Metascore
82 out of 100

Generally favorable reviews - based on 12 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 12
  2. Negative: 0 out of 12
  1. A deeper and more detailed game than its predecessor. [Nov 2002, p.222]
  2. It’s accessible, it’s fun, the graphics and sound are well done, has the crowd is the best out there, and has enough options and stats to mollify even the most rabid fan of “real” hockey.
  3. There is room for improvement as stats are still lacking, the fighting still sucks, and I'd like to see more varied hitting; but NHL Hitz 2003 definitely belongs in your gaming lineup. [Nov 2002, p.133]
  4. The fact remains that the improvements that NHL Hitz 20-03 has over the first game just can’t justify yet another £40… it’s just not different enough.
  5. 84
    This year's version, however, has demonstrated vast improvement in a lot of areas. Hockey School, Franchise, Season, and the jaw-dropping stats tracking [are] all top-drawer work.
  6. If your a hockey fan you probably NEED a copy of Hitz.
  7. A great take on the high paced hard hitting atmosphere of the rink.
  8. As a non-sports gamer, I recommend this game to all other non-sports gamers or arcade-sports fans in general.
  9. 80
    If you’re looking for rowdy, raucous action backed by unusual staying power and that familiar Midway gameplay, you’ll savor the smell of what Hitz is cooking.
  10. Midway has taken an already proven formula for hard-hitting action and added cool new gameplay elements that give this Hitz incredible replay value. [Nov 2002, p.88]
  11. A fun, fast-paced game of no-rules hockey that should appeal to fans of Midway's other action sports games.
  12. It offered fair and fun gameplay and easy controls that were simple to maneuver...For a non-sports game fan, I was delighted to play a sports game and like it.
User Score
tbd

No user score yet- Awaiting 1 more rating

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1 out of 2
  2. Negative: 0 out of 2
  1. [Anonymous]
    6
    This game is fun, but unrealistic, which can be good however it is stupid when a 1 timer always goes in.
  2. ZiggyStardust
    8
    A major complaint with Hitz 2002 was that all the players looked the same. Well, that's not at all so anymore. The faces are all fantastic, and truly look like their real life counterparts. The gameplay has been tweaked and improved upn as well. Hits in particular are more dramatic and crushing than before. I do have a big complaint though. There's noticable slowdown frequently!! When too much action is happening the framerate hits the floor. It doesn't hugely effect the play, but it's annoying for sure. Hitz is worth owning for hockey fans. It's arcade style fun, and I think better than EA's NHL 2003 overall. Full Review »