NHL 2003 Image
Metascore

Generally favorable reviews - based on 12 Critics What's this?

User Score

Generally favorable reviews- based on 11 Ratings

  • Summary: In order to become a superstar in the NHL, you'll need a combination of speed, power, and moves. NHL 2003 gives you the abilities of all the stars and teams of pro hockey, but it's up to you to master them. This time, you have full control of the puck with Dynamic Deke Control and accurate puck physics. The game also features four game modes, including Create-a-Player, enhanced sounds and animations, and dynamic camera work to bring you closer to the NHL action. Expand
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 12
  2. Negative: 0 out of 12
  1. You can’t really go wrong with this one.
  2. What accounts for the less-than-perfect score is the extreme amount of tweaking it takes to get everything just the way you like it.
  3. There is room for improvement in execution of strategy and AI but it looks great, sounds great and is fun to play.
  4. There's just enough innovation here to warrant spending another 50 clams, but only if you're a die-hard fan of the series. [Winter 2002, p.105]

See all 12 Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 8
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 8
  3. Negative: 1 out of 8
  1. SeanC.
    10
    This game is the best hockey game i have ever played in my life. the best part was 100 million.
  2. MikeJ.
    9
    Tons of fun for the true hockey fan.
  3. AndrewM.
    8
    Superb! A truly great game that suffers from a few minor glitches. For someone that does not own, or has never played NHL 2002, then this is a sound purchase. Having said that, this is the 3rd EA hockey title that I have purchaced and again it is still top notch...(I must say however it has been a long time between drinks for myself... NHL 94 and NHL 96 (SNES) which at the time were awesome) Graphically, NHL 2003 may not make the most of the xbox's capabilities, but the replays and soundtracks, and generally animations, (of players, refs and crowd) makes for a worthwhile experience. The statistically minded are also well taken care off with a very impressive aray of stats from the current and previous season, as well as playoffs! The only minor draw-back can be noted with the defensive linesmen AI. Leaving men alone infront of the net, giving away stupid penalties etc... However, with practice the advanced player can learn to ignore the puck carrier, and iron out those camping infront of the goalie (even if sometimes the action is not on the screen). Despite some flaws, this is a well rounded game, with a way cool soundtrack, and in-depth gameplay! A winner. Expand
  4. Uter
    2
    There isn't a more disappointing hockey game out there. NHL went from being my favorite game series of all time to one of my least. They keep adding gimmicky things, and fogetting to improve the realism and gameplay. Also, the graphics are almost unchanged from last year. I really hate this game. I will never buy another EA NHL game ever again! Expand

See all 8 User Reviews