NHL 06

What we finally have is a fun competent hockey title that has cleaned up the glitches and irregularities from past years. Combine this with EA's stellar presentation, the depth of dynasty mode, and the fixed checking system and EA has seriously started to close in on the 2K series.

A kick-ass game of hockey that stands to be the best EA has ever produced. [Oct 2005, p.70]

The EA warhorse gets a much-needed injection of old-school cool. [PC Gamer UK]

Basically more of the same game, with the addition of slightly improved graphics, analog stick passes and special moves, pucks that can bounce realistically and injure players, and a tweaked create-a-player function. [PC Zone]

Worth buying if you don't own a recent hockey game, but no compelling reason to upgrade if you do.

A lot of fun, but not that much has happened since the last time. AI has huge problems in its own zone because it cannot maintain a controlled defensive line-up. [Dec 2005]

Not as rich an experience as it should be, but it is finally fun to play again. [Oct 2005, p.62]

The only major issue I take with the game is one that I take with almost every single game put out by EA, lack of a solid instruction manual. I for one would appreciate complete information on how to play the game and use new features, what certain options do, and maybe some "rules" information for new comers to the game. I don't want cliff notes, I want the book.

As the greatest and most enjoyable recreation of the sport since the 16-bit era, NHL 06 deserves to sit alongside the likes of "Pro Evo" as a sporting highlight that any gamer can enjoy. [Nov 2005, p.111]

Soulless, if well-realised hockey simulation. [Nov 2005, p.100]