Belmit
24-09-2006, 16:00
Apologies for what looks like a coded thread title, but my housemate just bought this for the Xbox 360 and I'm really quite impressed with it.
I've never played an ice hockey game in my life, and until yesterday didn't even know the basic rules. Today I'm already deking like a pro and trying to avoid icing so I don't get a face-off up my end. :D I don't remember the last time I laughed so much playing a two-player game.
It uses a new control system where you barely use the buttons on the controller at all - the left thumbstick controls the player's movement and the right one controls the hockey stick. The triggers and shoulder pads are for passing, hooking the puck and tackling. I'm still trying to get the hang of it but so far I'm quite impressed.
The graphics are brilliant in HD - the ice could be real, and gradually loses its sheen over the course of the game. The player's faces are a bit potato-ish but it really does feel sometimes like you're watching a real game (something else I've never done!). One of the most impressive things is the commentary. It's basically seamless, and although you hear a few phrases repeated over the course of a few games, they've really perfected the timing and responses to what's going on on the ice.
Anyway, just thought I'd post this for those looking for a new type of game to play. I would never have considered getting it but my housemate used to play the NHL games and was keen to get me playing it too. Because of the new control system he doesn't really have an advantage either since he's never used it before. We both need some serious practice though; after we drew in overtime it went to penalties, then sudden death penalties. We must have had forty shots each and missed every time... then we both scored in the same round!
If you have a 360, and a friend, I highly recommend getting it. It of course has a full single-player mode but we haven't even looked at that yet.
I've never played an ice hockey game in my life, and until yesterday didn't even know the basic rules. Today I'm already deking like a pro and trying to avoid icing so I don't get a face-off up my end. :D I don't remember the last time I laughed so much playing a two-player game.
It uses a new control system where you barely use the buttons on the controller at all - the left thumbstick controls the player's movement and the right one controls the hockey stick. The triggers and shoulder pads are for passing, hooking the puck and tackling. I'm still trying to get the hang of it but so far I'm quite impressed.
The graphics are brilliant in HD - the ice could be real, and gradually loses its sheen over the course of the game. The player's faces are a bit potato-ish but it really does feel sometimes like you're watching a real game (something else I've never done!). One of the most impressive things is the commentary. It's basically seamless, and although you hear a few phrases repeated over the course of a few games, they've really perfected the timing and responses to what's going on on the ice.
Anyway, just thought I'd post this for those looking for a new type of game to play. I would never have considered getting it but my housemate used to play the NHL games and was keen to get me playing it too. Because of the new control system he doesn't really have an advantage either since he's never used it before. We both need some serious practice though; after we drew in overtime it went to penalties, then sudden death penalties. We must have had forty shots each and missed every time... then we both scored in the same round!
If you have a 360, and a friend, I highly recommend getting it. It of course has a full single-player mode but we haven't even looked at that yet.