[WWEDX2007]

1. ESPN NHL 2K5 (Microsoft Xbox/Sony PlayStation 2)

My main introduction to NHL 2K (aside from me playing NHL 2K on the Dreamcast in 2000) was through my father picking up a copy of the game for $20 alongside a copy of Sonic Adventure 2. My dad did this on his own to surprise me and my brother.

What followed was hundreds of games played between us 3 to make up for the locked out season. while I would later pick up NHL 2K6 and even later 2K8 and 2K10. ESPN NHL 2K5 remains king. it's why I spend so many painstaking hours trying to update the rosters even on days where I don't feel like it and it feels like a slog. my eventual goal of an update will be achieved.

Pros: Excellent graphics, presentation and commentary, addicting gameplay (even in side-modes like Skills Competition and Pond Hockey) and The Skybox showing the trophies you've earned.
Cons: Every player checks too hard, this was a problem for the entirety of 2K games, also not a fan of how Franchise Mode is so easy to break (the game SERIOUSLY can't fix it's own line combinations to prevent crashing? ugh)

2. NHL 2K8 (Microsoft Xbox 360/Sony PlayStation 3)

After paying close attention to Snowdrift's roster work/editor I picked this up.

What I appreciate most about NHL 2K8 is just how gritty the visuals and gameplay is, It doesn't feel like any of the others in this regard.

Soundtrack choices are neat, never thought I'd hear Korn in a hockey game but here we are.

Pros: Interesting ways of unlocking stuff compared to previous games, intuitive control scheme (and being able to "whip" on wrist shots), gritty/edgy visual presentation, solid commentary by Bob Cole and Harry Neele, cool soundtrack.
Cons: A.I. can be absolute BS at times (late game comebacks are common), the players have funky looking faces/equipment (it almost reminds me of Saints Row 2 in graphical quality), Slap shots travel wide more often than not (an issue that carried to 2K9 and 2K10)

3. NHL 2K10 (Microsoft Xbox 360/Sony PlayStation 3)

Part of what makes playing 2K10 so enjoyable is how beautiful it is graphically, even almost a decade later. I also really enjoy the sound effects. Hearing the puck drop to the ice and slap shots being taken are so satisfying.

Pros: Beautiful graphics, satisfying sound effects, decent gameplay, riding the Zamboni!
Cons: They broke the custom soundtrack system that was working so well in 2K8, because of this you cannot update Goal Horns in the game, which is a real shame because Vancouver's was inaccurate at release time.