by Wyatt "JOEDOG" Elloitt
For those who are long time video Hockey fans, you may remember the legendary NHL Powerplay 96. Known as the best hockey game after NHL Face off. Powerplay 96 was designed by Radical Entertainment for Virgin Interactive. Radical followed up Powerplay 96 with a less successful'98 edition, Now another two years later they have developed NHL Championship 2000 for FOX Sports Interactive.
Fox Sports has added a much needed excitement to the Powerplay franchise. FOX Sports announcers are some of the best heard in video game history. So now you have Powerplay's game play, with great sound and music. unfortunately Championship 2000 is still stricken with Powerplay's hideous control problem.
NHL Championship is so slow, it makes you want to push harder on the control stick, as if that's going to make him skate faster. How many control pads are going to be broken during the play of this game?
NHL Championship 2000 offers some new FOX techniques to improve your game. FOX Sports exclusive "FOX Trax" technology as used in their on air games to view the streak of the flying puck. This visual is heavily used in Championship 2000 as well. Add a great new passing indicator which points to all the nearest players and you've got true innovation. Something that is lost on some sport titles. FOX is truly trying something new here.
The announcers are awesome. Quick witted, and accurate. This game makes you feel like your playing an actual FOX sports hockey game. He graphics are not in the league of EA Sports or 989 Sports, but surprisingly good. The players are decent, the stadiums detailed, and the fans in the stands are visibly excited.
FOX and Radical have put together an honest effort at a true contender for video Hockey champ this year. The control has damaged this title from being one of the greats to an alternative to the greats.
PUBLISHER:
FOX SPORTS
GRAPHICS: 7
MUSIC & SOUND: 9
CONTROL: 5
SECRETS: N/A
ORIGINALITY: 6
FUN & REPLAY: 6
OVERALL: 6.5