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As
the baseball season comes to and end and the weather gets colder,
pretty soon our thoughts turn to ice and that can only mean one
thing‹hockey. Stepping into this arena in the realm of video games
are two old favorites, Faceoff and EA's NHL. Of the two I think
that EA has changed the most since last year adding new options
and play mechanics. Faceoff on the other hand has stuck with a
good play formula improving slightly on what seems to work for
them. For a no-nonsense look at both side by side Gametour brings
you...
FACEOFF
2000 |
NHL 2000 |
VS.
Best
Graphics-Faceoff
I gotta go with Faceoff on this one even though EA has greatly
improved since last year. Faceoff still remains the clearest and
the crispest.
Best Animation (overall)- Faceoff
Faceoff again scores in this category. The animation is so good,
in fact, that they televise gameplay like it is highlights in
their commercials.
Best Animation (singular)- EA's NHL
The "big hit" animation of EA's NHL is the coolest and funniest
hockey move I have seen in a long time.
Best Commentary- Tie
They are both pretty repetitive and unoriginal.
Best Gameplay-EA's NHL
Though EA has less fluidity than Faceoff, the excitement level
in this year's version has been pushed way up--past Faceoff even.
Gameplay moves fast and furious and the extra moves are a lot
of fun to do.
Best Camera- Faceoff
With roving cameras after goals, zamboni cam at the breaks in
periods, and a good zoom on the action, Faceoff excels in this
category.
Best Control- EA's NHL
There is just a lot more control and options in NHL. With three
different ways to throw a check and a bunch of different things
that can be controlled without going to a menu, NHL boasts control
for real gamers.
Best A.I.- EA's NHL
Whether it is your team or the opposing one, the way that the
computer controlled players get into position and plan attacks
or back up and defend is exceptional.
Best Options- EA's NHL
Come on, was there any contest?
Best Fighting-
Faceoff
EA's NHL just seems too jerky and less acurate. Faceoff has great
hits that all look different. Plus there is more strategy than
just button smashing.
Best Cover- EA's NHL
It is just sleeker and more eye-catching.
Best Intro Video- Faceoff
Both have great intros worth watching more than once, but Faceoff
just has better crunches and goal shots. EA has licensed music
from Garbage.
Game to include team from Mystery, Alaska...
Neither...Bummer
So depending on what you like there is a hockey game out there
for you. If you are an expert gamer and a big hockey fan you definitely
will want to stick with EA this year. However, if you want something
quick and easy especially if you don't want to bother learnign
the game Faceoff looks mighty pretty. Its is your choice. Don't
try to challenge me though. I'll put you up against the boards.
-Chris Shade
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