"We believe we have delivered not only the most realistic hockey experience, but also the most entertaining hockey title," stated Greg Thomas, president of Visual Concepts - makers of ESPN Videogames. "With a list of compelling features, online play, online league support, and an incredible price-point of $19.99, both hardcore fans and new consumers are going to get the best NHL experience on the market."
ESPN NHL 2K5 retains its authentic hockey roots with the new Intense Contact Controls. Players can cause turnovers and upset timing of passes against hockey opponents with quick hooks, bumps, and other contact moves to restrict the opposing team's movement and intimidate adversaries. Use the Intense Contact Controls carefully, as too much hard-nosed play can result in penalty minutes. When the tension starts to rise, ESPN NHL 2K5's completely revamped fighting engine offers full-movement fighting with new grappling, dodging, and punching techniques.
ESPN NHL 2K5 balances out the realism of hockey with the debut of the addictive Party Mode. Playable up to four players, Party Mode consists of 15 hockey inspired mini-games that are easy to pick up and hard to put down. Party mode mini-games range from the scoring fest Free-For-All, racing events like The Gauntlet, contests like the team-based passing contest Pass With Caution, and many more. Fast-paced, intuitive, and playable online, Party Mode offers a unique and addictive experience for both casual and hardcore hockey fans.
ESPN hockey personalities Gary Thorne and Bill Clement return to lend their recognized talents to provide the best commentary in any hockey game. Their insight and chemistry bring the highest quality of commentary that is highlighted in the exclusive Heritage Classic mode, the first NHL game played outdoors at Commonwealth Stadium.
Players can play against top player picks from well-known ESPN personalities and hockey celebrities in Dream Team mode. Dream Team mode pits the player against a ladder system of 20 teams hand-selected by Martin St. Louis, Jeremy Roenick, Chris Drury, Chris Berman, Steve Levy and many more.
ESPN Videogames are produced by Visual Concepts, SEGA's sports studio, and are co-published by SEGA and Global Star Software.
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