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NHL 06 vs NHL 12

Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, ratings, and alternatives.

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NHL 06
NHL 06Experience authentic hockey action with revamped controls and realistic player sizes
NHL 12
NHL 12Experience the most realistic hockey action on PS3 and Xbox 360.
Overview
Description

Hit the ice with EA Sports' NHL 06, the 2005 edition that builds on its predecessor with new analog stick deking and fancy moves for superstar players. The game features an up‑to‑date roster of NHL stars and a variety of modes, from dynasty and single season to quick matches and online play. The graphics have been fine‑tuned to reflect true player size differences, giving larger defensemen and goalies a more imposing look while keeping speedy scorers lean. With split‑screen multiplayer and a solid single‑player experience, NHL 06 delivers a deep, simulator‑style hockey experience for fans of the sport.

NHL 12 brings the intensity of professional ice hockey to your living room with authentic player models, lifelike physics, and deep franchise management. Play solo, team up with friends, or compete online in a variety of modes that capture the excitement of the NHL. Developed by EA Canada and published by EA Sports, the game offers a polished experience with robust online features, customizable rosters, and a dynamic AI that adapts to your play style. With a PEGI 16 and ESRB E10+ rating, it’s suitable for a wide range of hockey fans.

Pricing
Paid (One-time)
Paid (One-time)
Category
Team Sports
Team Sports
Best for
Hockey fans and sports gamers
Hockey fans and sports simulation enthusiasts
Specifications
General
msrp
$59.99
$59.99
release date
2005-09-06
2011-09-07
Specifications
developer
EA Canada
EA Canada
publisher
EA Sports
EA Sports
age rating
ESRB E10+
PEGI 16, ESRB E10+
multiplayer
Single player, Split screen
Single player, Multiplayer, Co-operative
critic score
88/100+1%
87/100
Pros & Cons
Pros
  • Deep Dynasty management
  • Realistic player size graphics
  • Innovative analog stick controls
  • Broad platform support
  • Highly realistic gameplay and physics
  • Deep franchise management options
  • Robust online multiplayer modes
  • Extensive customization for rosters and teams
Cons
  • Fancy moves limited to superstar players
  • No online matchmaking on PC version
  • Graphics dated by modern standards
  • Limited platform availability (PS3, Xbox 360 only)
  • Occasional online matchmaking lag
  • Learning curve for new players
Community & Metrics
Upvotes
0
0
User rating
Not enough data
Not enough data

More alternatives & similar tools

Alternatives to NHL 06

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NHL 2005
NHL 2005

Experience the fast‑paced action of professional hockey with EA Sports' NHL 2005.

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NHL 09
NHL 09

Experience the intensity of professional hockey on your console or PC

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NHL 12
NHL 12

Experience the most realistic hockey action on PS3 and Xbox 360.

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NHL 08
NHL 08

Experience authentic ice hockey action on your console or PC.

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Alternatives to NHL 12

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NHL 09
NHL 09

Experience the intensity of professional hockey on your console or PC

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NHL 10
NHL 10

Experience the most realistic hockey simulation on PS3 and Xbox 360.

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NHL 08
NHL 08

Experience authentic ice hockey action on your console or PC.

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NHL 11
NHL 11

Experience authentic hockey action on PS3 and Xbox 360

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The Verdict

AI-generated from listing data

NHL 12 offers newer physics, deeper franchise mode, and online multiplayer on modern consoles, while NHL 06 runs on older hardware with split‑screen only and lacks online play.

Key differences

  • •Platform: NHL 12 only on PS3/Xbox 360; NHL 06 on PC and PS2.
  • •Multiplayer: NHL 12 supports online matches up to 12 players; NHL 06 limited to split‑screen two‑player.
  • •Gameplay depth: NHL 12 adds dynamic AI and extensive roster customization; NHL 06 focuses on analog‑stick moves and Dynasty mode.
  • •Release era: NHL 12 (2011) has newer graphics and physics engine versus NHL 06 (2005) which is dated.
  • •Critic scores are close (87 vs 88) but NHL 12’s online features give it broader replay value.
DimensionWinner

Gameplay & fun factor

NHL 12 includes dynamic AI, advanced physics, and extensive customization, offering richer on‑ice experience.

NHL 12

Platform availability

NHL 06 runs on PC and PS2, giving more hardware options than NHL 12’s PS3/Xbox 360 only.

NHL 06

Price & value

Both list the same MSRP ($59.99) and are one‑time purchases.

Tie

Multiplayer / co‑op

NHL 12 supports online multiplayer up to 12 players; NHL 06 only offers split‑screen for two.

NHL 12

Content & replayability

NHL 12’s franchise mode, roster editing, and online modes give longer replay life than NHL 06’s limited split‑screen.

NHL 12

Difficulty & accessibility

NHL 06’s simpler analog‑stick controls and lower hardware demands may be easier for newcomers.

NHL 06

Graphics & performance

NHL 12’s HD graphics and realistic lighting are newer than NHL 06’s dated visuals.

NHL 12

Choose NHL 06 if…

Buyers who need PC or PS2 compatibility, prefer split‑screen local play, or have older hardware.

Choose NHL 12 if…

Buyers who want modern graphics, online multiplayer, and deep franchise management on current consoles.

Common questions

Can I play online with friends?

Yes, NHL 12 supports online multiplayer up to 12 players; NHL 06 only offers split‑screen local play.

Which game runs on my PC?

Only NHL 06 lists PC as a supported platform; NHL 12 is limited to PS3 and Xbox 360.

Is the price different between the two?

Both are priced at $59.99 MSRP, so cost is the same.