As with 989’s other PSP launch game, NBA, it is very easy to be initially wowed by Gretzky NHL’s graphics. And, for the most part, it’s a great looking game. As expected, the graphics have been downgraded from the PS2 version just a bit to work on the PSP, but the overall look and feel is still there. Players animate well and are accurately detailed. What ends up killing the game is the frame-rate, which can make the game unplayable at times. Although I was happy to see the numerous details in the game, I wouldn’t have minded if some things were cut back to allow for a better flowing game.

Another expected omission is commentary. This shouldn’t come as much of a loss to those who remember the PS2 version’s boring commentary. The soundtrack is nice, but I didn’t find anything really worth getting excited over. Game sounds, on the other hand, are solid.

Gretzky NHL drifts more towards the arcade side of the spectrum rather than the sim side. All of the rules are here as are some sim elements, meaning you’re not getting NHL Hitz, but the gameplay is much faster. Most games are high scoring matches, making more “realistic” scores (like 1 to 0) more of a rarity. Even more casual hockey fans such as myself will have an easy time scoring once they get the hang of things. Fans wanting more low scoring and more sim-like games can switch from automatic to manual aiming, making shots much trickier to land.

Many of the modes from the PS2 version find their way to the PSP, although a few – like Franchise – have been removed. Quick Play and Exhibition games are available when you’re looking for a quick game, while Season is the meatier core gameplay mode. Although limited to one season, you can still make trades and pick up new players to help you out. An Online mode is also available if you have access to a wireless hotspot. Unfortunately, I couldn’t find anyone to play against, making it difficult to report on lag or other online issues that may pop up.

As you play through games, you can attempt to meet Gretzky Challenges. These are usually game conditions you can meet during games such as shutting out a team or scoring a certain point number. Completing challenges unlocks items like classic jerseys and “cheats” (like perfect aiming). You can also unlock four versions of Wayne Gretzky himself, each following different points in his career. Once on your team, the Great One acts much like Bo Jackson did in early NES football games; he’s an unstoppable force that can guarantee wins. Challenges give you a little something else to work for during games, especially once you a get a few seasons under your belt and the game gets a little stale.

On the plus side, defensive A.I. is stronger in the PSP version of Gretzky NHL. You’re still liable to see a few high-scoring games, but goalies are a little tougher to get by. Still, mechanical flaws and a choppy frame-rate make things more difficult than they need to be. This is especially true for the frame-rate, which proves to be one of the game’s greatest obstacles. When combined with the sloppy controls, it becomes very hard to set up plays or, at times, to even keep track of what is going on.

As far as the actual gameplay A.I. goes, Gretzky puts up a decent game of hockey. Again, action drifts more towards the arcade side at times, so you can expect a few “impossible” things to happen. However, the game is still very much a sim, so things still remain true to the game.

Gretzky NHL features the same control layout as its PS2 counterpart. One-button presses handle every action you can take, from passing to shooting. Like the rest of the game, this helps to make the game more accessible to more casual players along with giving the game a much faster feel. Hardcore fans still have a few minor control options and moves they can turn to, which should add just a little more depth. While shooting, an aiming icon appears that allows you to see where the shot is currently headed. As previously mentioned, this system can be turned off for those wanting more of a sim feel. However, the aiming system doesn’t mean that every shot means an automatic score. Some skill is still required.

The controls system itself isn’t the most responsive thing ever created. The overall handling is very loose, making it hard to keep perfect control over what’s going on in the game. Not only is it difficult to merely skate your players around, but this also makes setting up plays difficult. Granted, hockey is a game played on ice, but that doesn’t mean that the controls couldn’t have been tightened up a bit. You’ll eventually become accustomed to the flaws and learn to adapt, but that doesn’t make the problem any more bearable.

Like NBA is for basketball, Gretzky NHL is the only hockey game in the PSP’s launch lineup. If you’re a die-hard hockey fan and really need your NHL fix, then Gretzky NHL is passable and should keep you happy. Otherwise, you’re better off just holding out this season and waiting for next year.