NHL 2004 PlayStation 2
  • Publisher: EA Sports
  • Release Date: Sep 22, 2003
  • Also On: PC
NHL 2004 Image
Metascore
85 out of 100

Generally favorable reviews - based on 19 Critics What's this?

User Score
7.4 out of 10

Mixed or average reviews- based on 47 Ratings

Your Score
0 out of 10
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  • Summary: It's more physical than ever before, with new Bruise Control, an all-new fighting system, more realistic player collisions, and powerful visuals such as popping helmets and breaking glass. Total Control on the Ice: Total player control allows you to direct 2-button touch sensitive passes anywhere on the ice, call team strategies on the fly, and aggressively tie up opponents against the boards and in front of the net. Go Deep Into Dynasty Mode: Take on the role of GM for up to 20 seasons, drafting and trading players, negotiating contracts, and managing the financial bottom line of your franchise. Earn valuable experience points to upgrade your GM office and/or purchase improvements to staff and facilities, thus improving your team?s on ice performance. All-New Elite Leagues: 39 new international teams from Germany?s DEL, Sweden?s Elitserien, and Finland?s SM-Liga. Enhanced EA SPORTS Online: Compete in one-on-one or all-new on-line tournament games, and chat in-game with EA SPORTS Talk. New EA SPORTS Bio: Unlock special rewards in NHL 2004 by playing multiple titles, including Madden NFL 2004, NBA Live 2004, and much more. [Electronic Arts]… Expand

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 18 out of 19
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 19
  3. Negative: 0 out of 19
  1. Play Magazine
    100
    Not to be outdone, EA Sports has upped the ante with NHL 2004 and it truly has left me speechless. What am I so excited about? One word - Dynasty Mode... For hockey fans, this is a no brainer. [Sept 2003, p.88]
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  2. Game Informer
    93
    Saying that EA has turned it on this year is the understatement of the century... When it comes to your hard-earned dollar, the puck stops at NHL 2004. It's easly the best hockey title of the year. [Oct 2003, p.121]
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  3. Next Level Gaming
    86
    While the game moved from the arcade feel to more a realistic feel, the impressive graphics remain.
  4. Electronic Gaming Monthly
    73
    Too much force and not enough finesse - that's the problem with EA's puck offering. Don't get me wrong, I'm all for getting' physical, but not when it comes at the cost of disrupting the natural flow of hockey. [Oct 2003, p.138]
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See all 19 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 27 out of 36
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 36
  3. Negative: 9 out of 36
  1. MattW.
    10
    This game is awesome. Love using the R3 and the right analog stick to throw huge hits at players. It's tough to do, but if you do it right it's awesome. The passing will take some getting used to, and the AI is pretty challenging. The dynasty mode is sweet. Negotiating contracts, setting ticket prices, practices, upgrading, training rookies, and playoffs are just the tip of the iceberg. Turn the commentary off if you get it. Highly recommended.… Expand
  2. JeanP.
    8
    Drastic improvement over the prior years but could still be better. What there's too much of: Glass breaking, "bone-crushing hits," scoring, key players getting hurt during simulation, computer players getting caught 20 feet offsides, hooking. What I like: Dynasty Mode, (although a team will give you anyone for a draft pick), realistic skating, scoring on wrap arounds, computer play development. Overall it was good enough to consume my life for nearly 4 months.… Expand
  3. JoeS.
    7
    NHL 2004 is not as arcade oriented as 2003. It is more of a "real life" hockey simulation. If you're a hard core hockey fan then this game is for you. I highly recommend it! … Expand
  4. Uter
    4
    Of all the NHL games you could own this year this is definately the worst. I give it a 4 b/c there's really no reason to play it, even though it's not completely terrible.… Expand

See all 36 User Reviews