Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Gretzky NHL 06 delivers a fresh take on hockey video games by blending arcade-style action with traditional simulation mechanics. The controls are intuitive, allowing both newcomers and series veterans to quickly pick up the puck and join the fray. Passing, shooting, and checking all feel responsive, and the AI adapts its defensive positioning based on your chosen difficulty level.

The centerpiece of the gameplay experience is the new “99 Mode,” which introduces a compelling risk-and-reward mechanic. As you skate, make plays, and win faceoffs, you fill a special meter. Once filled, you can activate 99 Mode and unleash Wayne Gretzky on the ice as a free agent, instantly boosting any team’s offense. This feature adds an exciting strategic layer: do you save your meter for a critical moment or use it early to build momentum?

Beyond 99 Mode, the game offers Exhibition and Season modes to satisfy different playstyles. Exhibition matches are perfect for quick pick-up games or local multiplayer showdowns, while Season mode delivers a full NHL schedule complete with trades, injury management, and statistical trackers. The inclusion of online play further extends the replay value, letting you compete against friends or climb leaderboards and analyze head-to-head stats.

Graphics

Visually, Gretzky NHL 06 strikes a solid balance between realism and arcade flair. Player models are well-detailed, with distinct facial features and authentic equipment branding that capture each athlete’s likeness. The ice surface reflects rink lights convincingly, and snow sprays kick up dynamically during heavy hits or sharp turns.

A highlight of the presentation is the smoothly animated transitions between gameplay and replays. When you pull off a highlight-reel goal or massive open-ice hit, the camera angles shift dramatically, accentuating the moment without feeling intrusive. The arenas themselves are richly detailed, complete with crowd animations that ebb and flow based on the in-game momentum.

Even in fast-paced online matches, the frame rate remains stable, ensuring that every slapshot and deke feels seamless. The UI is clean and informative, displaying score, period, and player stats without cluttering the screen—an important consideration when you’re racing down the ice in the dying seconds of a tied game.

Story

While most sports titles lack a traditional narrative, Gretzky NHL 06 crafts its own storyline through gameplay progression and the mythic presence of Wayne Gretzky. As you guide your franchise through a season, you’ll experience the ups and downs of team chemistry, rivalries, and critical playoff push moments—each game telling its own mini-drama.

The introduction of 99 Mode doubles as a narrative device. Unlocking Gretzky on your roster is a cinematic triumph, accompanied by in-game announcers Mike Emrick and Darren Pang hyping up the moment. This transforms an otherwise routine match into an epic chapter, as you rally your teammates around “The Great One.”

Online play expands the story further by developing personal rivalries and memorable showdowns. With stat tracking and leaderboards, every win or loss contributes to your own digital legacy. Over weeks of play, you’ll build a narrative arc around your favorite squads and highlight moments that define your virtual hockey journey.

Overall Experience

Gretzky NHL 06 succeeds in combining arcade accessibility with the depth expected of a modern sports simulation. Whether you’re blowing past friends in local multiplayer or meticulously managing your Season mode roster, the game feels polished and fun. The seamless transition between casual pick-up games and competitive matches ensures you can switch contexts without missing a beat.

The “99 Mode” mechanic offers a unique hook that differentiates this entry from other NHL titles. It injects bursts of high-octane excitement and strategic decision-making, making every match feel unpredictable. Additionally, the licensed rosters from the NHL, NHLPA, and AHL, along with top-tier commentary, deliver an authentic presentation that will satisfy hardcore hockey fans.

Overall, Gretzky NHL 06 provides robust replay value, catering to both arcade enthusiasts and simulation purists. The engaging gameplay loops, attractive visuals, and innovative features make it a worthwhile purchase for anyone seeking fast-paced, memorable hockey action. Lace up your skates, fill that 99 meter, and get ready to chase greatness on the virtual ice.

Retro Replay Score

6.7/10