Gretzky NHL
SCORE: 75
The video that welcomes the player when they first boot up Gretzky NHL is as good as any DVD. Gretzky has had a long, and successful career in the icy sport of hockey. 989 Studios (which has since been swallowed by Sony) has had to play catch up on Electronic Arts, and Sega in most sports games. However I remember a day when they were the cats meow, and brought something new and fresh to the sports genre. Unfortunately Gretzky NHL on the Playstation Portable sides with more recent sports games. They must have spent more money on licensing Gretzky’s name than they did on developing this game.
The graphics of that opening video is as good as the graphics ever get. The models of the different players do not look that great, especially for the Playstation Portable (PSP). The people in the background all completely look the same, and remind of how things looked back in the 16-bit era. The faces of the hockey players look the same, which is exhibited quite well when the National Anthem is sung. Speaking of that, why are only a few players putting their hands over their hearts? This game also includes some sports violence. Sadly boxing style fighting is also allowed in this game.
All sports games seem to have the same problem with the announcers. Gretzky NHL is no different. At times the announcers are right on top of the action, and other times what they same makes no sense in relation to the action on the ice. The music is a mixture of different music that can be turned off. I turn it off, because they do not include Praise and Worship, or Gospel in their musical selection. The sounds of the players skating sounds realistic, and that adds to the overall feel of this game.
989 Studios included quite a few different modes, challenges, and teams that all add to the replay value of this game. More than one player can play this game (with two PSP’s). I am on the fence as to whether this game is worth your hard earned dollars. The gameplay is the biggest problem, but this game can be found for under 10 dollars - brand new!
It took me a few tries to actually get the feel of how this game controls. The collision detection problems really make this game a frustrating one to play. The extremely wide turns needed to turn around also cause problems. If the control mechanics were better this one might have be more fun.
Hockey is one of the worst
sports for families due to the violence, and selfishness involved. Team
work, and selflessness can be taught through sports, but this game does
not reinforce any of those lessons. Jesus taught to turn the other
cheek, and this game does not encourage that either. If you are a hockey
nut (aka fan), and have a PSP, find a much better hockey game than this
one (Sega or Electronic Arts).
- Frank
Graphics: 69%
Sound: 80%
Replay/Extras: 88%
Gameplay: 71%
Family Friendly Factor: 68%
System: Playstation Portable
Publisher: 989 Studios
Rating: 'E' for Everyone
{Violence}
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