2KSports and EA Sports face off with two of the coolest hockey games ever. While the 2K brand has been known for realism, EA Sports gets a begrudging nod of respect from even the most hardened 2K fans. For this year’s matchup, the two games get beefed up in different areas.
With “NHL 07,” EA Sports puts the game on your thumbs by making the right joystick your hockey stick. Pull it back to wind up for a slapshot or nudge it to the left to make a pass.
In “NHL 2K7,” 2KSports emphasizes the presentation of the game with something called Cinemotion. A lot of time was spent creating cut scenes that play after scores and before penalty shots and face-offs. The camera zooms in from new angles and includes very audible player chatter. The best feature of Cinemotion becomes apparent when you choose the Cinemotion-Music option. Not only does the crowd react to game action, but the music score does as well, getting more tense when the action heats up. It’s like NFL Films meets the NHL.
If you have a PlayStation 2, a PlayStation Portable and copies of “NHL 07” for both, you can swap your Season and Dynasty modes between both systems so you can play at home or on the road.
But once again for the PS2 and Xbox, 2KSports’ “NHL 2K7” scores on price. It’s $19.99, compared with $29.99 for EA Sports’ “NHL 07.” Each is slightly less than $60 for the Xbox 360 version, which you’d really need to take advantage of widescreen viewing.
OTHER NOTABLE GAMES IN STORES THIS WEEK:
“Harvest Moon DS” – Plant fields, raise livestock and – once again – find the wife of your dreams. But keep a lookout for all 101 Harvest Sprites to undo the Witch Princess’ prank on Forget-Me-Not Valley. Bonus: Insert previous “Harvest Moon” games into your DS to unlock surprises in “Harvest Moon DS.” See the video at www.natsume.com.
LEGO Star Wars II: The Original Trilogy (For all major game systems) – The impish Lego people are back, letting you re-create scenes from “Star Wars” films. Characters can get into and out of vehicles, and the vehicles can roam freely, no longer restricted to rails. Mix and match body parts and use Legos to build new pieces. Play the demo at www.lucasarts.com/games/legostarwarsii/
“Cooking Mama” (For the Nintendo DS) – Use your Nintendo DS stylus in more than 200 mini-games to chop, slice, pan fry, knead, grate, mash, tenderize, mix, peel, carve, roll and more, as you make up to 76 recipes. When things get too hot, blow into the Nintendo DS microphone to cool off your food. See the video at www.majescoentertainment.com (In the left column, click “Coming Soon,” then “Cooking Mama.”)
