New Rules, New Look, New Season With Gretzky(TM) NHL(R) ’06 on PlayStation(R)2
Signature Hockey Franchise Offers New NHL Rules, Exclusive AHL License, New
Gameplay Features and Even More Opportunities to Skate With ‘The Great One’
FOSTER CITY, Calif., Sept. 20 — Sony Computer Entertainment
America Inc. announced today the launch of Gretzky(TM)NHL(R) ’06, exclusively
for the PlayStation(R)2 computer entertainment system. Now available in
stores, Gretzky NHL ’06 incorporates the new NHL rules, presents the all-new
Wayne vs. Wayne Mode, fully playable AHL teams with almost 600 exclusively
licensed AHL players, enhancements to team AI, and other new gameplay features
to create the perfect blend of authentic hockey and arcade-style gameplay.
Offering true hockey fans what no other hockey videogame can, Gretzky NHL
’06 suits up the "The Great One" in the all-new, arcade style Wayne vs. Wayne
Mode, where gamers have the chance to skate six-on-five with "The Great One"
himself. By playing smart hockey, gamers can earn "99 Time," where Gretzky
will become a temporary teammate. If "99 Time" is earned enough times over
the course of a game, gamers will have the ability to employ five playable
versions of Gretzky on the ice at once. With opposing players having the same
opportunity, it sets the stage for a possible five-on-five, all-Gretzky,
ultimate head-to-head match-up.
To enhance gameplay and provide gamers with the most authentic hockey
simulation available, Gretzky NHL ’06 has integrated new features such as a
smarter AI, which truly reflects the professional game with tough defense,
fluid offense, and 30 on-the-fly strategies. Additionally, with a new
gameplay system called Team Chemistry, gamers will need to play good team
hockey, as the revamped AI rewards gamers by increasing player attributes and
elevating the level of play from teammates for sharing the puck and playing
tough defense.
"Gretzky NHL ’06 offers hockey fans unique opportunities to get in and mix
it up with the greatest player to ever take to the ice," said Sharon Shapiro,
senior director, promotions and sports product marketing, Sony Computer
Entertainment America. "Combine that with all the finer details and nuances
of the game, along with multiple gameplay options, Gretzky NHL ’06 will
provide users with the ultimate hockey experience."
Officially licensed by the NHL, NHLPA, AHL and NHLCA, Gretzky NHL ’06
delivers the look, feel and passion of the world’s fastest team sport by
incorporating all-new player models and player faces, arenas replicated to
exact detail with arena-specific game intros and goal horns, and more than
2,500 animations captured utilizing professional hockey players.
Additionally, Gretzky NHL ’06 presents an authentic broadcast presentation by
featuring innovative cut scenes and replays, intricate camera angles and
commentary from broadcasting legend Mike Emrick and former Chicago Blackhawks
goalie Darren Pang.
To challenge the skill levels of all hockey videogame fans, Gretzky NHL
’06 returns with an extensive list of popular game options, including
Exhibition Mode, Create-a-Team, and Online Mode with up-to-date downloadable
rosters and 64-team tournaments. Additionally, an overhauled Franchise Mode
lets gamers run the show as owners of NHL teams as they attempt to hoist the
Stanley Cup(R), while an expanded Rivalry Mode now tracks and records
statistics from either a series or head-to-head battle over the lifetime of
the rivalry.
For gamers who want to get in the game, EyeToy(TM) functionality offers
the opportunity for gamers to take a snapshot of themselves and suit up as a
NHL or AHL player. And for the ultimate challenge, hard-core hockey fans can
participate in the Gretzky Challenge, earn points by breaking Gretzky’s actual
NHL records, then use those points to unlock hidden items, such as jerseys,
teams and playable Gretzkys from his days as a member of the Edmonton Oilers,
Los Angeles Kings, New York Rangers, and Team Canada.
Marketing efforts for Gretzky NHL ’06 will run nationally throughout the
hockey season across print, online, and viral. Additionally, Gretzky NHL ’06
will receive full public relations and promotional support, as well as
dedicated point-of-purchase displays and merchandising support.
Coming in October, Gretzky(TM) NHL(R) ’06 for PSP(TM)
(PlayStation(R)Portable) system will retake the ice with Wayne vs. Wayne Mode
and two all-new arcade-style modes exclusive to the PSP(TM) system, three-on-
three Countdown and NHL Showdown. The all-new Three-On-Three Countdown Mode
is an open ice game, with three players on each team that lets gamers select
the number of goals to play (3, 5, 7, 9, 11), and work backwards in order to
get to zero. The all-new NHL Showdown Mode tracks stats and Team Chemistry as
gamers compete in Wayne vs. Wayne Mode in attempts to work their way to the
top of the ladder. Returning features include Quick Game, Exhibition and
Season Modes, and portable multiplayer gameplay, locally with Ad Hoc Mode or
across the nation with Infrastructure Mode.
The independent Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) rates Gretzky
NHL ’06 "E 10+" for "Everyone 10 and older." For more information about the
ESRB visit www.esrb.org.
NHL, National Hockey League, the NHL Shield and the word mark and
image of the Stanley Cup are registered trademarks of the National Hockey
League. All NHL logos and marks and NHL team logos and marks depicted herein
are the property of the NHL and the respective teams and may not be reproduced
without the prior written consent of NHL Enterprises, L.P. 2005 NHL. All
Rights Reserved. Officially licensed product of the National Hockey League.
National Hockey League Players’ Association, NHLPA and the NHLPA Logo are
Trademarks of the NHLPA and are used, under license by Sony Computer
Entertainment America Inc. Officially Licensed Product of the National Hockey
League Players’ Association. All rights in the Gretzky name and trademarks
are owned by Wayne Gretzky and WDG Enterprises, Inc.
