ESPN NHL 2K5 Critic Reviews

A visually appealing, nice sounding, smooth-playing version of the NHL. It has just enough simulation mixed with just the right dash of arcade to make it the best hockey effort we've seen on the Next Gen consoles.

Let me get it out in the open right away - ESPN NHL 2K5 may be the best hockey game you'll ever play.

Released in August, prior to the NHL lockout, ESPN NHL 2K5 is as close as you're likely to get to the real thing this year.

Harder hits, smarter AI, better gameplay, a deeper Franchise Mode, and online leagues? Yeah, there's a lot going on this year to be happy about. It's not all perfect -- in fact, there are a few things I have major issue with -- but overall NHL 2K5 is the only hockey game you need.

Some presentation aspects may have been rushed for the sake of the game's release (in time for the World Cup, Go Canada Go!!), but it's still a great package. Once again, ESPN is hanging with EA right at the top.

The game has sped up considerably, allowing for a much more exciting flow to the game. The goalies have been made more realistic, as opposed to the brick walls standing in front of the goals in last year's game.

An incredible hockey package that's filled with more game modes than you'll probably know what to do with. And once again they've orchestrated the best hockey gameplay you're going to find anywhere.

When you combine the depth of gameplay, breadth of modes and quality of delivery with the salary-cap friendly $19.99 price tag, it's easy to see how ESPN NHL 2K5 stays on top of its division.

The default difficulties are done so well that you'll have to play a lot to even consider going into the slider screen.

The best in its genre - period. There's something on offer for everybody, it's great for the serious hockey fan, it's fantastic if you have a few mates around to play in party mode or even buzz in on the trivia games and it's even soothingly, surprisingly good fun for the casual gamer.

The controls are perfect for a hockey game while also only being as difficult as you want them to be.

Sega Sports went out of their way to lovingly craft an excellent piece of software, and at the price it just can't be beat.

Offers the most realistic and comprehensive game of hockey you'll find on any platform. With a stellar gameplay balance, huge number of features and a lengthy list of improvements over last year's title, it's safe to say that ESPN NHL 2k5 is a must-own game for any fan of hockey.

A hockey simulation for game consoles that is too much like its predecessors. The online leagues are welcomed but the franchise mode needs improvement.

Despite the shortcomings, ESPN NHL 2K4 is the Cup champ because it really plays and, aside from the rather sluggish-moving players, feels like a hockey simulation should.

ESPN NHL 2K5 isn't the perfect hockey experience but it's damn close, especially with the gameplay touch-ups that make it a much better game and the visuals to make you long for hitting the arena and feeling the cooling power of the ice.

Regarding clean-cut, vibrant visuals, ESPN 2K5 is by far the best looking hockey game to date and it's nice to have the adjustable zoom camera back.

New features for 05 have made the game deeper and offered a more balanced gameplay engine.

In no way has the gameplay quality suffered in order to get this game on shelves for a mere $20. In fact, it's become better overall, amidst a couple of steps back and a few more forward.

More of an evolutionary product than a revolutionary one in the series.