ESPN NHL Hockey – Consumer Guide

Parents should not expect violence beyond the physical nature of hockey. There is little blood, occasional fighting, and prodigious checking, but these aspects are not exaggerated; the game is rated "E" for everybody.

Hardcore gamers are well served by the games deep controls, mechanics, opponent AI and franchise mode. The ESPN license will appeal to those who enjoy watching televised hockey, or in other words, hockey fans—which happens to be the target audience.

Casual gamers may find that the simulation-type gameplay and complicated mechanics set the games experience strictly apart from that of other genres.

Those without a specific interest in hockey and simulation sports games should probably stay away.

Deaf and Hard of Hearing gamers may miss the play-by-play commentary, but can play the game without any difficulty.