ESPN NHL Hockey

THE BAD:
-No league support for XBOX Live.
-No online support for multiple console games for season mode and exhibition like the upcoming "Rivals" game.

SUMMARY:
This game is truly a labor of love that has been pulled off with near flawless execution. If this years game does not convince hockey fans to put their money on SEGA, nothing will. Clearly the other BIG contendor this year has once again been outclassed by SEGA. Sega football game may only hold its own, but this year's ESPN Hockey is a clear cut above the rest.

Firstly The Gameplay has been refined tremendously. This is hockey simulation, not arcade, but that definitely does not mean its not fun. I personally have not enjoyed playing hockey this much since the '95 genesis days. The most notable of this is the impact of slapshots and hits. The speed and execution of both have been bumped a notch to a true NHL level, never over the top or unbalanced (like the competitor)but exciting and satisfying. Another huge improvement is the handling of lose pucks. Instead of skaters ignoring the puck they race for it like fresh meat in a pirranah bowl. Another huge improvement is the goal tending. Although still very challenging, you WILL score the goals that a human goalie cannot save. There are BIG saves, but there are no longer "magic" saves. Thumbs up to Sega for fine tuning this aspect of videogame hockey that has always proven challenging. The addition of the skybox is truly a dream come true for hockey fans. "Other" games may let you set the ticket prices and hot dog prices but Sega games gives you whatyou want. I am talking unlockables. Every Jersey you can imagine, old time goalie masks and yes---unlockable classic teams--can you say '84 oilers!! The icing on the cake are the mini games which consist of mini-rink, speed hockey and pond hockey. The mini-rink is a high speed two on two game in a rubber board rink. Speed hockey is just that, and pond hockey is truly one that will bring back fond memories for many. The inclusion of air hockey is also a fun diversion.

As far as Graphics go, this game is a quantum leap above last year and right up their with the best of the competition. some of the player faces are down right scary real and their expresions are a nice subtley to the game. The player models are smoothly animated and there is never a jerk in any transition animations.The reflections are fantastic and the crowds really are a nice change from the flat pixels we are used to. The ESPN integration is most notable in the overall presentaion of the game. The game's presentation is simply fantastic with the best automated multiple replay system I have EVER seen in a sports game.

For sound all I can say is crank it up. The commentary is fantastic. It has its moments when its slightly off, and some lines are repetitive, but it is clearly the champ in that regard and is as good as could be expected on this gen of consoles. Truly spectacular are the arena and crowd sounds that are team specific and really get you in the mod for the home team, not to mention the great Queen song that was licensed for the game.

In summary, this is the game to beat and having played the competion already, we will have to wait until next season to see if anyone can take Sega's hockey crown.

Pouger