This is a great hockey game for the PS3 and 2k again sets the high bar for puck action, making EA look like kindergarten
You will appreciate the top notch graphics, especially the slick player models, jerseys and facial hair (IT LOOKS REAL!) in this game. One would definately be hard pressed to call this a 'game' in a sense, numberous vistors have asked who is playing (as in a real game). On an HD display this looks great (remember SONYs problems with 1080i gaming at the time of this review) and the 720p support brings a crisp visual aspect of hockey that is hard to be touched. Which is truly 2k7s strong point; presentation.
The graphics are the tip of the iceberg and gone are the lackluster announcing offerings of previous games and in are a new way of depicting the on-ice action. Instead of simply announcing play by play you are treated with a soundtrack to the action via an ever-changing orchestra. As the action picks up so does the orchestra, coming from behind, the band is playing right with the action. Although it sounds subtle it adds a great immersive quality to the game and puts importance on every draw and play.
As far as action goes this game is hard to beat, the hockey adrenaline is captured to a great degree and never lets up. Online also has a wealth of offerings, including leagues, seasons, tournaments, playoffs, and the typical ranking and matchmaking systems prevalent on many online titles today.
Player models are solid and the animation is superb, every movement rendered in a realistic HD fashion. The controls are solid, akin to the 2K franchise of hockey, and if you have played previous versions on a Playstation console you will easily mesh with this game.
The tilt controls are utilized particularly well in this game as well. You would be suprised as to how satisfying it is to lay a hit on an opponent, especially one in the room, via the tilt of the SIXAXIS controller. Jolting it forward releases a collasal hit that makes it worthwile on any occasion. It also works particularly well in the manual goalie mode where you tilt it to not only move the golies vision cone (think madden) but also to line up your block with the shooters target. It takes some experience but offers true masters of the game yet another facet to shine their skills.
As of press I am having problems with online however others are not and I cannot comment therefore on its current state. However like other PS3 games it offers a free service and provides all the content paying customers of XBL are accustomed to.
Overall 2K7 delivers a definitive puck experience to the PS3, not because it is the only ice hockey title available, but because 2K Sports continues to deliver on-ice action at its highest point yet another year.