NHL 07 arrives on Xbox, PC, PSP and Xbox 360 as the latest installment in EA Sports’ long-running hockey franchise. The game promises a fuller presentation of the sport, with more detail on the ice and new ways to control the action. It delivers on some of those promises while falling short in others, leaving players with a solid but imperfect experience.
The Look Of The Game
The visual style pushes the series forward, with more detail on the ice and players who move with more life. Players look sharper, and the arenas carry more personality than in past games. The lighting on the ice adds depth to the picture, though it can take a moment to settle in at the start of a game.
The presentation holds up well in play, even during fast exchanges. The camera stays steady through checks and rushes, which matters in a sport where timing is everything. The sound design matches the pace of the game, with commentators calling plays that match the action on screen.
The arena lighting takes a moment to settle in at the start of a game, so players may notice a brief adjustment period before the full picture comes into focus.
Controlling The Action
The core controls remain true to the formula that fans know, with quick turns, accurate passes and precise shots still at the center of the game. New additions let players target specific spots on the net, which adds a layer of skill to shooting that wasn’t there before. Skaters now react to rough play with more natural motion, giving fights and checks a weightier feel.
The handling of the puck feels more responsive than in past games, which rewards patience and timing over brute force. Passing lanes open up faster, and the AI reads the ice better, making the difference between a good pass and a bad one clearer than ever.
Playing Against The Computer
The computer-controlled teams show a clearer sense of purpose this year, working together better than in past games. They set up traps, pressure lines and breakout plays with more coordination, which makes the game feel harder in the middle of a season. The AI still struggles in the most physical moments, sometimes losing its nerve during fights or letting a player get away with too much contact.
The difficulty settings give players several ways to play the game, from easy pick-up sessions to full seasons that demand attention. The game also lets players adjust the pace of the action, which comes in handy when playing late at night.
Playing With Others
Playing against friends remains a strong draw for NHL 07. The online mode carries over the same strengths and weaknesses found in other sports titles from EA Sports, with smooth connections and a large player base. Playing with others online brings out the best and worst of the game’s systems, since human players don’t make the same mistakes the AI does.
The game also includes modes built around fantasy and season play, giving players plenty of reasons to keep returning once the regular season ends.
Presentation And Sound
The menus and main screens carry the same polish as the game itself, with clear choices and quick loading times. The commentary team does a good job of calling plays that match what’s happening on screen, though it can repeat itself during long stretches of play.
The music fits the mood of the game without drawing attention away from the action. Sound effects, from stick on puck to crowd noise, add texture to the presentation.
The Numbers Behind The Game
NHL 07 is a solid entry in a long line of hockey games, but it doesn’t break new ground in the way that some of its predecessors did. The improvements are real, especially in the way players look and act, but the changes are modest rather than dramatic.
| Feature | NHL 07 |
|---|---|
| Platforms | Xbox, PC, PSP, Xbox 360 |
| Release Year | 2006 |
| Critical Score | 7.4/10 |
“The presentation holds up well in play, even during fast exchanges.”
What Holds NHL 07 Back
The AI’s biggest weakness remains its handling of physical play, particularly in fights and open hits. It can lose its nerve at key moments, letting a player get away with too much contact. This problem shows up most often in online play, where human players are less forgiving of mistakes than the computer is.
Some of the new features, like targeted shooting, take a few hours to master. Until players learn how to use them well, they can feel more like extra options than real improvements.
The Bottom Line
NHL 07 is a steady step forward for the series, with enough new ideas to justify a purchase for serious fans but not enough to change the game’s shape entirely. The visuals, sound and online play hold up well, while the handling of physical play keeps it from reaching the top of the genre.
For players who want a game that looks good, sounds good and offers plenty of ways to play, NHL 07 delivers. For players who want a game that plays as well as it looks, the flaws in the AI and handling keep it from being the best option available.
The game earns a 7.4 out of 10.
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