|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
|
Platform:
Playstation 2 Genre:
Sports Publisher:
Sega Developer:
Kush Games ESRB:
E (Everyone) Released:
Q3 2003 Support AE! Buy Games Here:
Be notified of site updates. Sign-up for the Newsletter sent out twice weekly. Enter E-Mail Address Below: |
ESPN NHL HockeyScore: 9.2 / 10
|
||
|
Pros: -
Excellent game play -
Superb presentation -
Brilliant graphics -
Tons of game modes - Roster downloads
|
Cons: -
Too much lag during online play -
Goalie passing -
Lack of licensed music - Franchise mode could use some work
|
Related Links: Review: NHL FaceOff 2003 (PS2)
|
|
|
"Despite it’s minor flaws, ESPN NHL Hockey is a great hockey game."
|
|||
|
NHL 2k3 was undoubtedly the best hockey game last year. This year Sega decided to have their sports games bare the ESPN license. Instead of their latest installment being called NHL 2k4, it’s called ESPN NHL Hockey. Fans of NHL 2k3 shouldn’t worry because ESPN NHL Hockey is a major improvement over last year’s edition, loaded with new game modes and unlockables.
The
new game modes include skills competition, improved franchise mode,
challenge mode, shootout, mini-rink, pond hockey, speed hockey, online
play and air hockey. There is also a new challenge system: you receive
points for performing certain tasks. (For example: scoring on a one
timer or completing ten consecutive passes. The points can be used to
purchase legendary teams, throwback jerseys, and game modes.) The
skills competition is a blast to play and is even available when playing
online. It includes shot accuracy, fastest skater, hardest shot,
breakaway relay and one-on-one. Pond hockey is possibly the best mode.
As the name might suggest, you get to play hockey on a frozen
pond, like you were living in Minnesota or Manitoba, with no referees.
|
|||
|
The
franchise mode is where the meat of ESPN NHL Hockey (ENH) lies. You
basically play through the season and control your day-to-day activities
like a general manager would. As a general manager you have the option
of signing players, changing team strategy, managing your farm team,
dealing with injuries, etc. As complete as it is, it feels somewhat less
robust than EA’s NHL 2004. The online play supports both dial up and broadband, with broadband users having the option of using a USB headset for chat. The online play, |
Advertisement
|
||
|
believe it or not, is a lag fest. No matter what connection you play on you will still experience terrible amounts of lag and slow down. The voice chat has its share of problems as well. The game uses real time voice chat and when you talk into the mic you’ll always hear an echo, which gets extremely annoying. One of the biggest problems with the online play is the inability to chat in the game lobbies and to play pond hockey online. On a positive note there are roster updates available for download.
Sega
has been concerned with publishing a hockey game that delivers
simulation style of play. Other games on the market such as Hitz and
EA’s NHL series lean more towards arcade style play. Sega couldn’t
have hit the mark better as they truly have a great understanding of
what a real hockey game should play like. ENH finally presents game play
where playing defence is as much fun as
playing offence.
The offensive game is great with more board work and extremely realistic puck physics. The deke system also gets a shot in the arm. The defensive game has received a number of noticeable tweaks. Most notably are new body checks, more defensive moves, improved board pinning, improved AI, and better defensive positioning. The body checks are much improved from NHL 2k3 as you can now check players over the boards and deliver crushing hip checks.
The
biggest complaint about NHL 2k3 was the goalie skill, which many
referred to as “super human”. Although
the goalie this year is drastically improved, there are still a few
quirks. A major problem is the
goalie passing. It’s too difficult to control which direction you want
to pass the puck to. Not only that, at times you end up putting the puck
in your own net!
The graphics are superb. When compared to NHL 2k3 you’ll have trouble recognizing that both games are part of the same franchise. The player faces are brilliant (complete with facial expressions), the animation smooth, and the small details (like official brands) have been nailed. It’s nice to see that Kush has paid attention to background detail as well. You’ll see fans waving towels and reacting realistically to plays in the game. One of the best additions is the crowd chants. You’ll hear the crowd screaming team chants and even player specific chants. So if Curtis Joseph makes a big save when playing at home you’ll hear the crowd chanting “Cujo, Cujo, Cujo.” When you score a hat trick and you are the home team the fans will throw hats on the ice as well.
The
soundtrack is made up of ESPN style music, but it tends to get
repetitive. ENH also has authentic hockey goal and intermission songs as
well.
The
presentation is probably the best in any sports game out on the market.
You can truly see the ESPN integration in the game. The cut scenes are
beautiful and commentating is great. Bill Clement and Gary Thorne
provide the commentary and do an excellent job. Both commentators have
an insightful take on the action and always keep up with the plays with
some slick stat overlays.
Despite
it’s minor flaws, ESPN NHL Hockey is a great hockey game. If you were
a fan of NHL 2k3, ENH is a must have. And even though it’s more
directed at simulation style fans, ENH is a game worth checking out for
all hockey fans.
- Siddharth Masand (October 26, 2003)
Search for Related Topics:
...More Playstation 2 Game Reviews...
...More Sports Game Reviews...
|
|||
|
|
|||
