NHL 06

"It's got all the new rule changes, as well as an almost entirely up-to-date roster, but considering how similar the game is overall to 2005's version, you have to ask yourself, "Is that really enough?""

In reality, I spent more time on defense than offense and the game has new features separate from taking shots on goal. Puck handling looks more realistic than ever with players actually pushing the puck down the ice in front of them. When using a boost, a player's control of the puck decreases significantly as it floats slightly ahead of them. Besides making the boost meter more of a dangerous option, the handling looks more realistic and doesn't have the "magnetic puck" qualities of previous titles.

"EA's NHL title has certainly been improved over last year's offering and may actually be their finest work since NHL 94. However, it feels like there have been more fixes than any truly groundbreaking additions to the game. What we finally have is a fun competent hockey title that has cleaned up the glitches and irregularities from past years. Combine this with EA's stellar presentation, the depth of dynasty mode, and the fixed checking system and EA has seriously started to close in on the 2K series."