So we were promised a skill stick, a new way to control the player (stick movements, toe drags, power moves). New player movements, unbelievable goalie animations on saves and some realistic game play. Well, none of those happened, at least not on the PC. I don’t have an XBOX 360 to test the game on either. Here is my problem, when did the PC become the bitch of the gaming realm? Just because most computers don’t have a hi-def display, does not mean you need to rip all the special features you port to one platform. Do not push the 360 to me, my computer cost me more and it can do just as much.

So, lets talk about the actual game, because it is the best hockey game ever made to this point. I am a Ducks fan, so I was happy to see the new team design being represented in the game, it looks good. The other teams all look the same, so no big change in that department. Skating is a lot smoother and realistic, players actually crossover and skate the correct way when you push them one way or another. I am still waiting for the ability to skate backwards, either straddling the blueline, dragging the puck or just skating backwards with the puck.

Checking has improved, the animations are a little more realistic, but Chris Pronger still has a problem knocking Henrik Zediberg off the puck when he hits him along the boards…When I crosscheck someone, they better fall, especially if Pronger is the one doing it. The thing I know is still missing is the fisticuffs, how come when I rock a star player, his team doesn’t come to his aid after the whistle? Why, when I hit a player after the whistle, is there no team tussle? Too many high stick calls, tripping calls and other penalties resulting in back to back to back 5 on 3 powerplays. I will have to play with the sliders I guess.

The defense is a little better this time around and the goalies do seem to be as well. But, it is kind of sad that I can shut out three teams in a row, two of them being Dallas and Detroit. All while the difficulty level was set to the highest setting. Again, I think playing with the advanced sliders will help with that. But if Keith Carney catches up to Andy McDonald after skating backwards, crossing over and then charging after him, the AI needs a little help. It is unfair to never have breakaways because the defense is extremely fast. Also, when Scott Neidermayer is skating back to the opposite end after a bad pass and the forward from the other team beats him, even though I am using acceleration, we need more work.

So, the same problems that plagued NHL 06, plague this game. BUT, it looks prettier, right? I will sacrifice looks for better, more realistic game play. One day they will get it right, I am sure, but the hype on this game was incredible and I am disappointed.