NHL 2K10 - Wii

Believe it or not NHL 2K, once the upstart challenger against Electronic Arts' NHL franchise, is a grand ten years old. With that in mind, expect it to hit the ice with a big old slap in NHL 2K10!

This year's entry features enhanced graphics, with the 2K team putting a lot of time and attention in to create better looking players (well, more accurate looking – these are hockey players), complete with sharper jerseys and faces, and better arenas than ever. Also upping the levels of realism is the improvements that have been made to the non-player characters. Your console-controlled opponents will play a smarter game of hockey, meaning that you'll have to do the same. You'll find more accurate positioning, better breakouts and NHL-calibre playmaking.

Social gaming has also been pushed to the forefront. Getting a friend in on the action whether you're in franchise mode, an exhibition game or a session of pond hockey.

Of course, none of that's much use if the handling is no good. Fortunately, 2K has also been building on the puck handling and the improved controls deliver new defensive moves such as stick lifts and stumble shots. Not only that, but compatibility with the Wii's MotionPlus peripheral makes control of the puck tighter than it's ever been.

Looks like it's time to hit the ice! more