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NHL 07
NHL 07
from Wikipedia
NHL 07
Alexander Ovechkin on the cover of NHL 07
DevelopersEA Canada (X360, PSP)
EA Montreal (PS2, Xbox, PC)
PublisherEA Sports
SeriesNHL series
PlatformsMicrosoft Windows
PlayStation 2
PlayStation Portable
Xbox
Xbox 360
Release
  • NA: September 12, 2006
  • AU: September 21, 2006
  • EU: September 22, 2006
  • AU: October 20, 2006 (PSP)
GenreSports
ModesSingle-player, multiplayer

NHL 07 is an ice hockey video game, which was released in 2006. The game improved the series' gameplay with more realistic features, such as stickhandling and a wider variety of controller schemes. As NHL 07 was released on the Xbox 360, this is the first game in the NHL series to be released on a seventh generation console. It was also the last NHL game to be released on the Xbox and the only installment to be released on the PlayStation Portable.

Gameplay

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NHL 07 features 4 European leagues - Germany's Deutsche Eishockey Liga, Sweden's Elitserien, Finland's SM-liiga, and the Czech Republic's Tipsport Extraliga. NHL 07 for the Xbox 360 features analog stick control and a brand new physics system which eliminates the magnetic type possession of the puck which had been used in past NHL games. Commentary is provided by Gary Thorne and Bill Clement for the Xbox 360 version of the game, however, Jim Hughson and Craig Simpson return for the sixth generation and PSP versions.

Reception

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The game received "generally favorable reviews" on all platforms except the PC version, which received "average" reviews, according to the review aggregation website Metacritic.[28][27][25][26][24]

Metacritic gave NHL 07 a 79% rating, stating that "Stellar graphics and a great new stick/shooting system are the hallmarks of this title".[28] NHL 07 received an 8.7 out of 10 from IGN, praising the new skill stick and improved puck physics system.[29]

References

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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
NHL 07 is an ice hockey video game developed by EA Canada (for Xbox 360 and PSP versions) and EA Montreal (for PlayStation 2, Xbox, and PC versions), published by EA Sports, and released on September 12, 2006, for PlayStation 2, Xbox, Xbox 360, PC, and PlayStation Portable. The game, the sixteenth entry in the NHL series, features Washington Capitals forward Alexander Ovechkin on its cover and introduces several gameplay innovations, including the Skill Stick control system, which uses the right analog stick for advanced actions like dekes, spins, wrist shots, and slapshots, while the left stick handles skating for more intuitive and realistic player control. It also enhances player modeling with lifelike animations and individual styles, incorporates Player Roles to add strategic depth by assigning specific on-ice responsibilities, and expands the European leagues by adding teams from the Czech Elite League. Gameplay modes include single exhibition games, full season play, Dynasty Mode for long-term team management, General Manager Mode, and online multiplayer, supporting up to 6v6 matches on and Xbox Live. The title received generally positive reviews, praised for its fluid and engaging hockey simulation, improved AI, and immersive controls, though some critics noted a steep and occasional issues with commentary and player identification on the ice. It holds aggregate scores of 79/100 on for most platforms, with awarding it 8.7/10 for its adrenaline-pumping authenticity.

Development

Announcement and cover athlete

NHL 07 was officially announced by EA Sports on June 22, 2006, through a press release that emphasized the game's upcoming innovations in gameplay and its selection of Washington Capitals rookie forward Alexander Ovechkin as the cover athlete and spokesperson. Ovechkin, who had been drafted first overall by the Capitals in 2004, was chosen to represent the title due to his explosive debut in the 2005-06 NHL season, where he tied for third in the league with 52 goals, ranked third overall with 106 points, and led the NHL with 425 shots on goal—marking the third-most prolific rookie campaign in league history. His dynamic playing style, characterized by powerful shots and aggressive puck-handling, aligned with the game's focus on enhanced player control and realism, positioning him as a symbol of the franchise's push to capture the excitement of emerging NHL talent. Early pre-release teasers and hands-on previews, beginning around 2006 and continuing through summer media events, highlighted Ovechkin's role in building hype for the game. These previews showcased his involvement in promotional activities, including interviews where developers discussed how his on-ice flair inspired new features, such as right controls for dekes, toe-drags, and stylish puck moves that allowed players to emulate elite skills without requiring perfect attribute matches. Ovechkin's participation helped generate buzz among fans, bridging his real-world rookie sensation status with the virtual experience, as he noted in the announcement his long-time enjoyment of titles. The project was led by development teams at EA Montreal and EA Canada in , B.C., who rebuilt the game from the ground up to leverage next-generation hardware capabilities across multiple platforms. This collaborative effort ensured that Ovechkin's cover appearance tied directly into the core design philosophy of delivering greater freedom and authenticity in hockey simulation.

Technical development

EA Canada led the development of the and versions of NHL 07, leveraging the studio's expertise in creating next-generation titles for the emerging seventh-generation consoles. Meanwhile, EA Montreal handled the ports for the , original , and PC, adapting the core engine from previous entries to fit the hardware constraints of sixth-generation systems. Development commenced shortly after the release of in 2005, with the team prioritizing enhancements in player control and simulation realism to differentiate the title from its predecessor. A major focus was the creation of the analog stick-based "Skill Stick" system, which allowed players to execute dekes, passes, and shots using the right for more precise and intuitive maneuvers, marking a significant evolution in console hockey controls. This innovation stemmed from advancements in controller design and aimed to replicate real-world stickhandling by decoupling puck control from automated possession mechanics. To achieve greater realism, the developers eliminated the "magnetic" puck possession system used in prior games, introducing a new that simulated more natural puck movement and interactions on the . This change required extensive tuning of and momentum calculations, particularly in the version, which served as a technical showcase with a fully revamped engine optimized for the console's processing power. In contrast, the sixth-generation versions built upon the existing architecture from , incorporating targeted updates like improved AI behaviors without a complete overhaul, due to resource allocation across platforms. The integration of four European leagues—the Deutsche Eishockey Liga (DEL), Elitserien, SM-liiga, and Tipsport Extraliga—necessitated the modeling of new rosters, team structures, and league-specific rules, expanding the game's scope beyond North American hockey. This addition involved compiling accurate player data and adapting gameplay parameters to reflect variations in play styles and regulations, enhancing the Dynasty mode's depth for international team management.

Release

Platforms and dates

NHL 07 was developed and released for five platforms: Microsoft Windows, , , , and . The game launched in on September 12, 2006, across the , , , Windows PC, and versions. It was released in on September 21, 2006, and in on September 22, 2006. This entry marked several platform milestones for the NHL series, including the debut on a seventh-generation console via the version. It was the final installment released on the original hardware. Additionally, NHL 07 stands as the sole mainline title in the series available on the PSP. The version served as the lead platform, incorporating an improved with enhanced graphics and physics, while the releases on , original , PSP, and Windows were adapted ports optimized for last-generation or portable hardware limitations.

Marketing

EA Sports launched the promotional campaign for NHL 07 with a major announcement on June 22, 2006, revealing rookie as the game's cover athlete and official spokesman. This event highlighted Ovechkin's standout 2005-06 season performance, where he recorded 52 goals and 106 points, earning him a finalist spot for the as NHL Rookie of the Year. The campaign emphasized the game's upcoming September 2006 release across multiple platforms, positioning it as a pivotal entry in the NHL series, which held the top-selling hockey video game status and featured a licensing agreement with the NHL extended through 2012. Ovechkin's selection as cover athlete was central to building hype, with promotional materials showcasing his dynamic playing style to appeal to fans of emerging NHL talent. He appeared in official trailers and advertisements that captured his high-energy presence on the ice, capitalizing on his status as the first overall pick in the 2004 NHL Entry Draft and his league-leading 425 shots in the prior season. Developed by EA in and EA , the marketing leveraged these Canadian studios to underscore the game's authentic hockey roots, though specific regional events were not detailed in public announcements. Advertising efforts included a series of team-specific TV spots released in late June 2006, featuring highlights from various franchises, such as the , to engage dedicated fanbases. These spots, distributed through platforms like , previewed elements while tying into broader NHL partnerships via official league licensing. Additional buzz was generated through media previews, such as 's hands-on article in August 2006, which provided demonstrations and emphasized innovative controls. The campaign primarily targeted North American hockey enthusiasts, focusing on markets with strong NHL followings to drive pre-order interest and retail sales. Particular attention was given to the Xbox 360 version, marketed as EA Sports' next-generation debut for the series, introducing enhanced and responsive controls on seventh-generation hardware for the first time. This strategic emphasis aimed to showcase the technological leap while reinforcing the game's appeal to core fans in the U.S. and .

Gameplay

New features

NHL 07 introduced the full Skill Stick control scheme on the version, with a limited version available on other platforms, utilizing the right for precise deking, passing, and shooting mechanics that allowed players to execute advanced moves such as toe-drags and wrist shots with independent stick control. This system enhanced realism by rewarding skillful inputs over button mashing, marking a significant evolution from prior hybrid control schemes in the series. The game overhauled its physics engine on the , eliminating the previous "puck magnetism" that artificially adhered the puck to players and goalies, resulting in freer puck movement, more realistic bounces, and organic collisions during play. This change promoted a more chaotic and authentic on-ice experience, where loose pucks could lead to opportunistic plays without scripted possession. The game features four authentic European leagues—Germany's , Sweden's Elitserien, Finland's SM-liiga, and the newly added —complete with real rosters, arenas, and rule variations that integrated into modes like Dynasty for international play. These leagues expanded the game's scope beyond North American hockey, allowing users to manage or compete with European teams using period-specific player data. Visual upgrades featured improved player models with enhanced facial details and , alongside refined animations for stickhandling and skating that captured fluid motion and individual player styles. On sixth-generation platforms like and original , the game incorporated better AI pathing for more intelligent player positioning and decision-making during shifts. In contrast, the version leveraged its hardware for superior physics simulation and control responsiveness, creating a distinct next-generation experience separate from the iterative updates on older consoles.

Game modes

NHL 07 offers several structured game modes that allow players to engage with its simulation in varied ways, ranging from single matches to extended campaigns. The core modes emphasize and progression, building on the series' tradition of blending arcade-style action with management elements. These options cater to both casual and dedicated players, though availability differs across platforms, with the Xbox 360 version serving as a more limited "tech demo" compared to the fuller feature set on sixth-generation consoles like the and original . Dynasty Mode stands as the flagship single-player experience, functioning as a comprehensive franchise where users assume roles as (GM), coach, and player. Participants manage multi-season progression, including player development through training and performance-based upgrades, GM decisions such as drafting rookies, negotiating contracts under a system, executing trades, and handling owner-imposed goals like winning the or securing high draft picks. The mode incorporates a trust system influencing upgrade points, with variations like a European Dynasty featuring leagues such as the Czech Elite League, and it supports strategic elements like intentionally underperforming for better draft positioning. On sixth-gen platforms, it includes deeper options like minor league affiliations, though the iteration omits some features such as free agency in the initial season and advanced waiver systems. The World Tournament mode provides an international competition framework, pitting NHL teams against in an 8- or 16-team bracket-style event modeled after a format. Players select participating countries or clubs, customize rules, and compete through elimination rounds to determine the top squad, highlighting global rivalries and diverse playstyles without the long-term management of Dynasty. This mode remains consistent across platforms but is one of the few advanced options retained in the version. Shootout Mode operates as a standalone practice tool focused on penalty shootouts, allowing users to hone skills against AI goalies or in versus play. It serves as an effective tutorial for the game's Skill Stick mechanics, teaching dekes, shots, and positioning through repeated one-on-one scenarios, and can be played casually without full match commitments. Additional modes on sixth-gen platforms expand play options, including for quick single games between custom teams, for simulating a full NHL regular season with playoff progression, and for bracket-style postseason tournaments. A Free-for-All supports up to four players in chaotic, non-traditional hockey scenarios. Online versus matches enable multiplayer competition, though limited to basic ranked and unranked games on the without advanced features like online seasons or tournaments found in competitors. The edition notably lacks many of these secondary modes, restricting players primarily to , Dynasty, World Tournament, , and online play for a more streamlined but less comprehensive experience.

Audio

Commentary

NHL 07 features distinct announcing teams for its commentary to simulate realistic NHL broadcasts, with variations across platforms reflecting development priorities for next-generation and legacy hardware. The Xbox 360 version employs for play-by-play duties and Bill Clement for color commentary, introducing a more serious and professional tone compared to the humorous style of earlier games in the series. In the sixth-generation versions for and , as well as the edition, handles play-by-play while delivers , maintaining continuity from previous titles. The commentary integrates dynamically with game events, such as scoring opportunities, fights, and line changes, to provide context-specific calls that enhance immersion, with some new phrases added for greater variety over prior entries despite occasional repetition.

Soundtrack

The soundtrack for NHL 07 features 17 licensed tracks compiled under EA's EA Trax branding, emphasizing and punk genres to capture the high-energy atmosphere of hockey matches. This collection represents the largest in-game music selection for an hockey title at the time, with selections drawn from artists hailing from hockey-centric regions such as , , and to enhance thematic relevance. The tracks play during menus, replays, and loading screens, providing a consistent auditory backdrop across all platforms without variation in song selection.
ArtistTrack TitleOrigin Region (Artist)
Anti-Flag (For You My Friend), PA
Bloodpit,
Cute Is What We Aim ForThere's a Class for ThisBuffalo, NY
Gatsbys American DreamTheatreSeattle, WA
Good RiddanceDarkest DaysSanta Cruz, CA
Goodnight NurseMy OnlyAuckland, NZ
HurtUnkind, CA
Inkwell Is Lovely This Time of YearWinter , FL
MashlinThe ShoreWinter Springs, FL
Mobile Calling,
NOFXWolves in Wolves' ClothingBerkeley, CA
PilateBarely Listening,
PistolitaBeni Accident, CA
PriestessTalk to Her,
Protest the HeroDivinity Within
QuietdriveRise from the Ashes, MN
The HellacoptersBring It On HomeStockholm, Sweden
The game's sound design complements the soundtrack by incorporating realistic audio elements to heighten immersion during gameplay, including the crackle of skates on ice, the thud of puck impacts against boards and sticks, and dynamic crowd reactions that respond to on-ice action. These foley effects, such as player banter and coach commands, create a lively arena ambiance without overpowering the core hockey sounds. The soundtrack and effects integrate seamlessly with gameplay commentary to form a cohesive audio experience. While the music and effects remain uniform across , , and PC versions, the edition features enhanced crowd noise for greater realism.

Reception

Critical response

NHL 07 received generally favorable reviews from critics, earning an aggregate score of 79/100 on based on 49 reviews across multiple platforms. The version scored 79/100 from 14 critics, while the PC version received a mixed 72/100 from 10 reviews. Critics widely praised the game's graphical fidelity, which featured realistic reflections on , , and player visors, marking it as the best-looking hockey title at the time. The Skill Stick was highlighted for enhancing realism in controls, allowing intuitive deking, , and passing that simulated on-ice action effectively. Improved puck physics contributed to organic moments, such as deflections and rebounds, adding excitement to matches. The addition of four European leagues—Sweden's Elitserien, Finland's SM-liiga, Germany's , and Czech Republic's Tipsport Extraliga—expanded Dynasty mode options, earning acclaim for broadening the game's scope beyond North American teams. IGN awarded the Xbox 360 version 8.7/10, lauding it as "a great hockey game, pure and simple" with the Skill Stick representing a "truly next-generation innovation" and superior physics that captured the adrenaline of real play. noted "stellar graphics and a great new stick/shooting system" as hallmarks of the title. However, reviewers criticized the depth of certain game modes, particularly on the , where features like franchise and online components felt stripped down compared to prior entries. Online stability issues, including a lack of robust multiplayer support and minor bugs, were common complaints, with some outlets pointing to an underdeveloped online infrastructure. scored it 7/10, stating that while the Skill Stick was impressive, it could not "save a game that is light on content and slack in other areas." The PC version drew additional flak for feeling unrefined and overly similar to its predecessor, with controls better suited to a than keyboard and .

Commercial performance

NHL 07 sold approximately 980,000 units worldwide across all platforms. The game experienced strong performance in , where it benefited from the momentum of the 's launch earlier that year, helping to solidify ' dominance in the sports simulation genre. In specifically, NHL 07 was the top-selling of according to NPD data, with the version leading the charts and the edition ranking second; this success contributed to a record-breaking year for the Canadian gaming industry, as consumers spent C$933 million on , a 22 percent increase from 2005. Sales were distributed across platforms, with the version achieving the highest volume at around 510,000 units, followed by the edition with approximately 270,000 units, which led performance among next-generation titles due to the console's growing appeal. The PSP and original versions accounted for smaller shares, at about 170,000 and 30,000 units respectively, while PC sales were negligible.

Legacy

Impact on series

NHL 07 introduced the Skill Stick control system, which utilized the right analog stick for precise puck handling, dekes, and shooting variations, fundamentally altering player interaction with the game. This innovation was refined and retained as a core mechanic starting with NHL 08, where enhancements allowed for more fluid defensive maneuvers and puck control, establishing it as a staple across subsequent titles in the EA NHL series. Similarly, the game's revamped physics engine on seventh-generation consoles improved collision detection, puck behavior, and player momentum, contributing to greater realism that carried forward into NHL 08 and beyond, forming the basis for iterative advancements in simulation accuracy. As the first entry developed primarily for seventh-generation platforms like the , NHL 07 represented a pivotal transition for the series, leveraging new hardware capabilities for enhanced graphics, animations, and gameplay depth that surpassed the limitations of sixth-generation systems such as the original and PlayStation 2. This shift initiated the move away from cross-generational releases tied to older consoles and set a new standard for visual and mechanical fidelity, with the franchise continuing multi-platform support until achieving full next-generation exclusivity with NHL 25 in 2024. The release of NHL 07 played a key role in bolstering EA's position against competitor 2K Sports' NHL 2K series, particularly with its innovative controls that addressed criticisms of prior entries and delivered a competitive edge in the 2006-2007 . Both companies secured a non-exclusive multi-year licensing extension with the NHL and NHLPA in 2006, but 2K continued releasing titles through in 2010 before ending involvement due to escalating development costs and declining sales, allowing EA to gain unchallenged dominance as the sole publisher starting with in 2011. Over the long term, NHL 07 established a foundational template for the EA NHL series' annual evolution, emphasizing precision in player controls through the enduring Skill Stick framework and expanding international representation by incorporating four European leagues—Germany's , Sweden's Elitserien, Finland's SM-liiga, and the Czech Republic's Tipsport Extraliga—into gameplay modes. These elements paved the way for future titles to prioritize refined input responsiveness and broader global team integrations, such as additional leagues in NHL 10, shaping the franchise's identity as a benchmark for accessible yet authentic hockey .

Remakes and mods

In the years following its 2006 release, NHL 07 has seen renewed interest through community-driven mods, particularly for its PlayStation Portable (PSP) version, which benefits from an active modding scene. The "NHL 25 Playoff Edition" romhack, launched in June 2025 by a dedicated team (credited as BUNKAI, GABTHEBASSMAN, ISTVÁN88, JJ2ACTIVE, KINGLALU, LORAK, MRFISHTHEONEANDONLY, OWEN, ZYLOFONE), updates the PSP edition with current NHL rosters, player likenesses, and playoff features for the 2024-25 season, allowing players to experience modern hockey lineups on original hardware or emulators. This mod has been featured and promoted in YouTube content, including a June 2025 video titled "NHL 07 (PSP): 2025 Mod - Handheld Hockey Heroes" by Unsilent - RetroGaming Let's Plays, where "Handheld Hockey Heroes" refers to the video presentation rather than the development team. These efforts are supported by open-source tools on GitHub, which centralize resources for roster editing and patching, ensuring compatibility with PSP emulators like PPSSPP. For the Xbox 360 version, modding is more limited due to hardware constraints, but community updates enable roster refreshes via custom databases, often shared on forums like Operation Sports. Players frequently use the Xenia emulator to run NHL 07 on PC with 2024-25 season modifications, achieving upscaled resolutions up to while preserving the original Skill Stick mechanics. The PC port of NHL 07, originally derived from the PS2 and builds, also receives community enhancements through sites like PCGamingWiki, facilitating widescreen support and controller remapping for modern setups. Emulation remains the primary avenue for accessibility, as the game lacks official backward compatibility with Xbox Series X/S consoles. Fan projects have further sustained NHL 07's appeal, with creators producing retrospectives and restoration videos that highlight the game's enduring and franchise mode depth. For instance, a 2025 video series explores modded gameplay on emulated platforms, demonstrating how the title's core simulation holds up against newer entries in the series. These efforts, often shared on communities like Reddit's r/vitahacks and GBAtemp, underscore the game's lasting draw for nostalgic players seeking updated content without official support.

References

  1. worthplaying.com/article/2006/10/27/reviews/37336-xbox-360-review-nhl-07/
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