• Publisher: SCEA
  • Release Date: Nov 9, 2004
Gretzky NHL 2005 Image
Metascore

Mixed or average reviews - based on 24 Critics What's this?

User Score

Universal acclaim- based on 14 Ratings

  • Summary: Gretzky NHL 2005 features players with detailed facial animations that convey the power and emotion of their sport, EyeToy functionality, which allows gamers to put their face into the game and become an NHL player, and breathtaking arenas complete with arena-specific game intros, goal horns and interactive crowds. To challenge the skill levels of all hockey videogame fans, Gretzky NHL 2005 offers an extensive list of gameplay modes including Tournament Mode with customizable tournaments, Franchise (Season) Mode where gamers act as owners, Online Mode with downloadable roster updates and Rivalry Mode, which sets the stage to revisit the ultimate heated match-up time after time. By combining authentic gameplay, intuitive play controls and an enhanced presentation with the fast, fluid, hard-hitting intensity of arcade style play, Gretzky NHL 2005 delivers the look, feel and passion of hockey and provides gamers with a true-to-life simulation. [989 Sports] Expand
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 24
  2. Negative: 1 out of 24
  1. 83
    It's a good blend of fast-paced and sim-style hockey, and it's got plenty of modes to keep gamers busy. While many elements of the game are a bit generic the fact that the gameplay is fun and challenging makes up for a relative lack of personality.
  2. A good start. The AI needs to be tweaked, and the controls fine-tuned. The game also needs to work away from one-time shots off the pass having a higher chance of scoring than breakaways.
  3. Gretzky NHL 2005 has taken a giant step forward from previous "FaceOff" games, but it is still falls way short of the competition. With two solid hockey titles already out, Gretzky just doesn't offer anything different to make it worth a purchase.
  4. The only way anyone should be fooled into buying this is because of the Great One's name on the cover.

See all 24 Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 7
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 7
  3. Negative: 0 out of 7
  1. StevenA.
    10
    This game has everything that EA and ESPN are missing--a work of art.
  2. JosephM.
    10
    I've been watching the reviews for this game come in all over the board. Interesting to see that the highest scores come from reviewers who gave more in-depth analysis. I found that more than half the reviewers missed the point of the rivalry mode. It's not just for tracking 2 team. It's for tracking your game against a consistant advesary, say your roomate, brother, best friend, etc. -JM Expand
  3. Minnie
    10
    This game rocks! The best there is out there! GO PLAY IT!
  4. WayneGretzky
    10
    I love this game.

See all 7 User Reviews