'NHL 2000' skates with real players, foreign teams

NHL 2000

PlayStation

HHH

We want Stanley back. Fortunately, "NHL 2000" provides Red Wings fans unwilling to wait for the playoffs with their own chance to go for the Cup. Just juice up the PlayStation, take command of Detroit, draw up your lines and begin the quest to bring the most-prized trophy in sports back to its rightful home in Hockeytown.

"NHL 2000" allows gamers to chose the Red Wings or any of the league's other 27 teams (including the expansion Atlanta Thrashers), and guide them through the regular season and playoffs all in search of Lord Stanley. After selecting their team, players have the choice of dressing their soldiers in home, away or inaugural jerseys. The third jersey option is a nice feature and shows that in this particular area those behind the game went the extra mile.

In addition, players can select from four different All-Star teams (World, North American, Western Conference and Eastern Conference) or opt to be the national team from 18 different countries, including the United States, Canada and Russia.

While these different teams provide a nice alternative to the normal squads, the inclusion of a few older teams from various eras would have been a welcome addition. Really, who wants to play as the English national hockey team?

The game includes all the features that fans have come to expect - real players, game statistics and authentic stadiums - along with a few new ones such as the big hit button and the ability to taunt your opponents after big plays. On this note, the game also earns points for its extended fighting sequences, which seem to break out a little more often than they do in the real NHL.

Although it's a little difficult to get the hang of, "NHL 2000" is a smooth playing game that will provide challenges for everyone from first timers to full-time professionals. Once gamers get the hang of skating and passing, they should have no problem competing against the computer.

Not being able to score much at first can prove to be a little frustrating, but if players stick with it, they'll soon be lighting the lamp at will. In addition, options like offsides, two line passes and line changes can be adjusted to create a more difficult game. So lace up your skates and see if you can cut it with the NHL's best.

-Matthew Barrett

11-03-99