Games Database
PS2
Sport: Ice Hockey
| Also for: | PC, Xbox, GameCube | ||
| Viewed: | 3D Combination | Genre: | Sport: Ice Hockey |
| Media: | CD | Arcade origin: | No |
| Developer: | Electronic Arts | Soft. Co.: | Electronic Arts |
| Publishers: | Electronic Arts
(US/GB) |
Released: | 2003
(US) 3 Oct 2003 (GB) |
| Ratings: | PEGI 3+ | ||
| Accessories: | Memory Card | ||
| Connectivity: | Network Adaptor (Ethernet) compatible | ||
| Features: | Vibration Function Compatible, Analogue Control Compatible: analogue sticks only | ||
Summary
'Tis once again the season and the Q4 slew of EA Sports updates has begun, not least with the arrival of NHL 2004. Now in its 12th year, the renowned ice hockey sim makes a return in the usual fashion, complete with a wealth of new features.
One of the key revisions in the 2004 version is a new control method. Players can now use the right analogue stick to actually hit the puck, allowing for more control over the physical aspect of the game. Also, an improved freestyle decking system with more responsive and intuitive control allows you to more easily take control and perform moves that create scoring opportunities.
In similar vein to the other EA Sports titles of late, NHL 2004 comes with added depth thanks to what's known as the Dynasty Mode. This gives you the opportunity to take on the role of general manager and, through the earning of experience points, carry out such tasks as upgrading facilities, hiring new staff and building better offices. As such, upgrading has a subsequent effect of your team's attributes and your ability to sign players.
Another key emphasis in this version is the violence, which benefits from a realistic new fighting engine. This new system now stems from grappling, rather than simple button-bashing, and boasts more intuitive controls that feature much more depth and strategy - even goalies can get in on the fisticuffs now.
With the addition of other new features such as new animations, new leagues, new commentary from Craig Simpson and, not least, support for online play via the PlayStation network adapter, NHL 2004 is most certainly the latest and greatest, and subsequently a 'must have' for hockey fans.
One of the key revisions in the 2004 version is a new control method. Players can now use the right analogue stick to actually hit the puck, allowing for more control over the physical aspect of the game. Also, an improved freestyle decking system with more responsive and intuitive control allows you to more easily take control and perform moves that create scoring opportunities.
In similar vein to the other EA Sports titles of late, NHL 2004 comes with added depth thanks to what's known as the Dynasty Mode. This gives you the opportunity to take on the role of general manager and, through the earning of experience points, carry out such tasks as upgrading facilities, hiring new staff and building better offices. As such, upgrading has a subsequent effect of your team's attributes and your ability to sign players.
Another key emphasis in this version is the violence, which benefits from a realistic new fighting engine. This new system now stems from grappling, rather than simple button-bashing, and boasts more intuitive controls that feature much more depth and strategy - even goalies can get in on the fisticuffs now.
With the addition of other new features such as new animations, new leagues, new commentary from Craig Simpson and, not least, support for online play via the PlayStation network adapter, NHL 2004 is most certainly the latest and greatest, and subsequently a 'must have' for hockey fans.
Artwork
