it was one game. So hopefully it was just an anomaly.

There are a lot of other little positive things that I noticed but have forgotten. But bottom line, this is a big step forward for this already strong franchise.

No way this is a roster upgrade and a few doo-dads thrown in. Not even close. This is a superb hockey game with a ton of really nice, but subtle, improvements, based on my very early impressions.

More to come.

Take care,
PK

Great impressions PK. IMO, you are right on. Especially on the right analog free swing to poke check. Very nice.

[Sully]

One thing PK. In some reviews I've read, they've stated that on default, there are too many penalties called. It might be a good idea to bump the penalty slider down if the trend from your 7 penalty game continues. Just some food for thought.

[dbdynsty25]

You guys fail to remember that Tjung is the king of the kiosk impressions.