Hands-on with NHL 2K7 for the PS3
IGN had a chance to go hands-on with NHL 2K7 for PS3.
"When it comes to general gameplay, NHL 2K7 feels nearly identical to the 360 version. What sets the PS3 build apart from its competitor, however, is the implementation of the PS3 Six Axis controller. While offense hasn’t seen any real improvement from the controller implementation, defense shines on the PS3, using the Six Axis controller to fill two primary functions.
For starters, the controller can be used at any time on defense to deliver a more powerful check. Simply skate within range of an opposing player, line them up, and use your hands to do a virtual check towards the skater. Your player will instantly dash towards the puck-carrier in the direction you tilted, delivering a huge check.
In general, the check control worked fine, though we have to note that the lack of force feedback caught us off guard. We lined up our target and crashed them against the boards, though there was definitely something missing. Of course the PS3 controller no longer supports rumble, but we could definitely have used it, and are hoping for future implementation of a Dual Shock/Six Axis controller for situations like these. All in all, the functionality worked without a single problem.
Where the PS3 version truly shined, however, was in the Crease Control. For anyone unfamiliar with what Crease Control is all about, it’s very simple, and it truly changes the game entirely. At any point where your controlled character doesn’t have possession of the puck, simply click the R3 button to go into Crease Control mode. The camera will instantly switch to a transparent third-person view of the goalie, and you’ll have the ability to control the tender’s vision cone.
As long as the goalie is looking at the puck during a shot, the game will go into a version of 2K7 bullet time, allowing you a chance to aim the goalie’s block cursor at the incoming puck. The closer you are to the puck, the better chance your goalie has at blocking it. On PS3, all Crease Control is handled with the Six Axis controller, giving players the option of tilting left or right to control the vision cone, and then using the controller’s full power during a shot to steer the goalie cursor for a block.
The Six Axis functionality is purely optional of course, though we had a blast making huge saves and diving across the crease to deny powerful one-timers and firing slapshots. During our hands-on the control was inverted, though the option was there to use default controls as well. The added tilt control felt absolutely solid, and the promise of tilt sensitivity in the final version adds to our confidence in the Six Axis implementation. Using the controller was quick and easy, and really added to the experience."
