ESPN NHL 2K5 Review

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ESPN NHL Hockey (Otherwise, 2K4) was the start of a revelation in the series that annihilated the competition that started in the Dreamcast days and ended when the system was no more. It featured unparalled graphics and extensive physics that was previously unmatched. Its gameplay was so deep and so lengthy that it will keep a fan busy for a few months, or a few years. ESPN NHL 2K5 came onto store shelfs with one goal in mind: to improve everything from ESPN NHL 2K4, and to add some new features as well. Isn't that always the goal for new additions of the same sports series? ESPN NHL 2K5, needless to say, passed this test with flying colors.

Graphics

Like ESPN NBA 2K5, ESPN NHL 2K5 improved from its 2K4 edition dramatically, and it is like it had never had the previous games to its collection anyways. The character players are put to the test during gameplay, and in fact, it is probably the best job any sports game has done in the graphics department since ESPN NFL 2K5, and there are quite a few games released between that time period. Anywhere from Steve Yzerman to an unknown rookie can look and feel like the real thing. The shuffleboard, air hockey, and skybox views are done painstakingly well, and I respect Visual Concepts and Take-Two Interactive for their very extensive work on this eye pleasing title.

Gameplay

I already said earlier that the shuffleboard, air hockey, and skybox views were eye pleasing, but gameplay also plays an important factor in the way a game is graded. I do believe that all three of those places, and of course the owner mode, where the bulk of the gameplay is, are represented very well in this title. There are several different modes for your playing pleasure, including Drean Team, where you have to go from the bottom of the cellar and work your way up through about two-dozen different teams to become the crown jewel. You have to go through several years of Owner Mode, where your team could possibly go from thirtieth to first in a matter of moments. You have the opportunity to collect so many different variety of items, ranging from retro jerseys to hockey puck memorabilia. Simply astounding are the options that unfold in this masterpiece.

Sound

ESPN Surround Sound has been featured in the 2K5 lineup, and for those of you who have already experience this type of quality, then you would agree with me in saying that NHL 2K5 is just another one of those games that is harmonic to our eyes. It is pleasing to the ears because for one, you feel like you are at the hockey game you are currently in, and two, you have a game that actually holds true to the NHL franchise, with the NHL theme and such. Unfortunately the audio is one that you will probably turn off, because ESPN has not done a very good job on sports and voice-casting, so that is something that needs to be stressed.

Replay Value

This is one of those games that you would enjoy with or without another person. For single-player, you can spend countless hours collecting the various memorabilia, and by fine-tuning your skills when you enter Owner Mode and Dream Team. For the multi-player action, you can play against each other by fighting, which will happen occasionally, or you can just play head-on-head tough multiplayer fun. Nothing much else to say other then happy fighting!

Overall

Since there is nothing to do other than play head-to-head in multi-player, that is not going to be graded. Otherwise, ESPN NHL 2K5 brings another successful addition into the sports gamer's library. It brings so much and demands so little at the very low price of $19.99. What else could you grow wrong with? Because of its good overall sound, it doesn't quite reach ultimate stardom, but because the Hockey League was in a lockout for the 2004-2005 season, so their was no hockey action, this could, if it hasn't already, hold you over until another classic season of Hockey begins, or another classic addition of ESPN NHL comes onto the shelves, more or less.

Ratings

Graphics: 4.8/5.0
Gameplay: 4.9/5.0
Sound: 4.0/5.0
Replay Value: 4.3/5.0
Overall: 18.0/20.0 - 4.5/5.0 - 90%
 
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