NHL 06

 Xbox
Metascore
79

Generally favorable reviews - based on 35 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 26 out of 35
  2. Mixed: 9 out of 35
  3. Negative: 0 out of 35
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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. 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.
  5. 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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  6. DarkStation
    70
    EA's string of great sports releases is broken this time as the 2006 edition just goes through the motions and doesn't bring anything new for gamers.
  7. Xbox Evolved
    66
    In reality it is just a few minor tweaks from 2005, completely updated rosters, and the fact that it says '06'.
  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. Operation Sports
    60
    The title is sure to horrify the hardcore, while providing hours and hours of fun for those who are looking for more action and less strategy. [*Note: original score posted by Operation Sports as 3/5 = 60. Current score on their redesigned site is inaccurate.]
  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.
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Awards & Rankings

56
#56 Best Xbox Game of 2005
65
#65 Most Discussed Xbox Game of 2005

User Reviews

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User Score
7.9

Generally favorable reviews- based on 19 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 14 out of 19
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 19
  3. Negative: 3 out of 19
  1. MattW.
    Oct 22, 2005
    10
    This game has amazing moves on the new trick stick and the graphics are sweet too, i like that you can injure other players with slapshots now.
  2. JayH.
    Sep 27, 2005
    3
    I've always been a fan of EA's hockey games but this one is a HUGE miss for me. I gave it a 3 simply for the graphics, b/c they are I've always been a fan of EA's hockey games but this one is a HUGE miss for me. I gave it a 3 simply for the graphics, b/c they are really great. The checking is terrible, the player control is the worst i've seen in years and the added features are really just window dressing. the worst part of the game is the left - right quick deak; it makes the player drag and ultimately makes the game far far worse. This is one of those games that has good intentions and then falls flat on its face, which boads well for next years game. Usually when EA makes a game this bad they come back really strong.… Full Review »
  3. MatthewW.
    Sep 25, 2005
    10
    Best hockey game in a while. Way better than 2k6! This is the game to get that represents the new and improved NHL to the fullest.
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