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100Not 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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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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90The truth is that simulation freaks who want their hockey tough and real could do no better. Arcade lovers should probably look elsewhere.
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90This is almost certainly the best release in the history of the NHL series and one of the most authentic action-oriented sports games currently on the market.
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It's true that NHL 2004 is a tougher game to get involved with compared to past versions of the franchise. But, with more leagues (including elite world clubs), more players and new enhanced moves, there is plenty here for fans to enjoy, if you have the stamina to master it all, that is.
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88Mimics the real thing more than ever and therefore the joys of the sport are found in big hits, near misses and brilliant scoring opportunities that barely miss lighting the lamp. If you can get over the fact that scoring is going to be reserved only for those that deserve it.
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88In a few fundamental ways, the game actually does manage to beat out the opposition, though ultimately it falls a bit short of being the best overall package. It's still a really great hockey game in its own right, though.
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88Expanded fight controls include grappling, punch selection and the ability to pull off the gloves whenever rink rage overcomes you. [Oct 2003, p.37]
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88For those of you that want a good game of hockey that you can play online and may have a little less simulation than "ESPN NHL Hockey," this game is for you.
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While the game moved from the arcade feel to more a realistic feel, the impressive graphics remain.
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85It's remarkable that EA has managed to catch up to the incredible effort from Sega in a single generation, and if it weren't for an overly trying physics engine on the ice, the two would be in a dead heat.
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Does a fantastic job for the hardcore hockey fan with endless hours of play in Dynasty mode, but it can’t quite match the competition when it comes to delivery and mechanics... Despite its small faults, NHL 2004 is still one hell of a hockey game.
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83Yes, checking is part of hockey, but it's overdone in NHL 2004. [Oct 2003, p.62]
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80Difficult on anything but the easiest setting. You can't go five seconds without getting crushed by the opposition...It has the right mix that will win over hardcore hockey fans. [Oct 2003, p.38]
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80If only the visual polish matched the immaculate accuracy of the gameplay. [Oct 2003, p.67]
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80Some of its ideas are brilliant innovations, some are wisely appropriated standards, and some just flop - but the overall result is fun, action-oriented, authentic hockey with a few troubling flaws.
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It's a good time - just not as much fun as "ESPN NHL" down on the ice. But it's easily the most full-featured hockey game ever to come along. [Oct 2003, p.121]
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78Dynasty mode will be a draw for those who have an interest in the management side of hockey. That aside, ESPN NHL Hockey is simply the better game in just about every respect.
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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]
User score distribution:
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Positive: 27 out of 36
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Mixed: 0 out of 36
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Negative: 9 out of 36
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MattW.10
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JimS.10Abosolutely amazing, addicting and fun...buy it!!!
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OprahW.9It's addicting, fun, and its one of the best sports games ever. Its truly amazing.