Playing NHL 2K11 is like dating a really hot girl (or guy) who's as dumb as a rock. It's fun to fool around with at first but you can't get too serious with it. At firstglance the list of options just astounds you because NHL 2K11 has more than any other game on the iPhone or iPad. 2K Sports has been producing hockey games for many years so the groundwork has already been laid to make this game fundamentally sound. You have the option to play an exhibition game, start a season or play a shootout.

With the absence of EA's NHL 11 and 2K's NHL 2K11 on the PSP and NDS, many handheld gamers are stuck with the iPhone and iPad versions.  Like previous NHL games all of the rules can be tweaked to your liking and you can change the camera view depending on which perspective you wish to play with.  Replays are offered on all goals, however there is no option to re-watch any replays.  The graphics are a bit choppy and don't seem optimized for retina displays and there is no commentary or speech at all during gameplay.  There is no multiplayer option nor is there a way to update the out-dated rosters.

Don't get me wrong, NHL 2K11 is fun to play and does have enough features to keep people happy, however one of the biggest challenges on the iPhone version is the fact that the virtual controls are on the screen.  Many times you will be entering the offensive zone along the boards looking for a centering pass but your thumbs will be covering your other players.  With the iPad's larger display this is not as much of an issue.  The game uses 3 virtual buttons which are situated somewhat close together, and because you can't physically feel the buttons you may end up shooting when you really intended to pass.  I also found that passing was pretty touchy.  Many times passes would be thrown into an empty corner or behind the net instead of in front of it, or your team mates would not be able to handle the pass properly and you would lose possession.  I found the game would pause quite often during the game, albeit for only a split second but long enough to ruin a play now and then. 

Overall NHL 2K11 delivers a decent hockey game that nails the overall feel of what you would find on a console, but with some noticeable flaws.