- Publisher: SCEA
- Release Date: Nov 9, 2004
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It's a good blend of fast-paced and sim-style hockey, and it's got plenty of modes to keep gamers busy. While many elements of the game are a bit generic the fact that the gameplay is fun and challenging makes up for a relative lack of personality.
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Cheat Code CentralWith so many modes, online play and unlockables which includes the great one himself, you'll have so many virtual seasons on your hand that you won't even miss the real season.
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If they continue to plug forward we could be looking at a future dominator in the sports gaming genre on the Playstation 2 and a sure front runner for the next system from Sony.
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The lack of speed might discourage some from picking up this game, especially with two other alternatives available for the PS2. With a few minor adjustments, Gretzky could become the hallmark of PS2 hockey games.
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The sound effects fail to evoke any emotion, and don't really live up what is going on visually. The announcers do a decent job of portraying the game but don't particularly stand out either.
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A good start. The AI needs to be tweaked, and the controls fine-tuned. The game also needs to work away from one-time shots off the pass having a higher chance of scoring than breakaways.
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Gretzky NHL 2005 has taken a giant step forward from previous "FaceOff" games, but it is still falls way short of the competition. With two solid hockey titles already out, Gretzky just doesn't offer anything different to make it worth a purchase.
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If you want a somewhat mindless hockey game with a nice arcade emphasis, or if you just have an overwhelming passion to give Wayne Gretzky a bit of your cash, then Gretzky NHL 2005 deserves a look ' otherwise, stick with the better contenders on the ice.
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Gretzky 2005 has some really good ideas but the game just doesn't have enough fine-tuning to really make a great game.
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And the online play and Franchise mode are limited compared with the competition. But for a relaunch of an old, broken-down series, it's a screaming slap shot in the right direction.
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PSM MagazineUltimately, Gretzky is like a hockey player's smile: genuine, but with a few teeth missing, who also happens to be standing next to two supermodels. [Holiday 2004, p.94]
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Overall, the game doesn't look bad, but it loses it in the details.
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The bad news is that Gretzky still isn't anywhere near as good as the current crop of competition, and it simply lacks the features and depth needed to be considered one of the big boys.
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Game InformerA decent attempt by 989, but the play just doesn't stack up to the lofty standards set by EA and ESPN. [Jan 2005, p.125]
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Though it has a lot of potential, Gretzky NHL 2005 falls short, especially in a genre that’s still competitive.
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While it does offer some features, including the fact that it's the only hockey title with Wayne as a playable skater, the overall gameplay just can't compete with the other two titles due to Gretzky's stiff-looking animations, limited control options, and suspect A.I. [Dec 2004, p.146]
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When you get past the poor AI, the messy controls and the poor recreation of the sport, you have the foundation for a very decent hockey game.
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Has all of the right ingredients for a successful hockey title, but it falters where it matters most: solid gameplay. The graphics and camera angles don't help draw you into the rink as much as the excellent sound and atmosphere, and the action seems to cater more to hockey newbies rather than hardcore veterans.
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While there are some nice, new touches -- most notably, the improved controls -- the game's lack of depth and less-than-cutting-edge presentation make things seem incomplete.
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Those shut-ins or people with a raging case of obsessive-compulsive disorder will be the only ones to accomplish all the tasks.
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Official U.S. Playstation MagazineWhile the shot aiming is smart, the shooting meter is funky - you have to use timing to ensure the biggest blast. [Jan 2005, p.111]
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Its presentation doesn't stand out, its gameplay doesn't deliver like it should, and its fun is limited. The legend deserves a little bit better than this, and, hopefully, next year, he'll get it.
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Play MagazineEven the greatest hockey player ever couldn't help 989 find its much-needed groove. [Jan 2005, p.85]
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The only way anyone should be fooled into buying this is because of the Great One's name on the cover.
User score distribution:
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Positive: 13 out of 15
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Mixed: 0 out of 15
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Negative: 2 out of 15
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WayneGretzkyMar 31, 2005I love this game.
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MinnieDec 10, 2004This game rocks! The best there is out there! GO PLAY IT!
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JosephM.Dec 9, 2004