Customer Reviews

NHL 2K7

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

This game blew me away! I rented NHL 07 first, but was entirely disappointed by the arcade-style and lagging gameplay. I decided to give 2k7 a go though, and it absolutely makes up where EA left off. The game play is incredibly fluid and immersive...there's a ton of on-ice chatter between players and coaches, plus the camera angle is slightly angled so you can see who you're passing to down the ice much easier. There are a ton of different gameplay options...one of my favorites being Pond Hockey. This game is definitely worth checking out if you're into realistic simulation hockey and want the best controls out there. EA may boast better graphics, but the framerate is lower and gameplay is awful. Once again, 2k comes out with the better game!

I live, eat, and breathe hockey so it's safe to say I've played almost every hockey game that's ever come out, all the way back to the early days of hockey on the original Nintendo (the fat dude, the skinny dude, and the average dude... remember those guys?). If there's one thing that bothers me with each season's new title is the attempt at making the game feel "more natural" and in doing so other key aspects of the game fall short or are just emitted. Case in point, NHL 07 doesn't have nearly the amount of depth and variation as NHL 2K7. The control scheme that has been used by the 2K series works, as it has for so many years, so why fix what isn't broken?

My second pet-peeve with hockey games is goalie movement and saves. 2K6 was the first to really set the mark, having the goalie come up wtih realistically amazing saves; the puck actually hit the equipment instead of the space designated for the position. 2K7 continues the trend.

The only reason I've docked one star is because it's essentially the same game as 06 except for the new lineups and a few bells and whistles. Still, as a hockey fan, it's a no-brainer must-own.

Ducks for the Cup!!

I can't believe it's happened again... even after I said I wasn't going to do it - I've gone out and purchased NHL 2K7 after buying NHL 07. Now, after before anyone here thinks I'm going to glorify 2K and put down the EA series I must step in and say both titles definitely have their shortcomings. This year EA has come out with a huge innovation with their new (and well received) Skill Stick control scheme. I love every goal I've ever scored in that game. I'll be honest and let you know that is what kept me coming back game after game to finish an entire season. After my season though, that's where I was utterly disappointed and very upset with EA's lack of effort regarding their franchise mode depth and the completely lackluster (read: terrible) Stanley Cup celebration that took place as my team won. I found myself wanting more. In fact, I wanted so much more that I decided to take a chance and spend another chunk of my hard earned cash on 2K's yearly offering.

Now that I've laid the groundwork for the 2K glorification I'd like to say a few pessimistic things first to offset those positive attributes I will mention. This game does feel largely like 2K6. But, for those of us who have played 2K hockey year after year beginning with the Dreamcast version, we know this is a formula that was never broken to start with. It's merely been polished into the current form, which to me is very enjoyable as a hockey fan and gamer. While the goalie animations are far from realistic NHL net minders, they still get their point across. They are awkward and stiff at times and then completely unnecessary at times (when a goalie dives 5 feet to his left or right to stop a puck that would have gone wide in the first place). And let's be honest with each other - 2K needs a new commentary team because these guys are somewhat annoying to listen to for any length of time. The checking in this game can also be summarized as a bit on the ridiculous side but can be turned down via sliders in the options, gameplay menu.

These minor complaints aside, 2K7 really did impress me this year. Their depth in franchise mode from assigning practices for individual players, roster movement, contract signings, salary cap, an entire minor league system, scouting, a complete coaching staff... the list goes on and on. For the simple hockey fan, don't fret - there are many set and forget settings so you can just pick up and play. I just enjoy that someone actually pays attention to what die hard gamer and fans want in their games, not just put out a bare bones game like... well the competition. Granted, 07 is in their first year of development, it's a shame they couldn't do more considering they actually took a year off - giving them nearly two years of development time. The only other thing 07 had was two way contracts. Everyone say "oooooh" and "ahhhh". Big deal. Because of the two way contract, my team has glitched a few players to free agency causing my starting goaltender to be lost forever. Thanks for that addition 07. While 2K doesn't have this contract feature they do implement the salary cap and contract negotiations that are pretty realistic. As for gameplay and control you have to give kudos where kudos are due to the team for completely overhauling the skating engine. The players move more realistic than ever and give you an actual sense of movement on ice in relation to players real weight and height. And, as always, controlling players is a breeze if you're used to any other 2K hockey game where there are many options and schemes for advanced and rookie gamers alike. Last, I'd like to say I think their new camera angle is the greatest change to the visual aspect of the game since.. well.. ever - considering no game has ever really offered new camera angles. It gives you the greatest view of the ice while letting you set up any play.

While both games have their ups and downs - I think it's safe to say I'll be sticking with 2K7 this year after thoroughly playing 07. EA has put their best effort forth and deserves recognition for their achievement but ultimately comes up short when it comes to 2K7's vast gameplay options and depth. With a deep franchise, tournament and party games we've all come to love - NHL 2K7 is a game that will keep you and your friends entertained for many nights to come... and long after this NHL season has come to an end.

If you love this series like I do, than buy the game. Its improved on a lot of things from last years release. Which mind you a lot of people said was buggy. The graphics aren't next gen but who cares. If you aren't a die hard must have perfect graphics, this games for you. Don't be afraid of other reviews saying its NHL 07. Nothing is ever an EA Sports release. So don't try. This game ha a great feel and is just plain fun for all ages. Who care if other are more challenging. Enjoy its hockey at its best.

I am getting a little too old for video games so this is a perfect game for me -- just turn it on, pick random teams and play. The gameplay, camera angles and such are just easy enough to pick up and play. If you don't want to invest tons of time into a game, this is perfect for you.

Best hockey game i've played in a long time, maybe since nhl 95 for the sega genesis where you could smash the people through the glass. those were good times.

pros: great control, players move like they are on ice, great hits, difficult like hockey should be. The ability to play as the goalie is an incredible addition to the game. great graphics also.

cons: the fighting is pretty pointless. that's it though!

My 10 year son loves the game and all the updated features.

NHL 2K7 is alot of fun! The graphics are smooth with great online play. Various modes of hockey are available to play in, i.e. pond hockey, mini rink, etc. I own EA NHL 07 as well , however; offensive and defensive strategies can be planned better and executed in 2K7. NHL 2K7 also added a cool, unique feature which allows pressure to be exerted on an individual player of the opposing side and camera angles as well as dialog between players is better in this game.
I like both, but 2K7 is more fun, for my 7 year old son and I, to play because the animations of 2K7 are more entertaining. The skill stick on EA NHL 07 rules, but the smooth gameplay isn't quite there yet.

Played both 2K and EA...just seems like 2K put alot more into their game this year. Graphics are great and the new camera angle is flawless. They did a real nice job with this.

After all the hockey games I have played in the past from EA Sports 2K Sports hit the nail on this one. Very realistic hockey. Overall very fun and lots of options to keep you coming back. The season/franchise mode is very good and I like the option of practicing to get your players well prepared for you next game. You get alot of gameplay sliders to help you tweek the game to your liking. Also I like the new parametric camera angle. The only drawback and this is very small, I can't hear a the horn when someone scores a goal or when the period ends. Also there is not very much of a celebration after a goal, meaning there should some music that goes with the celebration like in real hockey games. Besides that small overlook the game gets an A++++++ - GREAT JOB 2K SPORTS, WILL BE LOOKING FORWARD TO NEXT YEARS TITLE.