Deca Sports 2

Dominate the open ice with NHL 2005, the most authentic and complete experience for hockey fans around the world. Open Ice Control adds a new dimension of realism to the gameplay experience, allowing you to utilize the entire ice surface by simultaneously controlling players without the puck. Plus, with the new face-off playcalling system, the World Cup of Hockey, and all-new EA SPORTS Free4All, you can light the lamp like never before. NHL 2005 is the hockey experience that is easy to play, but hard to master.

The golden age of console hockey returns when NHL 07 debuts with gameplay innovations that will allow players to feel like they are actually on the ice. Featuring the same core gameplay experience, graphic quality, AI and animations as its console counterpart, you can expect a continuation of your experience at home while playing-on-the-go. With full connectivity to your PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system, build a team in Dynasty Mode at home and take them on a road trip to keep the momentum alive. Progress on the road is added to your team total when you return home and link up - and vice versa. Off the ice, act as the General Manager in a deep Dynasty Mode. Do whatever it takes to meet an owner's expectations by properly managing rosters and using your creativity to fit player salaries under the new cap. Also features wireless and online gameplay so you can slam your friends and online rivals into the boards!

Gretzky NHL 2006 for PSP gives you the glory of winning on the ice, as you play as - or against - the legendary #99! It was designed as a true simulation that hardcore fans will love, while staying accessible to casual fans. This game also offers the Gretzky Challenge with unlockable, playable versions of Gretzky from his days as an Edmonton Oiler, Los Angeles King or New York Ranger. The new give and go lets you set up a perfect one-timer Load up the slap shot meter to beat the goalie with ultimate shot Play as or against all NHL teams, with access to every player and arena Play the Gretzky Challenge - Earn points by breaking Gretzky's actual NHL records and utilize those points to unlock jerseys, teams, and playable versions of Gretzky as an Oiler, an L.A. King or New York Ranger Two or more PSP systems can communicate directly via Wi-Fi connectivity for regional/local multiplayer gameplay All-new audio commentary delivered by the great Mike Emrick and Darren Pang

In the class of college basketball games, NCAA Final Four 99 gets a passing grade because it delivers what its peers have failed to: fast-paced gameplay. But don't get too excited: 989 Sports' first foray into college hoops also has suspect AI that'll irritate die-hard gamers.

Although this title borrows gameplay elements (mainly icon passing and cutting) from its cousin, NBA ShootOut 99, it establishes its own presentation style quite well. Graphically, there isn't much to complain about. In addition to detailed stadiums and floors, the game adds nice touches, such as referees and coaches on the sidelines. Perhaps the biggest graphical flaw is the occasional speedup or slowdown in animation when a shot's being taken. The commentary by Quinn Buckner may get stale after a while, but it's better than nothing.

The AI in this game still needs a lot of work. It's not really an issue in multiplayer games (where both sides are handicapped equally), but when playing against the computer, be prepared for "Believe It or Not" style gameplay. First off, virtually every shot is a fadeaway (outside the paint) or hook (in the paint). Second, players magically slide backwards on defense - sometimes, seemingly teleporting - as they defendagainst a fast break.

This game's AI difficulty level ranges from incredibly easy to incredibly cheesy. There are some cheap ways to beat the computer, even at the highest difficulty level. For instance, repeated jumping on defense almost always guarantees a steal when a wing tries to dump the ball into the post. At the easiest level, you can win on turbo-button fast breaks and no-brainer threes. At the toughest level, be prepared for your AI opponent - even a horrid team - to make every shot, despite being double- or triple-teamed. This is hardly realistic, and provides virtually no incentive to play solid defense, so games at this difficulty degenerate into who can pull off the most cheesy steals and score the most.

989 Sports does fill this game with original new features that raise its value. The most notable (and worthy of praise) is the optional shot meter. With it on, you can see the point where you should release the shooting button to make an accurate shot. This instant feedback adds excitement to the game by making every shot an exercise in reflexes. Plus, if you're a new player, it gives you a feel for the timing needed for outside shots and fadeaways.

Undoubtedly, you probably want to know how this game stacks up against NCAA March Madness 99. Despite the previously mentioned AI flaws, this title has a distinct edge. First and foremost, this game has more than twice as many teams. These extra teams, mainly from smaller conferences, make it much easier to simulate this year's NCAA tournament, as well as serve to appease you if you're from one of the schools slighted by March Madness 99. Second, while the titles are dead even in the graphics department, 989 Sports' game can play much faster, thanks to an adjustable game speed option.

Final Four 99 does lack the extras found in its main competitor - mainly, no women's play and no season-end conference tourneys in season mode. It also lacks the exact equivalent of a momentum meter, which gives teams confidence as they make scoring runs. Final Four 99 does have a command to rile up crowds (for home teams) and taunt, but this seems more ornamental than useful.

Final Four 99 has numerous fixes to make before it call itself a great game. Still, for all its flaws, it's the most fun-to-play college basketball game on the market so far, if only for its faster speed. It's a game that most casual fans would probably be willing to settle for.