Okay - against all expectations - this is actually kind of awesome. Constant whip-fast action so speedy that it's often hard to comprehend what's happening. A fair amount more exciting than Madden NFL 2000, that's for sure. Still not quite as precise as it should be, sometimes certain moves done in quick succession don't register the way they should - and twenty-three years of hockey games since have evolved the formula appropriately. But for what it is, it's shocking how much of a blast it is. You can smash people through the glass, get into fist fights mid-game, bounce the puck off of unflinching players' faces right into the goal, and so much more. Graphics are meh but the commentary helps keep it engaging minute-to-minute, the A.I. boasts a fair challenge, and the sound it makes when you smack the hockey puck is supremely satisfying. Auto shot aim is a necessity though, otherwise you ain't making a single hit. It's fun!