Behind the Mask
At A Glance
- Own the net with Crease Control, which puts you in command of the goalie.
It's the dream of every pro hockey fan—to physically step out there onto the ice and trade body checks with the best the world has to offer.
Now you can. NHL® 2K6 doesn't just boast some of the most immersive audiovisuals and authentic action Xbox 360™ owners will ever enjoy, it also gives you the option of seeing the game through the eyes of an actual participant.
Known as Crease Control™, this system-exclusive feature lets you take direct command of goalies and view the experience as they would: scared senseless and in an adrenaline-soaked haze. Here's how the process works.
Kick save, and a beauty!
Getting Started
Stepping into the net is simple enough—any time you're on defense, just click the right stick. You're instantly transported to a behind-the-back view set slightly above and to the rear of the goal. Before you is the transparent figure of the goalie, which you are now in total command of. Further down the ice appear teammates, all of which are temporarily controlled by the computer.
Crease Control lets you pick off shots with much
more finesse than computer-controlled goalies.
The game remains in the current state until you leave the mode by pressing on the stick again or hitting the A button. If you want, you can simply sit here watching contests play out for minutes on end, assuming you trust your allies to take the fight to your opponent. (And before you ask: Yes, they're smart enough to score goals without your help.)
It's a cool way to get an immediate and 3-D—if not especially hands-on—view of the excitement.
Prepping for the Shot
A giant cone-shaped icon also appears on screen. This indicates your goalie's range of vision. You're able to change where he's looking and move him around the net with the left stick.
The color of the cone is important as well. When it's green, you're facing the puck and in a good position to stop it. When the cone is red, you're looking elsewhere, and will have a hard time blocking any incoming shots. Maximize chances of successfully preventing adversaries from scoring by tracking the action as it unfolds, so you're staring directly at the puck when it comes flying your way.
If the battle for control of the puck spills out onto the sides or rear of your goal, press the left or right triggers to peer left and right, respectively. Don't worry about spotting your tiny target in a crush of skates and sticks either; a glowing red light trail follows it at all times, making the puck easy to spot.
Keep your eye on the puck.
Making Saves
Once a shot is taken, it's time to leap into action. Time slows. A blue, circular icon suddenly materializes. So does a target-shaped indicator.
Your objective: Line the blue circle (your aiming reticle) up with the target (which shows where shots will land) using the left stick before the clock runs out. Naturally, you have scant few precious seconds to accomplish this. Once everything's in position, just press the A button or wait for slow-mo effects to wear off.
Can't get to the puck in time? Try making a last-ditch, desperate save attempt. Pressing left or right on the right stick causes the goalie to dive in the corresponding direction, potentially making split-second recoveries.
When the game resumes its normal pace, you've either blocked a shot or been scored upon.
Bring the crowd to its feet.
Succeed or fail, the important thing to keep in mind is that you're in direct control of your fate. Offering a greater level of precision than ever before, the Crease Control option lets you pick off shots with much more finesse than computer-controlled goalies.
Drop to your knees. Stick a gloved hand out. Make a flying leap that carries you halfway across the net. Fall prone on the puck. Whatever it takes to stop a rival from scoring, the power to attempt virtually any stunt is finally at your fingertips.
While accessing this feature requires relinquishing some command of teammates—you can't pass or shoot while mounting a firsthand defense—it's not as risky a maneuver as you think. You can still make coaching decisions on the fly via the D-pad, demanding allies use certain strategies or rush to your aid. All of which simply does wonders towards enhancing the feeling that you're not just playing a game, but sitting there shivering in an Oilers or Mighty Ducks jersey.
NHL 2K6: Where the action's as real as it gets.
Article by Chris Zimmerman
