I'll have to apologise for my ignorance initially, because ice hockey games in general aren't something I usually buy - mainly because I was unsure up until now whether or not I'd enjoy them. However, I'm pleased to report that if this game is anything to go by, I've been missing out on something pretty special.

As a game on NHL 2K7 opens up, you're given the option of playing either cinematically or with standard commentary. Both options work well and have their own certain charm; in commentary you get the authentic feel of watching the game on TV and the standard of the banter is high - really high in fact. Only last week I reviewed FIFA 07 and said that the commentary was the best I'd ever heard - well sorry FIFA, but your reign at the top is already over - you've been beaten! So what happens if you take the other option? The music changes and adapts to add tension to the game, which is a great idea that really gets the old heart pumping when things get heated and again it's been executed perfectly. The first sports game to use this idea to its full potential was Rockstar's Table Tennis, and I wouldn't say NHL 2K7 makes any better use of it, but it's certainly just as excellent. This is complemented with cut scenes involving your manager's pre-match pep talk, the barneys between him and the referee and shots of the crowd's reaction to goals, fouls and referee decisions. Although this might sound a little gimmicky, it really adds something to the game; the crowd always play a part when watching a sport on television and I never really noticed this was missing from games until now. I hope other titles follow suit, as it's a really nice touch.

I'm pleased to say that NHL 2K7's attention to detail doesn't stop there, as on the ice your players are responsive and the controls are nothing short of fabulous; simple and intuitive enough for anybody to get to grips with instantly, whilst containing enough subtle advanced techniques to keep offering something new to the more dedicated player. The game cleverly forces you to develop these techniques as you progress through the career mode - initially you'll be able to win by simply passing the puck around before timing the perfect shot, but as you progress it slowly squeezes you out of your comfort zone, forcing you to play more tactically and become familiar with the more advanced techniques. Add to this the fact that you have to consider your team dynamic when picking and positioning players, combined with a wealth of management options throughout the career mode, and you're definitely treated to more than your money's worth of depth for a sports game. Adding to this depth further is a rivalry system that builds throughout your career, affecting your players' stats and performance according to the teams you come up against, and their performance is also affected by their popularity, the number of times they're fouled upon, the number of missed shots and so on. These are all great features that keep pushing this title over and above the norm.

The way your men glide around the ice feels just right; NHL 2K7 is definitely a quality product and the characters seem to have weight and substance; they don't just float around in whatever direction you push the stick, you can actually seem to feel the grip cut in as you corner and reduce as you increase the pace - it's amazing. The whole game is presented very well; what the character models may slightly lack in terms of looks, they more than make up for in animation. Close up they are a little bland, but on the ice they look and move fantastically; there seems to be an endless number of moves and animations and this makes the game fabulous to sit back and just watch, which is great, because it means when you and the mates are playing multiplayer the game is a joy to sit back and witness as well as to play. Waiting for your turn isn't a chore here; it's a pleasure. There are loads of options to choose from too - if you don't fancy a straight game and want something that can provide some short bursts of fun then there's a Party Mode with a nice selection of hockey-based minigames.

Online the game is also more than adequate - standard matches are available for two to eight players and the party games are also available online. You even get online league play for tournaments or full seasons and there are always plenty of games to choose from, running with no lag. Something else I like is the simplicity of the menus; every option and mode is simple to find and activate, with most of the extras shoved in the skybox, where you can see the trophies you've won, various stats and a few unlockable extras.

I can't overstate how impressed I am by NHL 2K7; it's a class act and no mistake. With atmospheric presentation that really immerses you into the experience and a huge, deep challenge in single player, plus a variety of modes, offline and on, that are an absolute joy to play with your mates, this is well worth fifty quid of anyone's money. So what are you waiting for? Get your skates on!

Reviewed by Mark Hayhurst for AceGamez (All Rights Reserved).