Since the launch of Sony’s PSP, the only ice hockey game available for our favorite handheld was the decent NHL Gretzky series. While that particular series isn’t bad at all, NHL hockey fans can’t help but wonder what it would be like the have a portable version of EA Sports beloved NHL franchise. At last, fans of Electronic Arts’ hockey can rejoice with NHL 07 for the PSP, quite possibly one of the most impressive NHL games that bring us all the things we love about the sport all in the palm of your hand.

As I mentioned, the PSP version of NHL 07 impressively packages all of what you’ll find in the console version and that includes the game modes and gameplay elements that make NHL 07 for the major consoles such a powerhouse this year. You can even play the game online using Infrastructure mode but we’ll talk more about that later. First, however, I would like to dive into the juicy game modes such as the wonderfully deep Dynasty Mode. In Dynasty Mode, you will dive into the role of General Manager, overseeing all aspects of your chosen team’s daily businesses. Aside from taking control of day-to-day operations, you’ll also assume the role of coach as you attempt to take your team all the way to the Stanley Cup.

You’ll spend a good deal of the time playing through Dynasty Mode since it does manage to capture what it is like to take charge of an NHL team through a little close to 10 seasons. You’ll be thankful for the game’s ability to transfer files from the PSP game to your PS2 version of the game and vice versa. This means that if you spend most of your time playing the PS2 version, you can continue where you left off on your PSP. The majority of Dynasty Mode has you completing certain goals set by your team’s owner and fulfilling them means more money as well as earning the owner‘s trust (this year‘s game sees Owner‘s Trust Points you earn by winning games and keeping your finances in check). You will also be able to draft better players and attract star players. The road to the Stanley Cup isn’t an easy since it all depends on how you are able to manage your team through some tight spots that will certainly come up (such as player injuries and the diva-like behavior of star players).

Aside from this deeply enjoyable and involving mode, there’s Season Mode, which goes straight to business but keeps things fun. Just as Dynasty Mode, you can transfer game files from your PSP to your PS2 so you are able to continue playing through a challenging season whenever you want. Then there’s the extra game modes like EA Sports World Tournament, a mode that allows you to set up a tournament that involves the world’s best teams such as Team USA against the likes of France, Canada, Germany and Sweden just to name a few of the many international teams. Then there’s EA Sports Free For All, a game that has you going up against other players in a quest to be the first to score as many points against one goalie defending a single net. There’s even Shoot Out Mini-Game, a one-on-one game mode that has you attempting to sink the puck into the net in a shoot out verses a single goalie. The best part is that you can share this mode with a few friends to see who can really earn more points.

Speaking of sharing the ice with other players, one of the game’s biggest flaws comes in the form of the online multiplayer. You can take the game online through Infrastructure mode, but the problem is that the game won’t run smoothly. On the contrary, the many times I took this game online I was taken out of the game completely. Even when the game does not toss you back into the lobby, you will experience severe stutter throughout the experience. Ad Hoc fairs better, of course, but we would have really loved playing this online.

Another weak spot comes in the form of a few questionable “accidents” that occur on the ice while playing the game’s easiest difficulty setting. For reasons that continue to baffle me, the opposing team often sinks goals into their own net. While it is quite hilarious the first few times it happens, it becomes something of an annoyance, especially if you’re looking for a serious challenge. Aside from this, though, the rest of the game runs smoothly. This fast-paced hockey game feels good thanks to the game’s controls. Everything from slap shots to punching out a rival player works perfectly. Even the opponent AI is good enough to give your thumbs quite a workout.

As for the game’s graphics, they’re not bad at all. In fact, the player models look wonderfully detailed and move realistically on the ice. While it’s hard to tell Lindstrom from Chelios, it’s good to see that the player animations don’t repeat very often. Even the arenas look particularly splendid and the fans just add more to the atmosphere. The camera does a great job of following the action as well.

The soundtrack is of the rocking variety and, for the most part, the tunes are nice. The artist lineup might not be everyone’s cup of tea but it does the job well enough. Sadly, the color and play-by-play commentary handled by Craig Simpson and Jim Hughson is not good at all. They are not only over-enthusiastic but they always repeat themselves and are never quick to call the plays. In fact, they seem to rehash events from another season. At least the fan noise and arena sounds are Ok.

NHL 07 may not be the most perfect NHL hockey game for your PSP but it is certainly one of the most enjoyable and impressive hockey games you will play for a long time. While there are a few weak spots in the portable version, the great game modes and extras make up for these shortcomings. Really, if you’ve worn out your copy of NHL Gretzky 2006 and are looking for a fresh new portable NHL hockey game, do buy a copy of NHL 07.

Gameplay: 8.2
The fast-paced hockey will be right up the alley of any hockey fan and the fact that EA Sports manages to bring a good deal of content from the console is astonishing. You will come for the decent controls but stay for the deep Dynasty Mode. The bad part is that there are a few flaws in the gameplay that would have made this game a dream come true.

Graphics: 8.0
The player models are handled beautifully and they look great on the ice. The arenas look very good as do the fans but I can’t help but think this game could have looked a lot better.

Sound: 7.5
The tunes aren’t bad at all and the sound of the fans going crazy is superb. What doesn’t really work is the commentator team that sounds a bit out of place at times and is actually quite repetitive. At least the on-ice arena sounds are fine.

Difficulty: Medium
The opponent AI is just as good as the console version so expect a tight defense and a good challenge. You’ll be glad you can quickly make strategic changes to the lineup as well come up with better strategies. On the other hand, the easiest game mode tends to lead to a few auto-goals on your opponent’s side.

Concept: 8.0
Dynasty Mode will haunt your days and nights, especially since gamers can transfer files from the PS2 version of the game straight to your PSP. The same goes for Season Mode, which is particularly enjoyable this year if you’ve bought the console version. Add fun extras like the Shoot Out Mini-Game mode and EA Sports World Tournament Mode and you have a portable hockey game you’ll be playing for quite awhile.

Multiplayer: 6.0
Online gameplay is pretty much broken using the game’s Infrastructure Mode so expect annoying stutters or being tossed out of a game a few times before you decide to give up on it. Playing through Ad Hoc connection works better but this would have been an amazing game online.

Overall: 8.2
NHL 07 for the PSP is not only an impressive attempt by EA Sports to bring hockey fans everything the console game possesses but it is also one of the most addictive portable NHL games you’ll buy this year. No offense to the wonderful Gretzky games, but when it comes to a truly deep NHL hockey experience this is the series you will want to own.