Metascore
79 out of 100

Generally favorable reviews - based on 24 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 20 out of 24
  2. Negative: 0 out of 24
  1. With incredibly realistic player animation and one of the most fluid and natural game experiences you're likely to find at the moment, an insanely huge range of options and modes, and more detail and stats than you could possibly want in every area, including the huge Franchise Mode, there's something here for everyone.
  2. 86
    A great hockey game through and through. Its feeling of motion and controls are top-notch, and its franchise mode is the one to beat. The SIXAXIS control features are fantastic.
  3. The core of the 2K series lies in gameplay and 2K7 really excels in this department.
  4. A solid game of hockey with fantastic controls and tons of features.
  5. This is a much better version than the already-decent PS2 version, and is mostly identical to the Xbox 360 version (the only difference being the addition of those Sixaxis motion sensing gameplay controls), so if you've been looking for a great NHL title to slake your appetite, look no further.
  6. A couple of amusing Sixaxis control functions are the only real bonus to the package this time around, though they're certainly not anything special enough to make you consider the game again if you've already bought it this year.
  7. A well-rounded game that offers rich offensive and defensive strategies, fluid animations and movement, and solid AI across the board. You really get a good sense for how your player's weight affects their movements, and also how your teammates are going to react to certain situations.
  8. EA will have their work cut out to even approach what Take2 have got here, if you want a hockey game and have the Xbox 360, there is no real choice, you just have to get 2K7.
  9. An entertaining hockey experience, but there are not too many significant innovations in the game. [Aug 2007]
  10. On its own, NHL 2K7 is a very enjoyable hockey game despite its shortcomings, and should be on the shelf of any serious hockey fan.
  11. Having played both the 2K and EA hockey titles extensively this year, there is no doubt in my mind that 2K7 pips NHL'07 to the post as the title of choice again.
  12. Being the only hockey game on the PS3 this year helps NHL 2K7's appeal, but that notwithstanding, it's still a really great game. [Feb. 2007, p.79]
  13. Nevermind the fact that it's the only option on the PS3 right now, NHL 2K7 is a quick, smart game of hockey with an insanely deep franchise mode, solid online play, serious SIXAXIS integration, a handful of terrific (if fairly minor) new additions and plenty of mini-games and challenges for newcomers.
  14. More arcadey and simplistic than you'd expect on next-gen. [Apr 2007, p.66]
  15. 80
    While NHL 2K7 isn't without its flaws, the game's accessibility is such that most people can glean some entertainment from it. [Issue 148, p.82]
  16. A slick and stylish representation of the sport that makes great use of the Sixaxis tilt function. [Apr 2007, p.60]
  17. 80
    Hopefully next year will bring some real options for less arcadey play to satisfy a wider audience, but NHL 2K7 is still a reliably fun launch title for the PS3.
  18. Some visuals could have been cleaned up, and the SIXAXIS controls won't appeal to everyone, but for those who love a satisfying hockey experience will be happy with the thrills NHL 2K7 provides.
  19. It's a solid enough game, then, but again not truly worthy of that 'next-gen' tag. [June 2007, p.83]
  20. 75
    NHL 2K7 improves upon what is still pretty much the best game of hockey available, but we expect a little more in the way of new features and improvements next time.
  21. Dramatic music, cut-scenes...it's all there. Odd, but strangely brilliant. [Apr 2007, p.131]
  22. Cinemotion includes some wonderfully intuitive changes, and we like having the ability to perform sneaky drop passes.
  23. 65
    The A.I. is generally good, but constant one-timer goals and did-you-see-my-stick-clip-through-the-goal-post wrap-arounds can get quite annoying.
  24. All you have to do is hold R2 to activate the sprint and easily glide past the opposition. It works every single time. Initially, it's fun - but you soon realise it completely unbalances what should have been a giant of a game. [Apr 2007, p.118]
User Score

Mixed or average reviews- based on 5 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 2 out of 3
  2. Negative: 0 out of 3
  1. MattM.
    8
    Excellent game overall. I love the goalie system if you are operating it but the only bad thing is the easyness of goals.
  2. SteveC.
    5
    Well, the game is great but overall play has hesitations, and the goalies suck even on all-star, and hall of famer 2k7 also had the same problem for the ps2. Personally i think the game was rushed and how the 2008 hockey game/s have better game play and the goalies dont let everything shot go in. Full Review »
  3. DaveA.
    8
    Great game start to finish. Commentary is very good, looks fantastic, gameplay wow!