Then I went home and read the reviews from different gaming site and everyone gave it solid marks (B-A-) but constantly mentioned that it wasn't for hardcore gamers that scoring 7+ goals was common and that things weren't realistic enough. Disappointed, I checked it off my "things I want for Christmas" list.
Then, ironically, my wife gave it to me as a present she saw how much I loved the 2K10 game so I put on tentative smile and thanked her. I was hoping, if anything, that since Slapshot was more arcade like, we could actually play it together unlike 2K10 which is a bit complex at times.
I popped the disc in later that night and started playing the PeeWee to Pro mode (where you create your own player and start off as a little dude in the outside rinks and have to move your way up through the leagues). The arcadeness came out right away checking and shooting was definitely fun just move the stick as you would instinctively but the scores were often double digits and checking sent the little guys flying across the ice. I must say my wife found it adorable to see lil baby Kane and Toews running around the ice it has a cute factor to it.
So I upped the difficulty level to "superstar" and now the game became very intense to play quite competitive and fun yet still double digit scores. It was like playing NBA Jam but for hockey.
However, then I came to see where so many reviewer went wrong. It's the core difference of actually playing a game for an extended period of time or just going for an extended "test drive".
After playing for a week, I finished the season (actually in 5th place) and my player had good enough stats to move to the next league. Now the players were a little bigger teenagers playing in outdoor rinks and things were a little tougher. Checks didn't send people flying across the ice players actually kept their balance and you couldn't just push them around. Scores were still in the 4-9 goal range, but it had a completely different, and more challenging feel.
Now I've made it through that age level, and my player recently got drafted into the CHL (Canadian Hockey League). I'm from Chicago and honestly know nothing about it but it appears to have all the real teams and stadiums. Let me tell you it's a whole new league! First, the whole concept of playing your role on the team comes into play in the peewee and teenage league, you just dominate the ice, go anywhere you want, and have the players pass it to. In the CHL it's a full 6v6 and as a RW I need to play my position. This isn't a game where you control whoever has the puck you just control your player. Try to take the puck the length of the ice and score? Forget it you'll have two guys double team you and lose the puck 9/10 times. Try to not play defense? No hope of winning your unmarked guy will put it in. Want to go check crazy? Well penalties now exist so if you get called for tripping, YOU go into the penalty box and can do nothing but scream at the TV while your goalie gets pounded during the opposing team's powerplay. It's absolutely fantastic.
Plus at the CHL there are announcers calling the game and you can set it to use a name of a pro player similar to yours. So when you get the puck, score, etc, you actually hear "your" name being called. Let me tell you I could get used to it.
Finally the scores? Tight matches with usually less than 5 goals a game. I've had countless 2-3 or 2-1 games. It's completely realistic.
All in all I honestly was in the playoff in my NHL2K10 game when my wife game me Slapshot and I haven't put 2K10 back in my Wii since. Between the graphics, gameplay (having an actual stick), realism, personalization, etc Slapshot is 50 times better than the 2K franchise. Unless you really care about contracts and trades and etc go with Slapshot the game is one of the best on the Wii to date.
PROS:
-Starts arcade style evolves to realistic sim in pro leagues
-Peewee to Pro Game Mode well developed and immersive
-Peewee mode SUPER friendly for family fun; Easy controls
-Pro level involves playing your position
-Pro level penalty means your actually have to sit in the penalty box
-Pro level includes customized player name announcing
-Hockey stick play control better than any wii-remote + nunchuck setup
CONS:
-No online multiplayer
-Hockey stick control has a learning curve for advanced levels
Click Here For Most Helpful Customer Reviews >>
NHL Slapshot is a great hockey experience on the Wii. Definitely more of an arcade experience than a simulation like the regular NHL series, Slapshot still offers a great combination of fun and skill and it gets you moving and involved with your hockey video game experience. Checking is the funnest part in the whole thing as it really feels substantial on the screen. Each hit feels huge and hits with guys that actually are big hitters, feels even better. Goal scoring is fun and you can still make some pretty great plays. The game feels great and is easy to play right off the bat (or stick as it may be...) my only complaint is that EA Sports didn't put out any additional hockey sticks to purchase on the release day of the game. but i won't bother putting a lower score for the game just because the company didn't fully understand that the game is best played with the hockey stick...Best Deals for NHL Slapshot Bundle - Nintendo Wii
NHL Slapshot is a good game that brings hockey to your living room. I was impressed with responsiveness of the hockey stick when using wrist shots, backhands or slapshots. I even found myself lowering my shoulder to get around defenders in traffic.It definitely translated hockey well to the Wii and have no complaints so far. I would give this a higher mark, but have yet to get too far into a season and Pee Wee to Pros mode.
If you're looking for a more realistic hockey game, this may not be for you. But control wise it's tons of fun and does make you feel like you are part of the game.
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