Reviewed by Downtown Jimmy
Oct 9th 2003
Introduction
EA Sports gives yet another year of hockey with the NHL Hockey 2004. NHL Hockey is going to appeal to fans of last year’s game, newcomers and the seasoned vet. Electronic Arts benefits from a new development team who added a wide variety of options, teams and gave the mechanics of the gameplay a much needed overhaul. NHL 2004 will keep you on the ice until next year comes around.
The Game
Looking back on my NHL 2003 review was a shock, I remember the game didn’t feel right. I found the flow was fluid and overall it didn’t capture my vote on a good emulation of the sport of Hockey. I can’t believe this game was ever connected to last year’s version, the difference is as clear as night and day. I like my NHL 2004 and this time around it really feels like I’m on the ice. It’s hockey night tonight!
The flow of the game has improved considerably as well as the control you have over your players. The passing has been revamped to give you more control by adding the use of the analog stick. The players are more agyle and have greater dynamics to their skating. The shooting and alternative options have also been improved by bringing into to play the left shoulder trigger which can control fake passes and shots. Overall the gameplay runs at a good speed and offers up some intense moments of hockey bliss.
The biggest problem I found with the game was trying to scan through all the players to get to the closest guy to the puck. For some reason this system hasn’t been perfected in NHL 2004 and for a majority of the time you will have to cycle through a bunch of guys just to get the one you want. This is a little frustration and maybe a missed play or two but overall it isn’t anything serious.
When I play a sports game the one thing I look for is a well developed Dynasty mode and I’m glad EA brings a fairly strong dynasty mode to NHL 2004. Being a GM in control of an existing NHL franchise or self created one is very rewarding. In dynasty mode you can have full control over hiring staff, setting ticket prices, improving practicing facilities and upgrading your existing equipment. You can also boost your legal awareness and get right down to haggling players into a lower salary capital.
Other options in EA Sports NHL are exhibition, season, playoff, tournaments modes besides the dynasty mode. You can customize your own players, teams, arena colours, and even the chanting song from the crowd.
Graphics & Sound
Visually NHL 2004 outdoes last years edition with some little touches that make the game feel more well rounded, such as the fans wearing their your jerseys when playing at home, and the mark from the skates digging into the ice.
They have added a new rag doll type physics engine called ‘Bruise Control’ to the characters which make the hits and checks look like the real thing. Bringing out the contact part of the game was important and they pull it off effortlessly. The graphics overall are smooth and look great on the Xbox, rarely you encounter slowdown and the game flows at a good frame rate.
The sound gets an A+ effort in NHL 2004. The sound brings this game to life and helps push the adrenaline level up for the games. The effects are crisp, the music is filled with popular rock songs (just like last years) and the crowd helps cheer and boo the gameplay which in a way makes you want to show the fans a great show. They did a great job capturing the sound of a real hockey game. An option to control the music would be good considering my hard drive is filled with songs, but again this is a minor little detail that isn’t overly missed.
I did come across some small flaws in the sound department considering the commentary in the game. The commentators occasionally commented about the scoring of the game when there was no score, or talking about a player that wasn’t on the ice. Overall I enjoyed the commentary and I wasn’t really annoyed by this little bug, although I did notice it when it happened.
Innovation
One of the most intriguing parts of NHL Hockey is that you don’t have play a team in the NHL. Electronic Arts has gone ahead and added some European and World hockey leagues. This extra effort is appreciated and it was something they could have passed by. Adding more leagues and teams broadens the spectrum of this game and might be more appealing to fans of something outside of the NHL. For us Canadians it’s great to play Team Canada in the World league. Thanks to EA for giving Canada’s team the highest rating ?
Fighting is also included; some may call this an innovation. I wasn’t overly impressed with the fighting dynamics, but it was included in the game. At times it can be good to get out your frustrations in the way of the fist, but the end result isn’t polished and seems more like a hassle.
A minus side to the innovation is where the PS2 takes a little jump in being able to play online. Due to the complications between EA and Microsoft you won’t be able to go online a skate with your friends, but none the less the game still is worth the buck.
Lastly and the greatest innovation besides the improvement of the gameplay in NHL 2004 is the EA Sports Bio which lets rewards you for the longer you play the game, it adds little extra features to the game which gives more than one reason to play the game for hours on end. Unlocking is always good, and a new wardrobe in dynasty mode might make you look more hip, but it doesn’t make the puck goes in the net easier.
Mojo
EA Sports delivers some major mojo in NHL 2004. From the pimped out dynasty mode, to the fist flying bruise engine, EA gives us what we wanted in the way of a more realistic fun to play hockey game. Let’s not get too deep, lets throw some punches, and lets body check some sucka through the glass! This is hockey and it looks and feels like hockey. “Memories of playing hockey as a young little downtown come to mind”. EA Sports keep the NHL franchise in top video game form and they give a whole lotta mojo to redeem themselves from the mojoless NHL 2003.
Lowdown
There are a bunch of hockey games on the market and EA holds its own place comfortably in the market. It’s not overly technical, but doesn’t seem too arcadish. This game is a good choice if you love hockey, want to play a good dynasty mode but don’t want to be overly bothered with ultra realistic gameplay. NHL 2004 is EA Sports best offering in years rent it and gives it a try and I’m sure you’ll be back to purchase all around solid title.
Gameplay: 8, Graphics/Sound: 8, Innovation: 7, Mojo: 8. Final: 8 |