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Reviewed by Downtown Jimmy
Jan 18th 2003

Introduction:Hockey is my sport and every year EA Sports pumps out another version of a hockey game based on the previous years version. This year i was disappointed with there efforts and the released a less then stellar release. The last version i played of this game was NHL 2001 on the PC. Although that seems like eons ago the 2001 version seemed as good as or better than the 2003 installation.

The Game:The gameplay in NHL 2003 is what you would expect. You can quickly go into the game play and have a few games or you can drudge through the 82 games of the normal hockey season. You also have the option of just playing the playoff or going through an international tournament. The game is fully customizable in which you have allot of options to adjust in the gameplay as well as the standard create your own team and player. All the stats are included for the regular roster of the year 2003.

The problem i had with the gameplay is that the game didn't flow properly. I found you really had to push the controller and hit the buttons hard to get a response. The game made my hands work harder than they should. I would compare 15 min of NHL 2003 to 15hrs strait of DOA3. This is sickening. The game speed wasn't fast enough for me either. In the options i tried boosting it to its limits and it still seemed a tad slow.

Overall the gameplay hasn't changed one bit and i felt with the xbox controller i wasn't getting enough response. I had more fun playing the older installment years ago on the PC. Strange when you would believe this game would translate 100% better to a console system.

Graphics & Sound:The graphics in NHL are below par, and the combination of 3d and 2d crowds irks me. The could of decided to go with either or. With the crowds numbering in the thousands in understanding why they us a 2d crowd, but zooming into poorly models 3d fans wasn't a good idea. Developers should take a closer look to Rocky. Their use of 3d crowds makes the game look outstanding.

The game at times stuttered when the puck would travel to the other end of the rink. With the set standards the Xbox system provides i don't know why they didn't optimize the game better to perform without slowdown. This is another unforgivable problem within the graphical department of NHL 2003.

The sound is the best thing in NHL 2003. They have plenty of top 40 rock songs showcased within the game. Having the song title and artist on the screen when the songs changes is a great idea. Another good idea in the sound department is the ON ICE ability to hear the game how the players themselves would experience the game. This is an excellent idea.

Lowdown:This is the first hockey game i have played for the xbox, therefore i don't know if this game is above or below par then the other titles that are out. I hope not! NHL 2003 let me down in a large way. I expected more intense, fast skating, hard hitting game. This game just seem likes its the same game its always been. I would say check out all your options before you purchase this title. "Save Your Cash!"

Gameplay: 4, Graphics/Sound: 4, Innovation: 4, Mojo: 6. Final: 4

FEATURES:

  • Dynamic Deke Control: Use the right analog stick for total control over the stick and puck.
  • Game Breaker: Build up the meter and trigger a Game Breaker – you'll enter a zone where the intensity increases and everything around you slows down.
  • Improved Goalie AI: Goalies are the most realistic to date with new moves that let you make spectacular saves on breakaways and rebounds.
  • Realistic Puck Physics: The puck responds realistically to every deke, pass, save and slapshot.
  • On the Ice" sound – Experience the authentic sounds of the game from ice-level, including sticks and blades scraping the ice.
  • New Puck Physics and Goalie AI: The players and puck respond more accurately to your actions
  • More Cool Features: Four game modes, Create-A-Player, real on-ice sounds, and dynamic camera work bring the NHL to your fingertips





NHL 2003
 
Publisher
EA
 
Developer
EA Sports
 
Genre
Sports
 
Released
Oct. 2002
 
ESRB
Everyone

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