Far to underappreciated by some major reviewers.
I of course feel far differently, this is the first hockey game where I play the game for the game instead of hard hits or getting into fights. So here we go:
Gameplay:
The best part about the game and easily my favorite hockey control scheme ever, the controls are done completely with the right analog. This allows full control of the puck including deke and slapshots / wrist shots. Also the passing system is way different now done with the R trigger you need to aim in the general direction of your teamates to make an accurate pass. Though this can get frustrating it actually is really a great feature when you get used to it. The biggest flaw with the gameplay is first off your teammates AI. They generally will do whatever plans you may have layed out but most of the time they just run around in what seems to be aimlessly. (Depending on whether there defense or offense) The other flaw is the fact that in 07' they got rid of almost all of the trick plays except for a little spin and the occasional juke, both of which are fairly useless in a actual game. However in shootout they are really nice and get make for some cool shots. Shootout is pretty much a 1on1 with you and the goalie, this can be done with or without another player and you can choose to control your goalie or not if you so choose. Graphics:
I am not going to go into the graphics very much but suffice to say they are great, and the in-between and after matches look great, the camera is fabulous and replays look great.
Sound:
Sound is the one area that I really dislike and that is because its so plain,not that it is terrible, it is average.
Extras:
Another of the few areas where the game is lacking you have a dynasty which is just as extensive as the last, shootout mode, a world tournament type thing, and just quick matches. They also offer a create a player mode which is very basic in its offerings but still makes for a nice feature if you plan on using yourself ingame.
Overall:
Well worth the purchase if you don't already own a hockey game and would like one or you are a big hockey fan. Easily my favorite sports game released yet.