Last year's NHL 2K6 was not the next-generation hockey experience I was expecting. Its lacklustre presentation and somewhat mediocre graphics left me bewildered as to why they rushed it out. However, this year, the developers have gone back to the drawing board, overhauling the weak aspects but keeping the thoroughly engaging gameplay that's been a hallmark of the series.

The problem with last year's version was that the game was essentially a port of the Xbox version. The graphics were lacking and the general presentation didn't blow me away like a next-generation game should. Thankfully this year, the presentation issues have been solved with the introduction of the Cinemotion system.

Just like EA's NHL 07 upped the ante with the ‘skill-stick' dual analogue control system, so too does 2K Sports with Cinemotion. Cinemotion is a presentation system that does away with providing relentless statistical overlays and traditionally incessant commentary, shafting them in order to create a Hollywood-esque video game movie. Intrigued? Imagine Saving Private Ryan (sans Matt Damon) in an NHL arena. The aim of Cinemotion is to provide an emotional side to a game genre that fosters and celebrates violence – seemingly contradictory goals. Let me explain. Essentially, when you start each individual game you are provided with a short cutscene of your uppity head coach giving you a pep talk about the game (which you can skip), followed by another one at the face-off highlighting the concentration of the two centres in order to bring you closer to the game (which you can also skip).

Once you actually begin your match, you notice the score is located in the bottom left of the screen, purposely designed to be minimalist as not to detract from the cinematics and theatrics of the game. Not only has the score position changed, the whole audio system has had a makeover. You might think the game loses its oratory appeal without the commentators; however, the Cinemotion system takes a different approach to commentary in the game. It offers a dramatic classical score that changes depending on how you're faring in the game (however, the commentary can be switched on if that's what you prefer). Absolutely dominating the opposition? Expect a happy, Disney styled rousing theme to play. Not faring so well? You're likely to hear a slow, solemn tone that really emphasises how poorly you're playing. The cool thing about the 2K7's Cinemotion is that you can customize what music plays in each of the situations (assuming it's ripped to your hard drive). For example, if you're building positive momentum it might play ‘Come on Eileen' or if you've thrashed your opposition, then Jefferson Starship's ‘We Built This City on Rock and Roll' might play. Not that that's what I had. I'm not really stuck in the 80s. Honest. Ultimately though, I find the whole Cinemotion system a bit cheesy but it's a thoughtful innovation. I certainly wouldn't like it as much if it weren't for the great new camera system that comes with it.

Instead of the default camera locked on ¾ of the ice, NHL 2K7 offers a new, and dynamic camera that subtly shifts to follow the puck. It's offset at a more horizontal angle and zooms in at just the right time (such as on a breakaway). It's a fantastic camera view, definitely the best hockey view I've seen. Another addition is pressure control. Pressure control is a system by which if there's a defender that frequently ruins your offensive plays, you can get your team-mates to target him with a few taps of the left bumper. This orders your team-mates to harass him and depending on how many times you tap the bumper, take him out with a brutal bodycheck, eliminating him from the play.

However, aside from Cinemotion and pressure control, not much has been added into the game. However, all of last year's feature additions (the enforcer system, crease control, on-the-fly play calling) have returned and the pro control system has been enhanced. It now allows you to sneakily pass the puck between your legs to confuse the defence. Though all in all, it's not that much different to what you know and love.

The franchise mode returns, almost unchanged except for the fact you now have rivals. For example, the Philadelphia Flyers have knocked the New Jersey Devils out of the Stanley Cup playoffs many times (in real life) and hence they are a major rival of the Devils in NHL 2K7. When playing a rivals game in franchise mode, both teams get an increase in their statistics in order to create frantic gameplay that illustrates the kind of adrenalin felt in a real game between rivals in the NHL. Just like EA, they've also added in a salary cap in order to keep the game current.

The gameplay wouldn't be anywhere near as engaging if it weren't for the smart AI. They really shine when you're on defence (I'd know – that's where I spend most of my time). Because the gameplay is so deep, you can choose which breakout formation your team uses (these are used when trying to get the puck out of your defensive zone). For example, I selected boards and I was surprised to see how effective it was. Your players move into the formation and respond accordingly – this is a feature I have never noticed in a video game and it is a testament to the AI. Unfortunately, there is no equivalent offensive play – it all turns into a bit of a jumble once you bring the puck into the zone. It's something I'd like to see in next year's version.

While the gameplay hasn't been that innovative, it's still just as deep and engaging as you would expect from the 2K NHL series. However, one aspect of last year's game that thoroughly let me down was the graphics. Thankfully, this year's version shelves the cardboard Xbox animations and jagged models in order to give it a fresh, HD feel. When playing, you can really see and feel the momentum that your players have and this is because of the varied and realistic animations. Controlling the puck, stopping, turning and gliding all look fantastic. Encompassing all of the great animations is the rock solid framerate. It's locked at 60fps and doesn't waver at all regardless of how frantic the action gets.

If you choose not to use the Cinemotion music, you can turn on the commentators. Once again Bob Cole and Harry Neale return and they provide some excellent commentary that is accurate and not as repetitive as EA's NHL 07. The soundtrack to the game is by Sub-Pop Records, a record company I wasn't familiar with. Some of the bands (which I've never heard of) are Mudhoney, The Postal Service and Seaweed. Luckily you can turn it off, unless community radio music appeals to you.

What would a good ice hockey game be without a solid multiplayer mode? NHL 2K7 once again brings back the robust online play with fully customisable leagues and good, lag-free play (Australian to Australian). There aren't as many glitches as in last year's edition (where you could get in the slot, wrist shot and almost guarantee a goal every time), making for a good online game – assuming you don't find some extremely pretentious American who thinks he's gods gift to the Xbox 360. Then again, it's an experience you're likely to have in any online game. It's best to stick to playing with people on your friends list.

Don't have Xbox Live? No problems. You can do everything that you can do online, offline. Party mode also makes a return – for those of you who don't know, it's like Mario Party on ice. This year involves a few more mini games than last year. There is ‘Up the river', a game where have to skate up a rink to score points. However, barrels are placed in your way to prevent you getting to the other end. It doesn't sound like much fun when you describe it but playing it with a few mates, it's great fun.