SEGA returns to the ice brings a whole suite of new features to its hockey sim, ESPN NHL 2K5. Party Mode enabled players the opportunity to compete against each other in dozens of multiplayer mini-games and challenges, while the new Contact Control shows off a completely redesigned fighting engine; not to mention allowing players to rough it up with a better control of checks and aggressive defensive techniques. Online mode for both the Xbox and PlayStation 2 feature a larger depth in competition as well, with tournaments, detailed statistics, multiplayer league play, and even an online Party mode. ESPNs presentation has been beefed up too, with Gary Thorne and Bill Clement lending their voices to the action.
)