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How Metascores Are Calculated
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Altered Beast
Stars indicate the most critically-acclaimed games. |
The golden age of console hockey returns with NHL 07, featuring gameplay innovations that make players feel like they are actually on the ice. Featuring an unmatched level of freedom and control, NHL 07 allows hockey purists and casual fans alike to feel like they can play like a pro. [Electronic Arts]
All critic scores are converted to a 100-point scale. If a critic does not indicate a score, we assign a score based on the general impression given by the text of the review. Learn more... 91
PGNx Media
NHL 07 is easily the best playing, best looking, and best sounding hockey game currently available. If EA had not stripped away the additional gameplay modes, this would have easily been the game to beat.
 90
WHAM! Gaming
If you're looking for awesome graphics, revolutionary game play and realistic hockey, and don’t mind some sacrifices due to oddities in the game that EA happened to forget about and a lack of a major online component, this game is a hands down winner.
90
GameZone
The bar has been raised. Stellar graphics and a great new stick/shooting system are the hallmarks of this title. While perhaps a little light, yet, on the multiplayer aspects, the game does have a solid franchise mode and is just pure fun to play.
90
GamePro
The Skills Stick alone make NHL 07 a completely different game and one worthy of the new NHL. [Oct. 2006, p.96]
90
Kombo
A major step up in the franchise. While EA let 2k games take 2005 in the next generation NHL titles, they've spent the last year pushing the boundaries to make one of the greatest sports titles ever.
90
ZTGameDomain
It completely changes the way an entire genre is played. Though the game has its share of problems it succeeds in not only becoming the Xbox 360’s best hockey game, but the systems best sports game in general.
88
Talk Xbox
NHL 07 takes hockey videogames in an entirely new direction. After years of only minor changes, EA has changed everything for the better.
88
GamingTrend
The new controls, new gameplay and new graphics have given an unexpected treat to gamers everywhere. Not to say that there aren’t issues like the awful manual, tough dynasty and some quirky things like being unable to select your favorite team like every other EA Sports game. This is a giant leap in the right direction.
87
XboxAddict
They have also brought us an improved AI that allows for a more challenging and realistic game. Not only have they revamped the skating, deking and shooting engines, now playing against the computer it seems that it learns and adapts to your usual moves with an overhaul to the AI you will no longer cut across the middle and shoot for the opposite corner and see the red lights go on.
87
IGN
A great hockey game, pure and simple...NHL 07 represents the first truly next-generation gameplay innovation.
86
My Gamer
It completely changes the way an entire genre is played.
85
Gaming Nexus
While NHL 07 certainly isn’t perfect, the core of any hockey game is still the on ice play, and that is where this game shines, outdoing the competition. Again, if it’s depth you want, you may want to also pick up 2K’s NHL offering, but in terms of hockey, EA NHL 07 is the clear choice.
85
Game Chronicles
Honestly, after playing this for several weeks, I was bored. I tried to like this game, and the graphics sure are enticing, but in the end it’s just not as satisfying as "2K7."
85
Gaming Target
Not only does the Skill Stick help you feel a level of control and immersion not seen in other hockey games, but the presentation also helps convey a great sense of atmosphere that brings EA back towards its simulation roots.
85
Deeko
A fantastic incarnation of the series you thought you knew; an incarnation that changes up so many different but fundamental gameplay functions that it really feels like a totally different game than last year: and that's what makes it worth purchasing.
85
Electric Playground
The new Skill Stick system is the reason to play the game.
84
Pelit (Finland)
The Xbox 360 version feels good because of the skill stick, but skating should be improved greatly, and the game is off-balance. [Oct 2006]
83
Xbox World Australia
The dual analogue controls could have been a hit-and-miss affair, but EA have pulled them off and it makes for a fantastic game that focuses on realism and is a great debut for EA's hockey series on the Xbox 360.
83
XGP Gaming
The gameplay is smooth as butter and the Skill Stick System is easily one of the best additions to sports games in recent years.
82
DailyGame
The controls are revolutionary and the game looks great, but there's still room for improvement on the puck physics and pacing. A few more features would be nice, too.
82
GameSpot
NHL 07's thrilling new skill stick makes up for its bare-bones package.
80
1UP
It'll feel like you're learning videogames all over again, and the reward is scoring off a wicked slapshot after a series of quick, sharp passes. Ahh, the joy. Ultimately, the biggest praise that can be heaped on this game is this: It feels like hockey.
80
Games Radar
A very solid hockey game. Everything feels smooth and refined, and while everything could be refined even further, this lays the groundwork for next-gen hockey.
80
Official Xbox Magazine
Visually, the game looks pretty darn snazzy--it's better than "NHL 2K7" by a country mile--and it plays much better, too, though it's nowhere near as deep in the features department. [Nov. 2006, p.82]
80
Team Xbox
While not as bare bones as "Madden NFL 06," NHL 07 still could use a bit more substance to back up its innovative controls and killer graphics and sound.
80
eToychest
While NHL 07 completely nails certain facets of the game, it definitely isn’t the complete package. This franchise certainly has the appearance of going places, but it may be another year or two before it finally proves itself as the best game on the market.
80
Xboxic
The gameplay is superb, the stick control intuitive, and the multiplayer excellent (offline). Yes, the commentary grates a little, and the passing has a magnet affect, but it doesn’t detract from the enjoyment, so long as you are prepared to take your time and get used to all the new controls.
80
Game Over Online
I have to hand it to EA, the Skill Stick is one of the best innovations in a hockey video game. Not only is it a new way to control the game, it’s a measuring stick for the skill level of hockey fans around the world. However, while the Skill Stick innovates control, the feel of the game remains in question.
80
360 Gamer Magazine UK
New shooting controls make this version stand out. [Issue #15]
80
VideoGamer
NHL 07 has its glaring flaws, particularly with its lousy AI and shoddy online play, but the skill stick breathes new life into a sport that hasn't seen much innovation in over a decade. The eye-candy visuals and terrific puck physics don't hurt either.
80
MS Xbox World
The best NHL game EA has produced in a long time! Certainly the best looking sports game to grace the Xbox 360 at the moment with its beautiful visuals and lush presentation, however there is a feel of some minor loss of control from the lower frame rate provided.
80
Worth Playing
The new fighting system makes you more excited than anything currently going on in the actual NHL.
80
Planet Xbox 360
While the overall look and feel of the game is certainly next generation, the lack of some industry standard play modes has caused us some head scratching.
80
Xbox Solution
The changes to the graphics showed significant improvement as well. Hopefully next year there will be some great draft picks and continued improvements.
78
Electronic Gaming Monthly
The revamped control is an interesting step forward; now all that's missing is a thick layer of polish. [Oct. 2006, p.106]
75
Gaming Age
NHL 07 is fun, fast, addicting, plays well, and eats up your free time even better...While the competition plays a fine game of hockey, it felt too much like the same old song and dance to recommend over EA’s brand this year.
75
PALGN
A very enjoyable game that gives you greater control over your players than ever before. The series has had a rest on next generation consoles thus far, and the break has certainly paid off.
75
The Onion (A.V. Club)
Thin features on the Xbox 360 version aside, the only thing wrong with NHL 07 is that most of the other major sports inherently make for better video games.
75
Detroit Free Press
Visually, NHL 07 is a bit crisper and cleaner in high-definition.
75
Armchair Empire
All things considered, I'd choose NHL 2K7 as the "champ" this year for hockey on the Xbox 360. But NHL 07 is close behind.
73
Game Informer
The only area where the game fires shots on net is in the individual battle between a streaking skater and the goalie. The remainder of the game skates on thin ice. [Oct. 2006, p.102]
70
GamerFeed
Some will enjoy this new method of play, while others will struggle as they go from offensive to defensive moves in frustrating transition.
70
Sydney Morning Herald
The action can be hard to follow, but fans will appreciate the realism.
70
Operation Sports
While I’d still like to see more options on and off the ice, such as being able to increase the playing time by individual minutes rather than increments of five, the series appears to finally be heading in the right direction.
70
EuroGamer
The most impressive feature of NHL 07 is the Skill Stick control, but it's not enough to save a game that is light on content and slack in other areas.
68
Firing Squad
The interface is atrocious, it is so bad that I honestly think whoever pushed it through during development owes me a personal apology delivered at my door.
60
Official Xbox Magazine UK
NHL 07's dual-stick control opens a new world of tactics, but "NHL 2K7" plays for pure fun and speed. [Nov 2006, p.98]
60
G4 TV
If the developers can make playing defense as fun as the offense, tightening up the computer AI in the process, then future installments of the NHL series are sure to turn heads.
50
Game Revolution
I was very close to loving NHL 07 but I think I’ll save my money for a year when I can hold onto the puck.
A. B. gave it an8: Brad H. gave it a6: Christopher S. gave it a9: Richard S. gave it a9: Martin M. gave it a5: Sean E. gave it a4: Jerry P. gave it a5: |
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