XBox Xtravaganza: EA Sports NHL 2005

By Jonathan Berohn

First of all, the bias: the main reason I got into console gaming way back in the 90's was EA Sports NHL franchise. I like pretty much all sports games, but I love hockey games-particularly EA Sports NHL offerings.  The games are fast paced and easy to play, but hard to master. EA Sports NHL 2005 doesn't disappoint at all here.  In fact, it's safe to say that it's my favorite video game of all time.

Playability

The best thing about hockey games is that there are only so many things you can do while playing hockey.  You basically skate, shoot, pass, and check.  Like other EA Sports video games, you can also do things like hook, grab, dive, block shots and deke (hockey term for faking out your opponent), but you can do amazingly well if you just master the basics.  Oh-and it helps to be able to win face-offs.  Unfortunately, I've found that to be the hardest part of the game for me.  My 6 year-old son beats me on the draw at least 7 out of 10 times-but I'm working it. Anyway, EA Sports has done a great job of making a fun, fast-paced game that you can jump right in and have fun with.

Extras

In addition to the standard game and season modes, there's now a franchise mode that lets you play one team through up to 30 years.  Believe it or not, I still haven't embarked on that, but it's only a matter of time, trust me.  Little extras in game play, though, really add nice touches and fun rather than just pump up the gee whiz factor.  This year brings wrist shots, wrap-arounds, and open ice support to the game.  This last feature is really cool.  Basically, when you have the puck, you can switch to let the computer play the puck carrier while you select another player and head to the net for the pass or rebound.  On the 'what should they add next' front, I'd love to see all time teams like they have in Madden Football, but that would just be gravy.  NHL 2005 is already a great main course.