NHL Slapshot
SCORE: 80
I was very pleased to see a reviewable copy of NHL Slapshot arrive from Electronic Arts (EA). I was not so pleased to try and figure out how to put the stick together. After a few attempts I got it together. I proceeded from there to put the game into the Family Friendly Gaming Wii, and get going. At this point I felt like a complete child because EA has a wonderful instructional video on how to put the stick together. Not only that they explained what to do with the cords. Bear in mind I was not able to close the stick properly due to improper installation. So I swallowed my pride, and put the hockey stick peripheral together properly. Let this be a lesson - following proper instructions always works better.
NHL Slapshot has an arcade feel to it. Intense simulation gamers will most likely turn their noses up at this game. Which is a shame because I have played NHL 11 a little bit, and like NHL Slapshot a whole lot better. NHL Slapshot is a better game for families. Sure there are not as many modes, extras, etc., but NHL Slapshot has more Wow moments.
The graphics in NHL Slapshot are very crisp and clear. I liked the various rinks which range from pee wees up to the pros. The coolest thing about NHL Slapshot is there is no fighting. You can check players on the other team, and knock them down. Be careful because this does not always give you the puck. I also appreciated the different leagues in NHL Slapshot. Players look good in NHL Slapshot, but not as realistic as NHL 11. I noticed the fans look okay, and many of them are wearing the colors of the home team.
NHL Slapshot contain the turn off select songs if you do not like them. I believe that NHL Slapshot has the best eleven song sound track I have heard in an EA Sports game ever. We were enjoying songs like "The Final Countdown," "Twilight Zone," and "Strike it Up." These songs get the blood flowing almost as much as scoring another goal. I am familiar with most of these songs and the lyrics did not offend me. You may want to check out the songs for yourself to be sure you have the same reaction. The announcers have some nice comments here and there. They are not as the same level as NHL 11, but that is okay.
Most arcade style games on the Wii have few modes. NHL Slapshot impresses me in this regard. There are various ways to play NHL Slapshot, and some fun little mini games as well. My personal favorite is one player shooting, and the other being the goalie. Fans of Wayne Gretzky will be happy to hear they can take the ice with him in every single game mode. I believe that NHL Slapshot is worth the price of admission.
The tutorial in NHL Slapshot was pretty quick, but it really got me into the game quickly. I have to admit I was skeptical of the controls, and the hockey stick peripheral. Then I started playing NHL Slapshot. I found myself weaving through the defense, and picking where I wanted to shoot. Before I knew it, I was scoring. Then I found myself dominating. So I moved the difficulty up, and was having some competitive and very fun games. NHL Slapshot can be controlled with the Wii Remote only, the Wii Remote and Nunchuk, and the Wii Remote and Nunchuk inside the hockey stick peripheral.
Please be careful with NHL Slapshot when you use the hockey stick
peripheral. Players need some room or they will connect with something
or someone. I narrowly missed a few people, and discovered a table. I
really like how EA is tailoring their Wii games for families. I hope to
see sequels to this game in the near future. It was my personal pleasure
to be able to play and review NHL Slapshot. This game is pure plain fun
that everyone in the family can enjoy. Now if you will excuse me I have
some more goals to score.
- Paul
Graphics: 75%
Sound: 83%
Replay/Extras: 76%
Gameplay: 85%
Family Friendly Factor: 80%
System: Wii
Publisher: EA Sports
Rating: 'E' for Everyone
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