2K Sports NHL 2K11 Review: Now This is More Like It

App Name:	2K Sports NHL 2K11
Platforms:	iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad
Publisher(s):	2K Sports
Version Reviewed:	1.0.2
Genre(s):	Sports
Release Date:	August 24, 2010
Price:	$0.99, 50% OFF! (Was $1.99)
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It’s remarkable that, until now, iPhone gamers looking for a good hockey game have few options. Several months ago, we got our hands on Hockey Nations 2010 from developer Distinctive Wireless, and while it was good to finally experience a hockey simulation for iOS, the game itself was quite disappointing . . . But now we have 2K Sports NHL 2K11, and though it’s not without its faults, it does a far better job of incorporating the speed of play, excitement, and unpredictability that have made hockey such a great experience on consoles for years and years. This title from 2K Sports offers great gameplay, full NHL rosters, game modes, and a ton of settings customizations. For a fraction of the price of Hockey Nations, there is really no choice to be made.

The controls work as you would expect. A virtual stick is situated in the bottom left, with button icons on the right. On offense, you can pass, shoot, or speed burst. Defenders use the same set of buttons, but the commands are switch player, check, and speed burst. If you’ve played Hockey Nations, you’ll notice that this isn’t a wildly different setup. The reason that it feels so much better is elusive, but somehow 2K managed to make the controls less cumbersome. In fact, there have been several times that I’ve quit playing, only to realize that my hands and fingers are sore from tensely gripping my phone as I try to score that game-tying goal. Losing yourself in the moment like that is a great testament to how close 2K Sports has gotten to nailing the essence of hockey, and how seamlessly they’ve integrated the controls.

The physics of puck and player movement are handled well. Rather than throw unnecessary extra buttons on screen, 2K Sports chose to alter how buttons behave depending on your proximity to other players and how long you hold before releasing. One button is used for poke checking and body checking, and the same goes for wrist shots and slap shots . . . Battles for loose pucks feel genuine, as you can never guess the outcome. A player’s stick or body may send the biscuit flying in any direction, and at any moment.

Not enough can be said about the depth of the game. It’s more than necessary, really. Players can customize camera angles, rule settings, frequency of penalties, and just about any other tweak you’d expect to find on a console game. There is also a full season mode, complete with player trades, customizable rosters, playing/simulating games, and a front office. I think most people will experience NHL 2K11 on a surface level, but the fact that the depth is there doesn’t hurt.

Even with all these strengths, the first thing you’ll probably notice about this game is that it looks far from impressive. Player animations are blocky and inaccurate, and unless you keep the camera zoomed out, things can look almost silly at points. Another annoying factor is the frequency of whistles that stop gameplay and make things drag on. Opponent goalies are incredibly unwilling to dish out the puck if one of your players is anywhere near him, and the number of times they drop down and cover the puck is enough to make you want to shout in anger.

But aside from the visual shortcomings, these drawbacks are minor. 2K Sports has proven that they could have a great future on the iOS platform. And since they’ve apparently stepped out of the running against EA Sports on Xbox 360, they should have plenty of time on their hands, right? With thrilling moments and replays worth watching around every corner, this is one face-off you shouldn’t miss.

Our Score: 4/5

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Devin Wieland

 

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