by Wyatt "JOEDOG" Elliott
The two major Hockey game heavy weights are back to duke it out for the new Millennium. In one corner, the veteran from EA Sports. In its seventh year, NHL 2000. In the other corner Now in its fifth year. Sony's own 989 Sports' NHL Face Off 2000. This is a tight match. Both are solid games this year. Both have an equal amount of devoted fans. NHL 2000 gives us fast game control and smooth character graphics. EA steps into the ring and delivers the first punch.
NHL Face Off 2000 comes back with a better overall graphics and detail. Ultra realistic stadiums that are photo copies of the real deal. Face Off's legendary shaking glass and slamming checks are all back. Player animations motion captured from real NHL stars, gives Sony's players more realism. Sony lays a powerful combo upon EA.
Both games provide dual announcers, with Sony's giving a more powerful performance. Plus Face Off's TV style presentation is all around better. Two more blows to EA's pride.
Much like NFL Game Day 2000, NHL Face Off 2000 features actual licensed classic rock tunes for those goal celebrations, not necessary, but a nice touch. Sony has EA on the ropes.
EA Sports blocks Sony's glamorous look with a reminder of Face Off's sometimes choppy animations and replays, and proves NHL 2000 has smarter A.I. and better control. NHL 2000 brings back the slap shot meter from '99. Tells you how much force your putting into it. EA delivers a punishing upper cut to Sony and 989.
Both games have all the NHL players and teams, plus multiple options of game play. Both games are analog controller and dual shock compatible. Both games have the option for up to four players with the multi-tap adapter.
The fight continues, its getting ugly. NHL 2000 is much faster and provides a challenge to the cyber hockey fan. NHL Face Off 2000 puts so much into the look of the game. Players, Stadiums, and the announcers are all better then what EA Sports is providing these days. The results. EA Sports is fast with the blows and pin points accurately, but exhausts its self out. Sony's 989 Sports punches fewer and slower, but puts more detail into the strategy of the fight.
Both games have their ups and downs, but neither one will be a disappointment for NHL buffs. In the end there will be the EA Sports fans versus the 989 Sports fans. Its all a matter of devotion. This fight however will go to Sony and 989 Sports.
GAME: NHL 2000 / NHL FACEOFF 2000
PUBLISHER: EA SPORTS / 989 SPORTS
GRAPHICS: 8 / 9
SOUND & MUSIC: 9 / 9
CONTROL: 9 / 8
SECRETS: N/A
ORIGINALITY: 7 / 7
FUN & REPLAY: 9 / 9
OVERALL: 8.5 / 9
NHL 2000
NHL FACEOFF 2000
