NHL 07 Reviews

• It's about time...

  
  By ADNGHT8EAHLWZ on 2006-09-14
  It's about time someone finally stepped up to the plate, or the blue line in this case, and changed the way we play our hockey games. EA's skill stick lets you use the right analog stick to basically control every movement of your player's hockey stick. When you're on defense you use it similar to Madden's hit stick. Your fingers never have to leave the analogs unless you want to change lines or initiate fights. The control scheme is nothing short of genius. You use nothing but analog and triggers to shoot, pass, check, hook, block, dive, and switch players. For those who are not comfortable with the change, you can switch it to the familiar setup.
  
  Graphically the game shines and really shows the power of the 360. Players look like their real life counterparts, jerseys have fantastic detail, player equipment looks very authentic, and arenas are well represented although I'm not quite sure they are authentic because Cleveland does not have a hockey team so I have little chance to catch NHL games. The crowd is a huge improvement and while looking somewhat basic, they stand when goals are scored to cheer you on and seem to have some knowledge that good things are happening on the ice. It was just nice to notice that when I scored a goal. Most of the time I pay little attention to the cardboard cut-out crowds but the 3-D crowd is more noticeable. Players animate well though most of the animation is recycled from NHL 06 from the current gen. The AI has been changed so that finally players aren't glued to their position. For example, last year if you witnessed a loose puck on the ice you had to manually change to a player and chase it down because the players were too busy covering the opponent or playing their zone. And, finally, they have toned down the one timers. I cannot stress enough how difficult it really is to nail a good one timer in real life and it should never have been that easy in video games.
  
  Goalies have been given all new animations which are extremely welcome. When you play the position in real life, you tend to become more critical towards the realism and effort in games - so naturally I notice every year what small changes are made to the net minders. Making butterfly goalies finally play like butterfly goalies brings a HUGE smile to my face. No longer are the goalie's pads glued to their legs like all previous hockey games (2k series included... even this year's). They will show the full face when in the butterfly on the ice. Also new this year, goalies limbs move independently. This basically means the goalie isn't locked into one whole body involving animation. They can move their arms while still in the butterfly to make glove saves or kick one leg out to knock the puck away. The end result is a much more realistic and life-like representation of the position.
  
  All of the features we've come to know and love are included in this game. As Xbox 360 owners, we know how in the past, our sports games have skimped on the features and game modes to give us more graphical wow. I'm seriously happy EA decided to skip making a watered down version of NHL last year because you all know how the rest of the sports lineup was for '06. You can play single games, Dynasty, World Tournament, and Shootout. Sadly they have removed the single season game for those who are not interested in micromanaging a hockey team. The Dynasty mode has all of the basics of managing your team such as trades, contracts (which now include negotiations and 1 or 2 way contracts), upgrading team and facilities, line management, and messages. The interface has changed for the better and much needed update. It will take players a while to familiarize yourself with the new layout but it's still basically the same.
  
  Now, I'm not strictly an EA fan and into glorifying their games. Every year since NHL 2k came out, I've been buying both because each game had its pros and cons. For the first time in years, I believe EA's NHL 07 is the closest we're going to get in a while to perfection in the gameplay department. And, I usually buy a hockey game for the game play, not mini games or shootouts or practices or skills competitions. I want to strictly play hockey. This year they've tightened up the AI, changed the way we play our game with the implementation of the skill stick, and the sound and graphics are very impressive. Despite NHL 2k7's online dynasty mode and plethora of game modes, I still feel as if I'm playing the same game as last year with only extremely slight changes. This is not enough to warrant shelling out another $60 for 2k. And for the first time since its release, I will not buy the 2k game. It's almost like EA and 2k has switched when discussing which is realistic and which is arcade. I feel EA has finally given the gamers what they want and that's realistic hockey that makes you feel like you're actually part of the game.
  
  
  

• Disapointing Quality...

  
  By AT4FCUESJB9I2 on 2006-12-13
  First off I will say that the game play is pretty decent. That is it is pretty decent after playing for two weeks to figure out the new game controls. Once you get used to them the game is much more enjoyable though they are still somewhat "numb".
  
  That said all there really is to say regarding this game is poor quality. I could review the game play and talking about all the features though I won't waste your time. The only thing you really need to know regarding this game is two things.
  
  (1) The online play is great when people are not cheating which is about 1% of the time. The online play has a nasty glitch allowing people to reset the game back to the last face-off. This "feature" allows players to void goals, penalties, and just generally prolong the game. This along with other bugs in the online play effectively ruin online portion of the game.
  
  (2) Ok, so there is always franchise mode. Franchise mode has a wonderful glitch that doesn't allow the players on your team to improve from season to season. The bug is discussed on the EA message boards and I have experienced it first hand. Nothing like playing an entire season and going to start season 2 only to find that all your players improvements are lost. This bug effectively ruins franchise mode.
  
  So whats left EA? I am left wondering why I wasted my money on this game and most of all wondering why EA does not offer a patch to fix these blatent game problems. Overall this game is fun to play though the major game problems override the good with the bad. I would not recommend purchasing this game.
  
  

• Welcome To Skill Stick Hockey

  
  By A3DM6UGX44NJ9K on 2006-10-19
  NHL 07: you have no speed bursts (players move based on ratings), too-realistic passing, no Season mode, and a default controller setting that not only completely ignores the face buttons (the colored X, Y, A and B buttons), but forces you to pass using the right trigger. THE RIGHT TRIGGER TO PASS. So why did I buy EA Sports' product over the smoother, pass and teamwork-friendly NHL 2K7, with its numerous game modes, ground-breaking camera angle and excellent online playability?
  It is as the rumors say: The Skill Stick.
  Every gaming review has advised that it may take up to over a dozen games just to get used to the NHL 07 Skill Stick, which, undisputedly, is the future of video game hockey. Say to yourself, "Learn it now, and hope NHL 08 will have the rest of its game presentation catch up to its technology." But the reviews are spot on--you will need at least a dozen games to get comfortable.
  There are several tweaks and things you can do to ease yourself in: set your controller settings to "Classic" and change "Camera Relative" to "Always Up" to be able to have a hybrid controller where you can use the classic EA Sports hockey setup, as well as the Skill Stick; play hours of the Shootout mode; and start off playing at the Pro level for about three games, before moving on to more difficult play.
  Let me put it this way: you intercept a pass in the neutral zone, and skate untouched toward the opposing goalie. God help you if your only option is to press a deke button, aim, and shoot, and hope the computer odds let your goal in.
  Now imagine being able to skate up, deke left, pull right for a wrister, then, just as the goalie commits to the right side, pull your stick back left and flip it top shelf, backhanded over his glove.
  Imagine no more. If you can think it, the Skill Stick can do it: high, low, five-hole, top shelf, flip, wrister, slap, snap...everything. It just seems ridiculous that you would want to skate in such critical moments such as breakaways, penalty shots and shootouts without at least an 85 percent chance of scoring. Sure it's offensively biased, but in real-life hockey, the one-on-one situation will always favor the skilled scorer against the skilled goalie--the scorer just has too many moves, and the goalie can only react.
  It'll be a sacrifice, so buying the game used is probably recommended; it's not a complete package, but you'll be glad you've mastered the Skill Stick by the time a hopefully superior NHL 08 comes out, with you steps ahead of the rest of the competition.
  If you like team play, with great passing, and bum rush the net strategies, get the 2K7 offering. It's user-friendly, and you can be reasonably competitive online in a matter of two or three games. But if the thrill of getting to an open spot on the ice and having every shot aimed at ANY location at your disposal, 07's Skill Stick is by far the way to go. It's like comparing Doom II to 360's Ghost Recon, in terms of controls.
  It may not be this year, but the Skill Stick era is about to dominate the video game hockey landscape.
  
  

• EA doesn't seem to know what it is doing

  
  By A1JYM36BZ4AIX7 on 2006-09-16
  This game is horrible. Your team's ai is must have came to the game in the short bus because they are stupid. Whenever I skate up the ice, my own players get in my way and I end up losing the puck. And they can't defend worth anything, I can't count how many times my computer controlled defensemen were caught out of position resulting in an odd-man rush. The opponet's ai is able to pole check and read passes way too easily. The hit stck is just a joke, it's not accurate and when you miss your player is pretty much screwed because he just stands there. And what is with the players poke checking, does EA not realize that you can move and poke check at the same time? The manual shot aim is worthless, most of the time it ends up being sucked up right into the goalies glove. And the computer scores on the softest goals but you actually have to work for a goal.
  
  

• Great Game, Good Experience

  
  By A349MGZV85SZPH on 2006-09-22
  This is by far the best hockey game I ever played. The new controls make it feel a lot more like real hockey. The presentation is very good as well, and best of all, I have yet to experience a frustrating moment. When you get scored on in this game, it is because you messed up, and not because the game messed you up.
  
  I can only recommend this game. Only the game manual is lacking.
  
  
• The Greatest "beta test" Hockey I ever Played
  By A2C30M51YIWCW9 on 2006-09-18
  Did they not test the gameplay of this final release? I eagerly bought this game as soon as it came out. EA hockey has always been my favorite, and I usually buy the game every year since NHLPA '93. Not since '93 have I seen such garbage errors in the AI and gameplay as you will find in this new NHL 07 for xbox 360.
  In general, AI is terrible and you can't count on your bot guys to do anything other than float around in lala land. They will constantly go offside even while the target of a pass or in stride with a straight-skating puck carrier. They don't catch passes and will even skate away at the last second, so your stuck using that trigger button (pass/closest player) for instant simultanous but diffent. Basicaly, this leads to constant offsides and icing. On icing, usually neither your bots or the comp will go after the puck or chase it. The "refs" *never ever* wave off icing like they are supposed too somtimes.
  Scoring is very tough for the player, especially when learning the skill stick. Even so, some whole games it's seems impossible to phase the goalie. Specifically, the puck hits the post waaaaay to much. After I started getting better at aiming for corners while deking and shooting, I just hit posts. I started counting, and the MAJORITY of shots that beat the goalie hit the post, often as high as 4 or 5 posts for every 1 goal during a game. Not only that, but MOST of the time, a wide or post shot will deflect out of play.
  Conversly, the goalies do allow a lot of "bug" goals, and constanly give up off-angle shots or own-goals that dribble through them.
  
  These are just some of the specific problems that make this game really frusterating and almost unplayable.
  
  
• Not what I expected
  By A1GFOZLR90NR1K on 2006-09-22
  The demo of this game had me very excited, but the actual game was a major disappointment. Not only were the controls much more awkward than I expected (they were identical to the 2k6 controls, except they didn't make as much sense), but the gameplay was COMPLETELY unrealistic. I know EA is known for arcade style games, but this was pretty ridiculous. The AI are impossible to work with...they basically just go in predetermined circle paths over and over. I dare say that this game doesn't even scratch the surface of next-gen...it has some redeeming qualities (the graphics are great), but at the cost of a slower frame rate and serious lag during online play.
  
  If you're looking for a realistic game, this isn't it.
  
  
• One of the worst sports video games i've ever played
  By A3DWTTN41N394Y on 2006-12-23
  Note that I said 'one of' and not "the" worst sports video game.
  
  Things I like
  ________________
  
  . It has all of the current NHL players on it, as well as minor league players.
  
  . The ability to edit finances with dynasty mode.
  
  . Being the general manager of an NHL team and getting mail from the NHL, your team's coaches, players, etc.
  
  . Gameplay is good, but not great.
  
  
  Things I don't like
  ______________________
  
  . What you can edit in finances (should have more options)
  
  . The controls are VERY hard to get used to, it must have taken me 10 games before I could actually control the player's fairly well, and it usually only takes me a couple of hours to get used to a video game's controls. (whereas this took something like 5-6 hours)
  
  . Limited controls as goalie, especially when you set it to play only as goalie. Otherwise, whenever he gets the puck, there isn't much you can do but use the right trigger to pass (unless the puck was dumped in the zone).
  
  . Unless viewing in HD, good luck reading the numbers on the statistics. I played it in HD on our 60" Sony and could read it perfectly, however, when moving it to the 32" Sony and not in HD (just by choice at the time, moved it after this) it was hard to see the numbers on the statistics, especially when you are going to trade players.
  
  . If you trade a lot of players, and then go to "Roster Moves" and you are over the limit, you won't be able to get out of it without moving the required amount to your minor league team. (unless you saved the game before going there, in which case you can just turn the XBOX 360 off and then go from there) So if you got a player that isn't very good, but has good potential, good luck not having another team take him when you send him to the minor leagues because he has a 1-way contract and not a 2-way. (you should be able to go to contracts and change it, then move them to the minors) And it even says the the NHL doesn't allow you to have more than 23 players active, and that you can't play a game. Well don't let me play the next game, but let me get out of "Roster Moves" to edit a guy-with-a-lot-of-potential's contract!
  
  . The visual settings for which way you view on the ice is absolutely unfunctional. It has the option of: "Always Down", "Always Up", "Alternating". Well, first off, the "Always Up" and "Always Down" options don't even make sense as if you set it to one or the other it will be different when you are at a different rink (I find myself having to switch it as soon as I see the first faceoff at the beginning of each game). I guess the "Alternating" option works, but I don't know as I haven't tried it. I don't know how they made this game and somehow didn't get the view perspective to be consistent.
  
  . They don't have a goalie named "Backstrom" on there, he is one of the league leaders of goalies this year.
  
  . They use the same cut scenes at the beginning of each game over and over, and usually just only change the side the 'camera' is on.
  
  . They don't show any intermission entertainment, it just plays music.
  
  . You can't pick what music you want to hear and what you don't want to hear. EA Games has done this at least two times with the latest games from the Need for Speed series.
  
  
  
  Things I would like to see
  _____________________________
  
  . An option so that if you have XBOX Live you can keep up with your team. As in if you love the Atlanta Thrashers, for example, and you want to have the exact players that are on the team, you should be able to just connect online with XBOX Live and have an update for the teams on your NHL dynasty mode saved file that will update all of the teams with the most current rosters. It might even be cool if it updated with injuries too. It would be great for fantasy league fans that also play this game.
  
  
  Tips
  _______
  
  If you want to change your goalie during the game, you have to hit "Start" on the controller as soon as a whistle blows, and then you can change him. For some reason, EA doesn't tell you this.
  
  
• This game plays great.
  By A10CP2IXQ9EV8L on 2006-09-18
  First of all, this game looks better than any hockey game I've ever played. But it doesn't sacrifice gameplay. It still feels fast and smooth. I really like the new skills stick too. I didn't think I would at first, but it's really intuitive. It didn't take me long to pick up the nuances of the new controls. I don't even really like hockey that much, only playoff hockey. So I was fairly surprised I liked it so much.
  
  
• You'll pull your hair out until you get used to it....
  By A1ZS8LRP35GNTW on 2006-09-24
  Like a lot of poeple, I was completely and totally frustrated with this game at first. My first few attempts with the shoot out Demo had me wondering what the heck EA was thinking with the whole "Skill Stick" control. I downloaded the Shootout Demo from X-Box Live and found that after a while the "Skill Stick" really does a great job of giving the player the MOST CONTROL EVER in a hockey game.
  
  The problem was that I played the shootout demo until the thought I had a shold grip on the control mechanics. Once you get the game and fire up a five on five game, it's a whole new game.
  
  If you get this game, give it between 10 and 20 exhibition games to get comfortable with the new control scheme. My first few games I was out shot by the Computer AI teams around 100 to 1. But at about ten games I was outshooting the AI and by 20 games I was producing spin moves, deking AI players out of their jocks, scoring five-hole wrist shots, and putting one-timers past the goalie.
  
  Speaking of the goalies... These are some of the best, most reactive, most responcive AI goalies I've ever seen. Playing a game with the Red Wings and putting Hasek in goal resulted in the kinds of saves I'm used to seeing Hasek make in his prime! Seriously, you'll stop play to watch AI goalie replays... The goalies really do seem to play the puck. They come out to cut off the angles and challenge the puck on a breakaway.
  
  As to complaints, the fighting system sucks. The Hit Stick needs to go, it's just a lame excuse for a defence, and like a few of the reviewers before me mentioned, the AI is a bit questionable at times. There are times you will get an offsides call, but that happens all the time in the real game, so what do you want?
  
  This is a great move forward for Hockey video games!
  
  
• ARGH, Worst Hockey game EVER!!!!
  By A2L8S4KG702SFT on 2006-10-02
  I have been playing hockey video games since before they had NHLPA permission to use the players names. But I have to say, this is the worst hockey game I have played. (I have not played NHL 2K7 for the 360 as of yet, so this may just be the second worst, but for now it is the worst) Where to bin:
  
  1-Passing is simply awful. Half the time you pass to the other team or up ice for an icing. It would be nice if representations of professional players could atleast pass to their own team.
  
  2-Computer AI is awful. The players on your team that you are not controlling will sit in the zone and cause you to go off side about 2 dozen times a game. You literally have to skate around the neutral zone and wait for them to exit most of the game.
  
  3-Opponent will either suck or be the greatest team ever. What I mean here is I played an entire season and lost almost every other game. So I would beat Ottawa 5-1 and lose to Montreal the next night 7-1 only to rebound to beat Detroit 5-1. It seems that wins causes your goalie to suck it up while making your opponents better.
  
  4-Speed kills the fun. If the other team is faster then your team, simulate though the game, as you will have a better chance of winning. A slow team is a kiss of death as speed seems to be the only thing that matters to this game.
  
  5-Shot tick is a joke. I know I will get blasted for this, but I prefer the buttons. The stick seemed very non responsive at times. Also it is impossible to line anyone up for a body check.
  
  6-Body Checks are a JOKE. I attempted to knock Koivu down with a body check by Domi. Domi chased him around the zone attempting to check him. Not only did it not fall down, but he never loss control of the puck!!!
  
  Overall I'd say that if you want to play this, rent it first. I guess I will have to try NHL 2k& to see if it is as bad as this game.
  
  
  
• The Best Ever
  By AWSAXUKTGOFDM on 2006-09-21
  With its new controlls, crisp graphics, and life-like gameplay, this is the best hockey game of all time. While the XBOX 360 has continued to disappoint me with its lack of titles...this game really unlocks the system's capability. It may take you a few times to get the controlls down (because it is such a new concept). Once you do, the controller will not leave your hand.
  
  BTW- Gary Thorne is the MAN!!
  
  
  
  
• DLP owners beware!
  By A3N46OJVC4LX7Z on 2006-09-22
  This game produces the dreaded 'rainbow' effect on my Samsung 62" DLP TV. I haven't seen this problem with any other xbox 360 games, only this one. Maybe it's the slow frame rate or something that causes it. If you have a DLP HDTV set, beware you may have the same problem!
  
  
• + for skill stick, - for AI and the rest
  By A1HFLZWKJFI6TE on 2006-11-06
  Skill stick is an improvement. But everyone knows about that part of the game.
  
  AI is horrible. I've noticed 3 of my team's AI controlled players standing still at once. Goalies don't get back into position, let in horribly soft goals, and have no concept of controlling rebounds. There is apparently no way to get defensemen to pinch reliably. I have yet to see a player anticipate a play. Defensemen don't clear out players around the net.
  
  Passing is hit and miss, at best. There is often no way to tell if you have other players onside, and it is difficult to reliably direct passes to a specific player if two teamates are about the same angle from the puck carrier.
  
  I understand that it may be difficult to program AI for a sport with play as spontaneous as it is in hockey (i.e., unlike football with set plays,) but it's disappointing that hockey games are at least 5 years behind football games. The 2K series has better passing controls, but 2K6 at least has similar difficulties with AI.
  
  
• ICE ICE BABY!!!!
  By A38PZ3688BRUIM on 2006-09-22
  So much fun, great new controls, and the 1st in next-gen hockey, welcome to NHL 07 people!!!!
  
  I thought the new skill stick was going to be hard to get the hang of but give it a game and you'll be wondering how you play without it.
  Smooth gameplay(can honestly say i have NOT noticed any frame rate drop), awesome graphics and sound theres nothing ive seen that come close to this!!
  
  And no more blaming the AI because now you take full control of the game so if you lose its because you suck....somthing 2K7 fan boys know all to well about!
  Ive had one game online and yeah it was laggy but hay - im all the way over in New Zealand so every game is laggy=)
  Just harden up and play.
  Great job EA.
  
  
• BEST GAME EVER!!
  By A3TCA4LAEWG5MF on 2006-09-28
  I've played hockey for many years and this game makes you feel as though you are on the ice playing. The new joystick puck control does take time to get use to but once you do you will never want to go back to the classic controls. The highlight reel goals you score are sick! The game is the most challenging hockey game I have ever played and everytime you score a goal you can't help but jump in the air and yell. Little feature like the goalies actually catching the puck and only getting a piece of the puck while it trickles in is amazing. I highly recommend this game!!
  
  
• Incredible!!
  By A2WHJ83ODI7W7Q on 2006-11-27
  I was nervous at first to try the new "skill stick", but after getting used to it, I must say that it lives up to all the hype. The movements you need to make are perfectly suitable to the game of hockey. The gameplay is smooth and fluid, and it is much more realistic. The only thing I do not like is shootout mode, where you lose some of the ability to move around the ice and fake out the goalie, but that is no reason not to buy this game.
  
  Without a doubt, the best hockey game I have ever played. I do not see much room for improvement.
  
  
• Pretty Good, btu not perfect
  By A3TRZOYO7081M0 on 2006-12-20
  The game it good, graphics are good and it's easy to find things and set up games, franchises and such.
  
  I don't know why people are complaining about the controls, if they didn't want to take up time by having to learn the new controls there is a feature in just about every game that allows you to change the control in the seetings menu in game where it says "Xbox 360 Controller Setup" which I switch from default to classic where x= wrist shot and b= slap shot. The good thing about it is that you can still use the right analog stick to do stick fakes and other moves. Also it does still allow you to shoot with it as well which at times will happen when trying to do a move to get around a guy.
  
  One thing about the game is that (I'm not 100% sure whether you can or not) the rosters aren't up to date. For instance Petr Sykora is still on the Rangers although in real life he is on the Edmonton Oilers. Also i don/t know fi it's a glitch but he also is on the Capitals, atleast in my game he is. EA might have online roster uupdates which would come in handy so they could re-evaluate players like they did in Madden 2005, but it would only effect the players if you were starting a new franchise.
  
  Amazon is usually a good place to buy games and such but I bought this game at Best Buy for $30 and I'm happy with my purchase. So if you are looking for a good hockey game this game is definately wirth a look, it may not be perfect but then again there aren't any other hockey games that are perfect taht are released for xbox 360. Hope this helps out.
  
  
• 1 star for Graphics,1 Star for shootout
  By AWWLM620NDYV5 on 2006-12-28
  What did you think I was going to rate this game?The game play sucks!Checking,passing,shooting are all unrealistic.The only thing that holds the game together are graphics and the shootout which is very realistic how the goalie moves.The goalies are very realistic though, with saves and A.I. but once a game allow a fluke goal from the blueline.The other good thing is the stick control,very nicely done.But still what hurts the game is passing,shooting,and checking!
  
  
• Still the Best Hockey Games
  By A4LFBVXIA4JXT on 2006-10-06
  First of all, this game is light years different from NHL 06, and so a lot of people bought this game and were somewhat dissapointed. In my opinion, EA didn't get rid of anything that would stop me from buying this game, and I still think that EA is better than the 2K franchise.
  
  Pros:
  The first obvious one is the skill stick. This takes A LOT of time to get used to. As soon as you turn on the game for the first time, it takes you through a training video for the skill stick (which you can always watch again later). Don't expect to win games for a while. I would reccomend that you do a lot of shootouts before you play an actual game. Once you get used to to the skill stick, you will never want to go back to the traditional orientation. Every goal is deserved, and there are no lucky shots. The skill stick makes dekeing past the defense so much more fun than just pressing the y button like in NHL 2k7.
  
  The second is the graphics. The graphics in this game are superb. Just look at the screen shots. That is exactly what gameplay looks like.
  
  The last pro is Dynasty mode. Although they didn't add a whole lot, the salary cap makes it much more realistic, and it is way better than 2k7's.
  
  Cons:
  
  No season mode, although I really don't care about this since Dynasty mode is the same thing
  
  The only real con to this game is the frame rate. As soon as you start playing a regular game, you will notice that the framerate is substantially lower than in previous EA games. Its not low enough to be choppy, but it isn't as fluid as 2k7.
  
  Overall, there is really no excuse to buy 2k7 instead of this game.
  
  
• Great Start!
  By A2B436QRT8YJ4L on 2006-10-11
  NHL 07,great game,of course with some rough spots.Its better EA did not put it out last year for the 360.It has some improving to do,but all in all,a very good first game for the next-gen.My biggest beef is no Season mode,I like to play a season with all teams.Go Rangers!
  
  
• EA Sports' NHL 07 a tricky, impressive goal.
  By A1HX04JEY9MR3 on 2006-10-12
  It's unfortunate that hockey doesn't have the American following that football and basketball do. EA Sports and 2K Sports publish some of the most fast-paced and entertaining sports games every year in their hockey franchises. EA Canada decided to implement the now-EA-standard right analog stick control into their NHL franchise, and in some ways, they've created one of the best and most fun hockey games ever made. Sadly, they've also slipped a bit in a few areas, keeping NHL 07 from a legendary performance.
  
  NHL 07's Skill Stick will give you the ability to deke and shoot like no other. With the shot stick, you have more control over the hockey stick than ever. Pull the right stick downward and flick it back up, and you'll see your attacker send a slap shot flying towards the net. Combine the right analog stick with the left analog stick for aiming, and you can place shots very, very accurately. Not only that; you can throw goalies off quite easily with dekes and follow up with all sorts of shots-and you'll never press a button. In fact, you'll really only ever use one button-the R trigger-in this game, as other control features have been removed for simplicity. You won't have to hold a trigger down to sprint, and on defense, all body checks are done with the right stick as well. These control adjustments make NHL 07 a much less complicated affair.
  
  Unfortunately, the easy controls make NHL 07 a one-sided affair. The defense isn't very good, and the goalie control could have been a lot better. The A.I. doesn't seem to be capable of breaking away towards either goal, so a lot of time is spent in the neutral zone intercepting passes. Passing isn't very effective, and you'll spend a lot of time hunting down stray pucks. This slows down the normally fast-paced hockey action quite a lot. The body checks aren't very powerful and don't feel very powerful, making the normally-brutal sport of hockey feel more like a game of touch football. Luckily enough, absolutely none of these mishaps make NHL 07 any less fun to play. It's still a blast, even when you're chasing down pucks and trying your hardest for that breakaway.
  
  NHL 07 has phenomenal visuals. The animation is quite amazing, and during replays you'll see a ton of detail, like goalies slamming their pads into the ice to stop a slap shot from sliding between that tiny space. Checks, though slightly underwhelming in their feeling, don't look anything less than painful-you'll often check attackers right off of their skates, sending them flipping forward onto the ice. The sound effects aren't very powerful, but neither is the commentary. The soundtrack is much different than other games like Madden and NBA Live, as you'll encounter more indie music than radio rock or rap. Indie's not quite my thing, so I didn't hesitate to activate my Xbox 360 Custom Soundtrack.
  
  At the very least, NHL 07 is chock-full of features. You can put the Skill Stick to the test in Shootout Mode or manage a team for 10 years in the game's Dynasty Mode. The only complaint I have with Dynasty Mode is that I found trading players to be extremely difficult-be prepared to give up all sorts of draft picks and skilled players for anyone with an overall rating of 85 or more. Speaking of the NHL Draft, why can't I simulate it? The Draft is made a lot easier if you hire a good scout, but not being able to skip through it is pretty annoying. I don't care to go through all those rounds, thank you very much.
  
  Overall, NHL 07 should be credited for its innovative control scheme, beautiful graphics, and depth. It gets poked by less-than-stellar sound, passing, and defensive play-but it's still a great game, and quite possibly the best EA Sports team sports game released on the Xbox 360 so far. Hockey fans should definitely check this one out.
  
  
• Skill Stick and graphics make this game
  By A3ETD73PI2SUW6 on 2006-11-30
  The skill stick feature with EA NHL07 is the new bench mark control for hockey games now and in the future. It allows the player much more control to shoot and puck handle with the added flexibility to make some incredible movement combinations in various situations. If you don't believe it, download the demo. The shoot out mode will let the skill stick feature speak for itself.
  I own both 2K7 and EA NHL07. Both are good games, however; I think 2K7 is slightly more enjoyable. The skill stick on EA NHL07 rules, but general gameplay, including frame rates and camera angles, aren't quite there yet. The game moves slow and choppy at times online, and the slower frame rates bog down the fluid motion of the players at times. The reason for the slower frame rate is due to the intense HD graphics on EA NHL07. In high definition, the picture on EA NHL07 is absolutely incredible!
  
  
• Mediocre pile of you know what
  By A4BK54P0D1GOS on 2006-12-08
  When I heard about the skill stick I figured, hey, most games are utilizing the sticks for more useful play. It was a great idea. But having checking AND shooting plus dekeing and spinning and slapshots fakes wrists. You get my drift. Half the time you hit the post or not even on target. Getting one in close quarters is almost impossible because your stuck jamming the stick forward hoping for something. And most of the time your stuck in the corner pressing pass to move it out of there and you are switching your player over and over again. Or if your going in for a check they randomly will slap at the puck like a slap shot. So much for realism huh?
  
  My two biggest gripes are this. Glitches! I hit the puck into the net, it circles around the back then speeds out of the net and no goal. Instant replay clearly shows the puck deep into the net for about 2-3 seconds, no goal. Sometimes the puck will squirt past the goalie slowly and they will rush back as it goes over the line and put a glove on it. Instant replay again, shows its clearly over the line. No goal again! Sometimes a player on the opposite team will have the puck on their stick and it goes over the line. You guessed it, NO GOAL! How can it be that bad?? Oh yeah, EA Sports is doing it and they are the makers of Madden 07 where players run THROUGH other players. Plus with NHL 07 I've seen many times when you zoom up on a replay and theres a stick through the ice or the puck disappears or a glove through the ice. But of course your not close in the game so they think its okay to skimp.
  
  My second gripe is the HORRIBLE, and I mean horrible, passing system. You have to point directly to the player you want to pass to. About half the time you will throw the puck down the ice and get an icing. If your so lucky to pass it to the correct person, it get intercepted. Plus you have about .2 seconds to pass it because the opposition is all over you. And mind you this is on ROOKIE! What do you think Pro is like?? Scary huh? There is several times I went to pass the puck and get it stolen and just curse the game to death. Its the most frustrating game I've played in awhile.
  
  And could we at least get the players to act realistic? Half the time your teammates you dont control dont move toward the goal. I actually watch them move AWAY from the net. They skate away or just stand there. They miss passes, they stand BEHIND the blue line, and when they DO go toward the net they go over the blue line before you thus offsides. I want to strangle them for being retarded. When I go to pass to them why are they behind the blue line so then I get to wait while they come back from the blue line and most likely get the puck stolen while waiting while the other team flawlessly passes the puck up front.
  
  Sound wise is also pretty poor. The announcers are pretty bland. Not really calling play by play. They often say things that never happened. Like saying a player got a goal so far this game when they only got an assist. Or saying the players name wrong. I'm a Buffalo Sabres fan and so far they have said a lot of the players wrong. Afinogenov is not A-fin-a-jan-ov. Its A-fin-a-GAN-off. Kotalik is not Coat-a-lick. Its Coat-a-leak. Hecht is not Heckt its He-sh. And theres probably many more I forgot. But come on, the Sabres were one game from the stanley cups and have won a ton this year, cant they say it right? And that's just Buffalo, there's probably many many more out there. I'd also like to add the soundtrack is very whiny emo. I like emo but this stuff is very very whiny generic emo/pop rock. And there seems to be about 10 songs on the game. So after awhile you'll be pressing mute. Plus after each period you get treated to the SAME song. I believe its called Of Montreal or something. Its annoying, at least switch up the song.
  
  The only thing that saves this garbage is a good dynasty mode. Besides that its very frustrating and all my friends have tried and failed to learn the game and equally found the passing system to be almost impossible to navigate. If you want many times a game to be screaming at your screen "where was that pass even to???" then I say go for it! But me, next year I'll be investing in the 2k8 hockey franchise. Hopefully EA doesnt nab the NHL license too.
  
  
• Next-Gen Hockey
  By AVDMXO6FJ5WHF on 2007-02-18
  NHL 07 has vastly improved the control scheme for hockey games to come. After playing some shoot-out games, I finally got a basic feel for the new controls. Game play is very fun, though not much in the form of different modes. and there are one or to places on the ice where you can score practically every time. the On-line capabilities while fun, lack in variety. With those cons, lets go to the pros. The amount of control you get from your players is unparalleled, you actually "feel" like you are dekeing the goalie and players. And the AI in the game is much better than previous hockey games. No more getting three or four breakaways in a game, or scoring on most every one timer.
  
  Overall the game is definitely the future of hockey, and with a few improvements it could be the gold-standard of hockey games.
  
  

• The Official Xbox Magazine [1-year]
• Electronic Gaming Monthly
• Play
• Tips & Tricks Magazine

• Xbox 360 Wireless Controller
• Madden NFL 07
• Call of Duty 3
• NBA Live 07
• Major League Baseball 2K7