Poised to defend its title as the #1 rated hockey video game, ESPN NHL Hockey returns to the ice with the confidence of a seasoned veteran. Improved player control, an all-new fighting engine and lightning fast gameplay truly capture the feel and pace of NHL-caliber hockey. Plus, breakthrough new ways to play including multi-player mini-games and a deeper franchise mode add endless replay value to an already robust lineup of features. With an exclusive ESPN presentation system -- including on-ice action called by Gary Thorne and Bill Clement -- ESPN NHL Hockey 2005 makes skating with the NHL’s elite a reality! Note: This game does not come with Xbox Live support.

Intense Contact Controls– A completely re-designed fighting engine offers full-movement fighting -- including grappling, dodge, grab, and multiple punch moves -- while improved checks and new contact moves help keep your opponent at bay.

The NHL’s Elite – The Dream Team Challenge pits you against a ladder of all-star teams hand-selected by the some of hockey’s most colorful personalities

Expanded Skybox – Deeper and more interactive than before, this season’s Skybox features more than150 unlockables, including more retro jerseys, remote outdoor locations and more.

Full Stick Control – Execute sliding poke checks, swipe at loose pucks and more with new defensive stick controls that give you hands-on stick movement in a variety of defensive situations.

Best presentation on the market – The exclusive ESPN presentation system has been enhanced with locker room and JumboTron cut scenes, more commentary, more crowd chants, more music with custom sound tracks, and yes, ice girls.