Good, but not great. XBOX version is okay compared to the other platforms

User Rating: 7.3 | NHL 07 X360
By ironpej | Review Date:
This year I spoiled myself by getting NHL 07 on my PSP, PC, and on the XBOX 360. You could say I was suffering from multiple personalities and couldn't decide which platform I wanted to play on. By far, NHL 07 is one of the better versions from this franchise in a long time. I haven't had this much fun playing hockey since the 03 version. If you're looking for a good hockey game, you can't beat the EA Sports version. After playing this on the PC and PSP, I am somewhat disappointed by the XBOX version. It's missing some of the capabilities from the other platforms, such as the ability to create your own team. Both the PC and PSP have this feature. Gameplay is also slower compared to the other versions. While you can modify the tempo of the game, it lacks the "excitement" of the other versions. Player size is proportionately whacked compared to the ice (players look very small on a very large ice surface) and puck possession is somewhat difficult to determine. Player movement and control is much better on the PC and even on the PSP (in fact, the PSP version is quite good and a lot of fun). The camera angles, while the same across all platforms, is not as good on the XBOX - i.e. Ice is right down on the surface with the other platforms, but with the XBOX it is not quite at ice level.

Specific to the XBOX is the control stick feature. Basically the right thumb acts as your stick while the left thumb is your skates. If your an experienced EA Sports NHL'er it takes a bit to get used too, though practicing in shootout mode is a lot of fun, but for new comers this is quite easy to grasp. You do have a bit more control of the puck and can do some great dekes and spins. There is no deke key so players will need to master this in order to perform spins and out play their opponents. AI is good and in the Superstar difficulty the CPU gives you a tough game.

If your looking for a good hockey game this season and your only gaming platform is an XBOX, then you may want to rent both NHL 07 and 2K7 and decide on which one suites your fancy. My 2cents.

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