ESPN NHL 2K5

Sega's Visual Concepts rejoins developer Kush Games to bring the "2K5" edition of ESPN NHL to the virtual ice. This 2004 release is designed to retain the solid, core play of previous years' hockey games, while adding new features and a refined presentation. New moves are included to allow gamers to more fully take control of their players and the puck, and the fighting system has been redesigned. The Franchise mode has also been thoroughly revamped, and a new "Party" mode has been added. Even the "Skybox" feature has been enhanced, with a number of new unlockables. As in earlier versions of the title, ESPN NHL 2K5 features all of the National Hockey League's teams and players, based on the most recent full season (2003-2004). In many situations, the right analog stick can now be used to directly control a player's hockey stick. On defense, gamers can make their players sweep at the puck, or poke-check a passing opponent, even while skating backwards. The fighting system in ESPN NHL 2K5 is tied to a tension meter that rises and falls according to the mood on the ice; when teams are hitting harder (or playing dirtier), tensions rise, and players are more likely to drop the gloves at the slightest provocation. Players involved in a fight can move freely around the ice, and retreat or charge into the brawl at will. A wider selection of punches and grabs is available, but good tactics are required, as each attack drains some the player's stamina. The series' Franchise mode was rebuilt for this 2K5 version, designed to produce smarter GM opponents who make more realistic trades and staffing decisions. The gamer's own staff now consists of coaches, scouts, and players, all the way down to the minor leagues, and gamers can check out up-and-coming prospects first-hand, instead of just guessing at their styles of play based on statistics. All minor league games are simulated, and virtual managers can keep an eye on prospects in their farm teams throughout the season, or even influence the rosters to give a hot minor league rookie the ice-time he needs to develop his skills. Over the previous few years, the SegaSports hockey games have gained a reputation for highly realistic, almost simulation-style gameplay, especially in comparison to EA Sports' popular, more action-oriented NHL series. In contrast to the authentic style of ESPN NHL's standard modes, this year's version of also features a "Party" mode, designed to entertain players of all skill and interest levels with its accessible, forgiving action. In addition to the ability to relax rules and turn off penalties, a number of party-style mini-games are included, in which gamers compete to score the most goals or deliver the most checks in fast-paced free-for-alls. Online multiplayer gaming is once again supported, on PlayStation 2 through the PS2 Network Adaptor accessory, and on Xbox through the Xbox Live service.

OFFENSE FACEOFF

Left Analog Stick = aim pass
X Button = draw puck, pass
Circle Button = control skater facing-off
Square Button = switch user-controlled skater
Start Button = pause

OFFENSE WITH PUCK

Left Analog Stick - move skater
Right Analog Stick = total control dekes
D-Pad Up = switch forward lines
D-Pad Down = switch defensive lines
D-Pad Left or Right = change strategies
D-Pad Left + R1 Button = decrease aggression level
D-Pad Right + R1 Button = increase aggression level
L1 Button = protect puck
R1 Button = speed burst
X Button = pass
Circle Button = speed burst
Square Button = snap shot
Triangle Button = dump
Triangle + R1 Button = deke, release to shoot
L2 Button = pass and go
R2 Button = sidestep
Start Button = pause

OFFENSE WITHOUT PUCK

Left Analog Stick = move skater
Right Analog Stick = intense contact controls
D-Pad = change lines or strategies
D-Pad + R1 Button = change aggression
L1 Button = grab puck from the air
R1 Button = speed burst
X Button = change skaters
Circle Button = check
Square Button = one-timer, hook
Triangle Button = deflection
L2 Button = pass and go

BOARD PINNED

Left Analog Stick = move skater
X Button = change skaters
Circle Button = elbow
Square Button = kick puck

PENALTY SHOT

Left Analog Stick = move skater
L1 Button = sidestep
R1 Button = speed burst
Circle Button = speed burst
Square Button = snap shot
Triangle Button = deke, shoot

DEFENSE

Left Analog Stick = move skater
Left Analog Stick + L1 Button = skate backwards
Left Analog Stick + L1 Button + Right Analog Stick = total stick control
Right Analog Stick = intense contact controls
D-Pad Up = switch forward lines
D-Pad Down = switch defensive lines
D-Pad Left or Right = change strategies
D-Pad Left + R1 Button = decrease aggression level
D-Pad Right + R1 Button = increase aggression level
L1 Button = grab puck from the air
R1 Button = speed burst
X Button = change skaters
Circle Button = check, push
Square Button = poke check, hook
Triangle Button = block, dive

GOALIE WITHOUT PUCK

Left Analog Stick = move goalie
D-Pad = change lines or strategies
D-Pad + R1 Button = change aggression
L1 Button = best stance
R1 Button = position goalie
X Button = change skaters
Circle Button = slash
Square Button = poke check, dive
Triangle Button = save, best stance

GOALIE WITH PUCK

Left Analog Stick = move goalie
X Button = pass
Circle Button = leave puck
Square Button = clear
Triangle Button = cover

GOALIE HOLDING PUCK

Left Analog Stick = move goalie
X Button = drop puck and pass
Circle Button = drop puck
Square Button = drop clear
Triangle Button = cover

BOARD PIN

Left Analog Stick = move skater
X Button = change skaters
Circle Button = check
Square Button = push
Triangle Button = cancel pin

FIGHTING

X Button = duck, dodge
Circle Button = grab
Square Button = punch
Triangle Button = uppercut
R1 Button = grab right
L1 Button = grab left
R2 Button = fake punch
L2 Button = taunt ~ Keith Adams, All Game Guide