Gretzky NHL '06 Review (no fat)

Game Description

The Great One returns with another PSP offering, this time with more modes and the most updated roster of any available hockey game. The game includes fast action, with simulation elements, aimed to please fans on both sides of the fence. The “Wayne vs. Wayne” mode is one mode of the fast paced action, while the Multiplayer is also supported and it adds to the overall fun of this year’s fresh new Gretzky title.

Gretzky NHL 06’- Working out the kinks

Last year’s Gretzky NHL outing left a bad taste in the mouth, but that was no surprise, as how a star driven title could succeed on the same market that EA and Sega dominated was more the lines everyone was thinking on.

Enter new year, new developer, new game. With a little work here and there, Gretzky NHL 06’ still fails as a good simulation hockey game but succeeds as a clone of a Midway game. The fast paced action suits arcade style, with the unbalanced AI making for some laughable situations.

The simulation elements in Gretzky are not done properly and only slows down what is a pretty fun hockey port. Many necessary elements for a sports game is missing, but if it is approached as an arcade game then the sins are easily forgiven.

Gretzky NHL 06’– Gameplay

Franchise mode is missing from the game, and even with such a big chunk out of the gameplay, it really isn’t that big a deal as many think. For a portable game to have a franchise mode is pretty unnecessary …and as a case of ‘sour grapes’ one would think the franchise mode bad for the eyes anyway.

But then again, that is always a decision that should be made by the consumer, in which case Gretzky NHL 06’ falls flat on its face. A franchise mode is common for all sports game nowadays, along with the ‘create a player’ feature. The big disappointment on that end screws it as a simulation game, but the inclusions of several entertaining modes make this an interesting title.

Wayne vs. Wayne mode is basically two teams going against one another, and building up a meter. When the meter gets full said team can call out a sixth man, dun dun dun… it’s Gretzky. Very fun to have a jab at, sweet revenge for all the times the AI did you wrong. But be careful, it works both ways.

3 on 3 mode is a marvelous addition to any hockey game, and is one that should be included in further releases from all companies. No disgusting calls from dumb AI refs, no clock, just set the winning conditions and go. The name speaks for itself, and the idea is put into perfection for some fast action hockey.

Showdown mode is pretty useless, as it is nothing more than taking your favorite team and beating others to climb a ladder. It is a season without the bells and whistles.

Gretzky challenge, another mode that doesn’t benefit the PSP, could have made room for Franchise mode easily. Earning points by achieving certain stats, players can unlock hidden items…including 5 different versions of Gretzky.

The main modes of play that make the package worthwhile is Season, 3 on 3, and Wayne vs. Wayne. The other extras past mode play would be Team Chemistry, but it is ill advised to even pay attention to the halfway attempt by Page 44 Studios on that one.

Rookies are included but if you are not up to date on hockey, it is pretty useless. No names are used during play, and that really does take away the fun of playing with your favorite rook.

Gretzky NHL 06’- Graphics

The graphics are a bit unsettling with frame rate issues. This is highly annoying since the game by no means pushes the PSP’s hardware potential. There really is no upside to the graphics, and they are average at best. For Gretzky fans, it should be noted that all 5 versions of him are picture perfect…but if that’s all you need, you could just as well have bought posters.

Gretzky NHL 06’ - Sound

Gamers will appreciate the sound in Gretzky NHL 06’. Without the usual license tag of a sports game of this magnitude, it opens the doors for a nice variety of music which is refreshing and very much welcome.

Nothing really too catchy, but it serves its purpose and makes way for the much needed sound effects improvement. Announcing team Mike Emrick and Darren Pang return, for their usual performance in a Gretzky game.

Gretzky NHL 06’- Summing up

The worst simulation sports game on the PSP is one of the best arcade experiences. If players choose to stick to the 3 on 3 and Wayne vs. Wayne modes, then there shouldn’t be a problem (…except, of course, of the frame rate).

A little trip into the error ridden empty online lobbys, as well as a frustrating regular mode of play with an acute lack of details will turn off plenty PSP’s worldwide. Simulation hockey games would be a wonderful feat to pull off on a handheld, if done correctly. But teasing gamers with one thing and giving another is very deceptive, and grounds for a raised brow.

If it plays like an arcade hockey game it is an arcade hockey game…certainly not deserving the sports simulation title. Gretzky NHL 06’ is worth a try if you are looking for a not-so-realistic bit of hockey, and lots of Gretzky.

Gretzky NHL 06’-cost

At the time of this review, Gretzky NHL 06’ retails for $39.99US at the time of writing.