NHL 2K6

The lack of a good range of game achievements, the occasional lag and the only slightly above average graphics is about all that I could complain about, but when you put that next to clever AI (that can skate backwards, by the way), icon-based passing, Enforcer players, goalkeeper perspective and commentary better than I've ever heard in a sports title and the complaints are pretty trivial in comparison.

The improved defense, especially at the net, the new momentum feature, manual goalie option, and the long-overdue icon passing interface all combine to make this game the closest thing to the actual sport of hockey without putting on all the padding and a pair of skates.

A solid game for the Xbox 360. It was an incredibly solid game for the original Xbox. Just keep in mind that you’re not getting a huge update from the game since the graphics are marginally better than the Xbox version.

The gameplay is alll that really matters. [Jan 2006, p.147]

As far as game play is concerned, it seems a little smoother on the 360 for some reason. I am not sure if it is how the controller reacts to the console or if it is in my head but it just felt more flowing between hand and eye.

The only other complaint I have is that the menu system is clunky, hard to navigate and often does the opposite of what you expect.

Everything about this game is really nice, yet it feels like a current generation game with a higher resolution.

It's a great sim game. However, it's simply not a solid buy at $60 a pop--especially considering this is basically the same game as the PS2 and Xbox versions, just without the Crease Control feature and hi-definition graphics.

Making saves wtih the crease control system is wicked fun, even in multiplayer. [Jan 2006, p.80]

A refreshing diversion that'll provide you with weeks if not months of entertainment and gaming intensity - whether you're already a hockey fan or just stepping onto the ice for the first time.

It mightn't be much different from the Xbox version, or very 'next-gen', but NHL 2K6 is a worthy upgrade from ESPN NHL 2K5, and well worth a look for all 360 owners looking for a good sports game.

There’s a nice online feature which, after you’ve navigated through the terrible menu’s, is quite a blast, even for someone who doesn’t have a clue about ice hockey.

NHL 2K6 is your only choice for Xbox 360 right now, but it presents itself well enough and plays true to the sport.

Overall the same game that we’ve enjoyed for the past four years. New features like Crease Control, ProControl, and On-The-Fly Coaching are welcome additions, but this isn’t really a "next-gen" game.

It does take time to learn the controls and coaching commands but it is worth the time.

For now, the game feels like a transition step between current generation and the generation to come, and is a mashing together of a few new graphical details, a new mode, and then all the content from the old generation.

It's got new goalie controls and marginally improved graphics, but taken as a whole, NHL 2K6 just isn't as appealing on the 360 as it was on other platforms.

It doesn't have the same level of "wow" factor that NBA 2K6 has.

Sure there are a few new features, but none of them are so outstanding that they make the game significantly better. NHL 2K6 is a slightly beefier game than its current-gen brethren, but it just doesn't justify a $60 price tag, shiny helmets or no.