The "Skills Competition" mode in "ESPN NHL Hockey" gives gamers a chance to put their skills to the test in six separate events. Players will put themselves on the line in contests like Fastest Skater, Hardest Shot, Puck Control and Accuracy Shooting. Team skills are then tested in events like Breakaway Relay. The more gamers practice and play in the "Skills Competition" mode, the better their hockey gaming skills will be as they have the choice to participate in single drills or in larger progressive mini-game versions of these drills.
"Sports gamers want a strong sense of competitiveness with an equal amount of fun," said Greg Thomas, president of Visual Concepts Entertainment. "The 'Skills Competition' will challenge them, help make them better players - allowing them to have the MOST competitive hockey experience when they bring their game against another player."
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Hockey fans, both old and new, will be brought together this September on the virtual pond with "ESPN NHL Hockey" as the visual splendor on ice is captured right down to the finest details. Whether it's the stunning player resemblances or the innovative particle effects on the ice, "ESPN NHL Hockey" delivers unrivaled graphic quality. In addition, this game features brand new commentary from ESPN announcers Bill Clement and Gary Thorne.
The "Skills Competition" mode is modeled after the NHL's highly competitive event, which takes place before the NHL All-Star Game each season. Historically, the best in the NHL take home bragging rights after competing in the "Skills Competition" and "ESPN NHL Hockey" cover athlete Jeremy Roenick is no exception. Roenick's ability to shoot with precision won him the "shot accuracy" title in 2003.
"ESPN NHL Hockey" will be available at retailers nationwide in early September for the PlayStation2 and the Xbox.