I went out and got my copy yesterday and am truly impressed by the game. Sure there are glitches with defensive AI, but all in all, if you tweak the settings it's not bad at all!
I bought the PC version for only 19.99US at Fry's, (score), and here are some thoughts:
-I like the presentation, it's starting to look like a TV broadcast now.
-The commentary is much better than the last version, Simpson isn't nearly as annoying.
-The computer actually takes shots.
-The skating feels like the person, Simon is HUGE and he skates like it too.
-Kobasew blocked a shot in the ankle and I watched him limp to the bench while I was still playing
-Goals are realistic, if you don't use the deke option. I just don't use it and the computer doesn't use it really either.
-Goalie save animation and player animation are really good. Unlike 2K5 where it looked like they were making impossible shots on strange angles, it looks as though their shots are very realistic.
-I really really like the highlights they do during intermission and at the end of the game. I find myself watching in awe.
-Smaller players don't hit well, but players like Regehr and Simon are bruisers, but nothing the hitfest of last year.
-I find the game much more challenging this year which is GREAT!
Cons:
-Maybe a little too much offense, but with tweaking it can be almost perfect.
-The rosters are a little weak, but for PC users there is a site called NHLDEPOT.NET, which now has a roster update as of yesterday. It's not the greatest, but they'll get better.
-Player celebrations are a little annoying. Reinprecht scored and he was doing the Hulk Hogan put his hand to his ear thing....Most are okay, but some are a little excessive.
-The deke button is generally ridiculous, but if you don't use it, you don't even know its there. The computer didn't use it much in my experience.
-No cap, but that would take a lot of last minute programming, so you can't blame them really.
-Navigation through menus is a little strange, sometimes the mouse works sometimes it doesn't, sometimes the return key works sometimes it doesn't, sometimes my controller pad works navigating sometimes it doesn't....Not a big issue but...
The pros outweigh the cons in my mind and the game seems pretty realistic to me. I am enjoying it amazingly!
For PC people you can get the roster under the download section at
NHL Depot
4/5 Stars