ESPN NHL 2K5 | Xbox

About the Game

ESPN NHL 2K5 is the second hockey game using Sega's partnership with the worldwide leader in sports, ESPN. As with any sports game, you get the standard game modes.

Gameplay & Core Systems

In addition to the e-mail system that was introduced, you have the ability to hire several coaches. When it comes time to hire and fire players, you use actual money, and not points to negotiate contracts. You can choose accuracy shooting, puck control, hardest shot, fastest skater, and a few more. There is also a Party Mode, which is set up for one to four players (you and friends or you and the computer), which pits you in fast action games. Like last year's game, 2K5 features multiplayer hockey over Xbox Live (Xbox) and PlayStation 2's network service.

Standout Features

• You can choose a head coach, offensive coach, defense coach, scouting coach, a goaltending coach and more.
• You can jump into a game, or create or join a league of friends and foes.
• There are three mini-games you can play from your Skybox; air hockey, shuffleboard, and a trivia machine.
• Ozzy Osbourne's: You can choose to play something like Ozzy Osbourne's "Crazy Train" for the stadium intro, something uplifting for when you score or something insulting for when you get scored on.
• Crazy Train: If you like doing a lot of work, you can even set different events depending on the stadium, so if you want "Crazy Train" to play in Anaheim for the stadium intro, but want "Dragula" in Detroit, you can.
• Xbox: For those who have an Xbox, you will have the ability to import the music on your harddrive and set songs (or bits of songs) to play for various events.

Modes & Ways to Play

2K5 has a vastly improved Franchise mode over last year's game. There are a few special game modes as well. You have access to the skills mode, which was also found in last year's game.

Presentation & Atmosphere

Display support includes Progressive Scan (480p). Audio support includes Custom Soundtracks and Dolby Digital.