Summary
NHL Slapshot (2010): A Great Hockey Game for Fans of the Sport
NHL Slapshot is a hockey video game developed by EA Canada and published by EA Sports. It was released on October 12, 2010, for the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360. The game is the first in the EA Sports NHL series to feature a retired ice hockey player on the cover, with Wayne Gretzky gracing the cover and also serving as the in-game coach for beginners. This marked Gretzky’s first appearance on a cover of a video game since 2006.
NHL Slapshot is a fast-paced and exciting hockey game that features a variety of game modes, including:
- Exhibition: Play a single game against a friend or the AI.
- Season: Play through a full NHL season with your favorite team.
- Playoffs: Compete in the Stanley Cup playoffs.
- Be a Pro: Create your own player and take them from the junior leagues to the NHL.
- Online: Play against other players online in ranked or unranked matches.
The game also features a number of new features and improvements over previous NHL games, including:
- New skating engine: The new skating engine provides more realistic and fluid player movement.
- Improved AI: The AI has been improved to make the computer-controlled players more challenging and realistic.
- New physics engine: The new physics engine provides more realistic puck and player interactions.
- New presentation: The game features a new presentation package that includes new menus, overlays, and commentary.
NHL Slapshot was generally well-received by critics, with many praising the game’s fast-paced gameplay, improved AI, and new features. However, some critics found the game to be too similar to previous NHL games and lacking in innovation.
Gameplay
NHL Slapshot is a fast-paced and exciting hockey game that is easy to pick up and play, but difficult to master. The game features a variety of controls that allow players to perform a wide range of moves, including:
- Shooting: Players can shoot the puck with a variety of different shots, including wrist shots, slap shots, and backhand shots.
- Passing: Players can pass the puck to their teammates to create scoring opportunities.
- Skating: Players can skate around the ice to avoid defenders and create scoring chances.
- Bodychecking: Players can bodycheck their opponents to knock them off the puck.
- Fighting: Players can fight their opponents if they get into a physical altercation.
The game also features a number of different game modes, including:
- Exhibition: Play a single game against a friend or the AI.
- Season: Play through a full NHL season with your favorite team.
- Playoffs: Compete in the Stanley Cup playoffs.
- Be a Pro: Create your own player and take them from the junior leagues to the NHL.
- Online: Play against other players online in ranked or unranked matches.
Graphics and Sound
NHL Slapshot features realistic graphics and sound that bring the game to life. The player models are detailed and well-animated, and the arenas are packed with fans. The game also features a great soundtrack that includes a mix of rock and hip-hop songs.
Overall
NHL Slapshot is a great hockey game that is perfect for fans of the sport. The game features fast-paced gameplay, improved AI, and a variety of new features. Whether you’re a casual hockey fan or a hardcore gamer, you’re sure to enjoy NHL Slapshot.
Review Score
7.5/10
