First Encounter
Out here in the real world, NHL fans have been having a rough time, with labor troubles, lock-outs, and the possibility of no season this time around. But, now, both casual and hardcore hockey fans can rejoice because EA SPORTS has brought us the next best thing to a real season: the blisteringly authentic hockey sim NHL® 2005.
Whether you're looking to create your own 2005 season in the comfort of your home or just want to get together with some friends at home or online to puck around, EA's latest gift to Xbox® sports fans hits the ice at high speed.
NHL 2005 hits the ice hard.
The Look
NHL 2005 has received the expected graphics upgrades, but you might be surprised to see that you can actually recognize individual players under the gear. Each player's unique style has been captured in hours of motion-capture work that makes even the slightest collision something new. Even referees and coaches look disturbingly realistic. EA has really outdone themselves this time around.
The Create Team feature is even better, too, with audio as well as visual design thrown into the mix. For example, my created team, the Springfield No Homers, got a suitably goofy-sounding goal horn and a bell-ringing period horn. Unfortunately, "Kill Bart! Kill Bart!" wasn't available in the Crowd Chant option, so I went with "Fight to Win!" I made their arena the AirCanadaCentre, at least until Springfield's ice rink freezes over again. Their jerseys are a red-and-blue motif and naturally the 1000-dollar bill is our logo.
You get to choose 40 players from any playable team for your own team, but you can't just grab a bunch of high-rated centers and expect them to win. The most important thing is making sure the players work well together—then you can go select the entire opening roster of an Elite League team.
Xbox hockey has never looked so authentic.
The Depth
For hardcore puck-heads, NHL 2005 Dynasty mode has been expanded to include even more interaction with staff and team members. You'll navigate the seasons with the help of your PDA, which delivers messages from agents and owners, news reports, medical information from the team doctor, and even scouting reports on your upcoming opponents.
There's also that brutal little eight-team tournament known as the World Cup, straight-up season mode, and of course, XboxLive™ play. Maybe the most newbie-friendly mode is the Free-for-All mode, where up to four players on one box can battle each other and an A.I.-controlled goalie for the highest score. It's surprisingly addictive, even for hockey purists, and it's a great way to get folks not normally inclined to play a sports game to get, as they say, "in the game."
Clash online with your custom team.
The Play
As far as the core gameplay is concerned, all modes have received a boon in the form of EA's Open Ice feature, which you can use aggressively or passively. Pressing the white button lets you take control of a player not controlling the puck (normally you automatically control whoever has the puck). The A.I. will take over, so keep an eye out as you maneuver your new player into position near the goal. Or, you can use him to open up the ice for a shot from the A.I.
You can also use Open Ice Support, the "passive" mode, to call for an A.I.-controlled player to do all the same things for you. EA has even improved the shooting game, with alternate buttons for slap shots and wrist shots that add more variety to the types of scoring attempts you can make, add a saucer pass option for even finer puck control, and give all player their unique styles of deke.
NHL 2005 is that rare sports game that's equally appealing to purists and newcomers. Add Xbox Live play and insane variety, options, and strategy, and there's no way EA can't score. Well, unless that big guy with the knee pads and mask has something to say about it …
By Ben Barker
