NHL 07

IGN posted a fairly deep article on the new features of NHL 07. Unless NHL 2K7 has some similar earth-shattering changes, I think EA may finally get its hockey crown back after about a decade of being #2.

The biggest, and potentially best, change is that the game can be played without the face buttons. That's right, dual-analog and shoulder buttons FTW.

The graphics are pretty decent too:

Click for full size

It'll be interesting to see how it goes. I have loved the 2k series for the last few years and just wasn't playing hockey much before that since the games just didn't feel right to me (ie, fun). I normally try not to get EA stuff, but I won't boycot a better game justbecause it's from them.

Sweet.

I'm fucking stoked.

2k6 was not much of an improvement over 2k5... So it is good to see EA is trying.

I want this game now. Dynasty mode sounds sweet as fuck. The dual controller set up intrigues me, but its the Dynasty mode I like alot. Grooming a player, sending your scout staff across the globe, and keeping your vets happy. All the while maintaining your salery cap. I like it.

I was thinking the same thing. The 2k hockey games have been buggy as hell lately, especially the 360 version. After 6 straight years of 2K, I may switch back finally.

This is exactly the kind of new direction hockey gaming needs. The cheap, conventional attempts to capture the spirit of the game have all failed. Even the 2001 year with NHL 2001 and 2K1 weren't all that hot.

The problem is always that the gameplay felt cheap and unrefined. If EA does nothing but refine the control for a hockey game like IGN said they have I'll be a happy camper. It's about time all sports games got the same treatment that Fight Night brought to boxing.

They need to start wrestling games all over again too. A lot of shit needs a good kick in the ass to get going again. Throw out all of that last gen shit and start from scratch.

I wish they'd stop trying to make it look like a tv show and make it more immersive.