NHL 2006

NHL 2006 is a part where the developers paid attention not only to the ice, but also to relationships within the club. The dynasty now has stricter control from the management: they ask for bad results, for unreasonable expenses, too, and you have to beg for money for transfers. Such an economy turns the season into planning with an eye to the future. On the ice, the game has become stricter: shots depend on the position of the body, goalies act more often according to the situation, and power moves rarely go unanswered. The goals go to the teams that can hold the puck and play the power play - random clicks from the boards are much less common than before. In addition to the dynasty, there are friendlies, tournaments and quick matches where you can just ride without obligation. Creating your own hockey player and customizing his skills gives you a reason to replay the career with different characteristics. Small details are especially pleasing: the coach’s reactions, the goalkeeper’s fatigue, the behavior of the players after a missed goal. Dynasty matches feel like part of the season, rather than separate episodes: a series of defeats forces you to reconsider your tactics. For those times, the interface and menu structure were convenient, which also helps the game not become outdated. The game looks and sounds decent by the standards of its year: commentary, replays and arena design are made in a television style. For fans of the series, this is a strong middle peasant of the era, which is nice to return to.