ESPN NHL 2K5

First, the price alone is amazing. Video game technology is cheap now so the $50 price tag should be removed from all games. Back to 2K5, The graphics are the best ever seen on an NHL game. The improvement over last years version is incrediable! Commentary is much better. Yes, still repetitive sometimes, but alot more different comments and play-by-play announcing. The crowd even reacts to the action on the ice. Ring a shot off the post at home or not your opponent on his ass you will see what I mean about the crowd reaction! The controls have improved beyond expectations. You know literally control your every move. There are more extras than I have time to describe. But the table ice hockey is great. But the Franchise mode is the best improvement. It is more indepth and you can scout and control your minor league team as well. Everyone complains about the "freezing up" I have not had it happen to me. I am in the month of March of the franchise. But that does not mean there is not a problem. I just have not experienced it.
But the best part is playing on Xbox Live! It opens an all new realm to hockey.
The difficulty levels have improved this year as well. I dominated on All-Star level on 2k4 winnig games 20-2. This year, Pro is not easy. Yes, I have won games 10-2, but those types of games happen in real hockey as well. So I know that All-Star and Hall of Famer will not be easy.
Again, Sega smashes EA Sports when it comes to hockey. This game is a must for hockey fans who want a sim hockey game. If you want arcade type action and game play, go with EA Sports or NHL Rivals, or better yet NHL HITZ PRO. But 2K5 is well worth $20 and a few hours of game time! GO AVALANCHE!!

ESPN NHL 2K5 is the second "budget-priced" ESPN title to appear this year and it is again worth every penny. For NHL fans like myself, this may be the only hockey we get to see this year! The game itself is essentially the same as last year's edition, but the player graphics have received an upgrade. The jerseys have more of a shine to them and the wrinkles are clearly visible. Player faces also display emotion, which is kind of cool. Control is tight as usual, the gameplay itself is improved over last year (no more skating around the loose puck 5 times before your player grabs it), and there is a plethora of options and mini-games.

Like the NFL Title, Xbox owners can customize their own music tracks that play throughout the game, however this version isn't quite as intricate as NFL's. In this game, you can only select the song that plays, not the particular portion of that song... which was disappointing to this diehard Leafs fan. When I score a goal, the game already supplies the proper Air Canada Center sound effect... all I need is Zombie Nation to kick in afterwards. Oh well. It's a minor nitpick.

Overall, if you enjoyed last year's game, you'll be pleased with this year's edition. And for $19.99, you really can't go wrong.

IT'S ONLY $20!

Last years 2k4 took great steps to incorporate real hockey presentation with smooth game play. The effort was more than noteworthy but something was lacking. This year the 2k series seems to have picked up steam and has made necessary changes while adding new features that make this game more than enjoyable.

IT'S ONLY $20!

First off, for the causal hockey fan, this game does everything it can to keep things simple. You have your speed burst, poke check, shoot, slap shot, and check buttons when playing. The difficulty has been started of at almost too easy but never worry, there are many settings you can tweak to adjust to your level of play.

IT'S ONLY $20!

The advance users can use a more advanced control scheme. From pinning your opponent to the boards, catching air borne pucks, dumping the puck - you name it, this game's got it. You can even switch to a player not controlling the puck and call for the pass!

IT'S ONLY $20!

Game play this year seems the same pace it was last year with only a few gripes to voice. First the face off animations are awesome but right after dropping the puck the game seems to move in slow motion for second - and not on purpose. Goalie animations are mediocre at best. Come on, butterfly means putting your pads where u can see the whole face, not at an angle. Either motion capture is in experienced or animation department is a little off. Either way, there are just not enough save animations for the netminders. Other than these two nit-picks, the game is smooth as butter, or cream, or your favorite drink...you get the picture. Player animations are awesome, fighting is a lot more realistic with the new fighting engine, and scoring goals top-shelf never felt better.

IT'S ONLY $20!

Modes of play have changed allowing users to participate in mini party games which are just a blast! Exhibition, Franchise -which now has minor league teams with scouting, Tournament, Quick Game, and Live play will also keep you glued to your TV for hours. Even if you don't feel like playing any games there is always the more than welcome Skills Competition.

So hey - if you ever buy just one hockey game this year or any year please make it ESPN NHL 2K5. After all it's just twenty dollars. That's it. And, at this price tag, it's more than a steal - but don't feel guilty, this game just rocks.

P.S. I pray for the NHL season this year. They better come to an agreement. I NEED my hockey.

› Go to Amazon.com to see all 20 reviews  3.6 out of 5 stars