What EA does have an advantage over the competition in is visuals, sounds, and a new way to play the game involving the new skill stick feature. In short, the skill stick is a way to use the right analog stick to control your hockey stick. Pressing up performs wristers, holding back then moving up performs amazing and lightning fast slap shots, and moving left and right performs deeks. Combine these maneuvers and you have yourself the first innovation in hockey games in almost a decade. Of course, you can still play the classic button style of hockey, but if you can get used to the skill stick, you will not go back to the archaic game play of old.

Where the game becomes really exciting is the live puck physics that are so unpredictable, you’ll be reverting back to replays over and over again just to find out where the goalie missed the mark either in your favor or theirs. No longer do we have the old puck on a string effect; now passes, shots, wristers, bounces, body shots are all random, if even frustrating at times. That of course is the beauty of NHL 07 - you can take the lead or lose one at any given moment and on the sloppiest of shots. The A.I. is equally impressive providing aggressive checks, passing, and maneuvers. For once, you will have a competitive game of hockey without having to invite a buddy or heading online.

Speaking of which, online is where EA misses wide of the net. Sure the game play is there with very little lag to speak of, but the fact there is no leagues, tournaments, or seasons to play online with friends is a bit too old school, especially for the capabilities of Xbox Live.

Visually EA bounces one off the top of the post and in the net with this one, especially with the knowledge of things only getting better with future versions. Everything looks impressive, from the ice, jerseys, animations, to even the cut scenes. They all do the game justice and you will be proud to call this a next generation sports title. Granted, once you’ve played about 20 games you’ll see the same stuff repeatedly, but we’re certain that EA will use their beloved ESPN license next year and maybe even bring us a virtual ESPN Hockey night TV style along with it. Now I’d be lying if I’d didn’t mention some frames of animation missing from certain moves which make the game look a bit choppy, but given the good of the game hugely outweighs the bad, and the fact there is virtually no slow down, all can be forgiven for EA’s first Next Gen hockey outing.

Topping off the presentation is the return of Gary Thorne and Bill Clement who provide riveting play calling, even if it becomes repetitive. Trust me; the excitement these commentators bring easily outdoes the competitions snore fest of play calling.

Even though the online is a bit lackluster, at least the single player game provides enough depth to last you a few seasons without growing tired. This is mainly because EA has incorporated a nice sized Dynasty Mode in which you may play multiple seasons with. Here you can control contract waivers, salaries, stadium prices, and more, all the way down to the minors. Granted you can’t very well control or see these minor league teams and accomplishments, but it is a start. We can only hope EA will incorporate the minor leagues here, as they did with the MVP series, with the allowance to play the games as well. You of course have the play now and shootout options, but the meat of the game is the dynasty mode.

NHL 07 is fun, fast, addicting, plays well, and eats up your free time even better. Top it all off with being able to play a game in around 20 minutes and still feel fulfilled, is a treat nonetheless. While the competition plays a fine game of hockey, it felt too much like the same old song and dance to recommend over EA’s brand this year. If EA keeps the pendulum swinging in their direction, there will be no stopping them from reclaiming the crown.