NHL 06

 PlayStation 2
Metascore
78

Generally favorable reviews - based on 27 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 18 out of 27
  2. Mixed: 9 out of 27
  3. Negative: 0 out of 27
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  1. Electronic Gaming Monthly
    73
    I like that in 06's franchise mode each NHL team has its own objectives - be the Wings and anything short of Canada's Holy Grail is a disappointment. [Oct 2005, p.114]
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  2. Game Informer
    70
    A complete turnaround from last season, and a direction that I hope EA steers clear of in the future. The user should always have control over the most basic gameplay functions. [Sept 2005, p.96]
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  3. Pelaaja (Finland)
    70
    Because of the cheap AI, the single player game is a frustrating experience which is too bad, as the rest of the package is pretty good. Salvation comes in the form of the superb multiplayer modes, which are highly addictive and also feature well implemented online player leagues. If not for the cheap AI, NHL 06 might have been EA’s best NHL game in years, but at the end of the day, this years edition won’t convert the fans of “NHL 2K” –series. [Sept 2005, p 72]
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  5. Maxim Online
    70
    Improvements in puck physics means that hard shots can bruise your opponents, while last year's overly aggressive defense has been scaled back to realistic levels.
  6. Computer and Video Games
    70
    So why EA decided to ruin things by putting new 'skill' moves (pirouettes, fakeouts, fancy through-the-leg shots and so on) onto the right analogue stick is beyond us. It sounds fine in principle, but the result is closer to "FIFA Street" on ice. [PSW]
  7. Official Playstation 2 Magazine UK
    70
    Near identical gameplay to its 05 counterpart and a more intricate management aspect - if that floats your boat then hop on board. [Nov 2005, p.122]
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  8. 1UP
    65
    The hyper-speed of this game makes it feel like more of an arcade experience than a real hockey simulator. It's still a huge step in the right direction, though.
  9. Official U.S. Playstation Magazine
    60
    It's nice to see EA's NHL franchise starting to turn a corner, but it still has a ways to go before besting 2K Sports' stellar efforts. [Sept 2005, p.90]
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  10. G4 TV
    60
    It's a different style of game than previous versions, one that dumps some of the innovations from earlier titles in favor of crowd-pleasing simplicity.

Awards & Rankings

53
#53 Best PS2 Game of 2005

User Reviews

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User Score
8.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 33 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 26 out of 33
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 33
  3. Negative: 1 out of 33
  1. The_D4RknesS
    Apr 20, 2023
    8
    literally one of the best NHL themed games ever made. The glass breaks realistically, the fights are fun (only one life bar was missing) theliterally one of the best NHL themed games ever made. The glass breaks realistically, the fights are fun (only one life bar was missing) the gameplay is smooth. Finally a cool game for 2 players… Full Review »
  2. Shmookpup
    Jun 3, 2015
    9
    This game is fast. Somehow even faster than NHL 05. Create a player is great in this game. The right analog stick allows you to pull ofThis game is fast. Somehow even faster than NHL 05. Create a player is great in this game. The right analog stick allows you to pull of ridiculous dekes. If you score on one of these, you feel amazing. I also found the game's soundtrack to be my favourite of any EA sports game I have ever played (and I have played many). One flaw is that slow players get destroyed by quick players in this game. Speed really kills here.… Full Review »
  3. Kevin
    Nov 13, 2005
    8
    NHL 06 providing fun gameplay for the average fan. While it lacked in some areas, it was indeed worth the $30. The Creation Zone's faces NHL 06 providing fun gameplay for the average fan. While it lacked in some areas, it was indeed worth the $30. The Creation Zone's faces can be odd, since the faces look the same. But the Player Editor is a blessing, since you will have to change a few things. The NHL 94 retro was so-so. no real names, nor the Hartford Whalers. The Franchise was very disapointing this year, as it was the same as last year, heck, last year's sucked. The Gameplay makes this all good. While the scoring is high, and the game maybe hard, it's very fun. It will give you entertainment, and is the best multi-playing hockey game this year. If your for fun gameplay, NHL 06 is your game.… Full Review »
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