NHL 2004 Xbox
NHL 2004 Image
Metascore
85 out of 100

Generally favorable reviews - based on 21 Critics What's this?

User Score
6.4 out of 10

Mixed or average reviews- based on 29 Ratings

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0 out of 10
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  • Summary: It's been called the fastest sport on Earth--and the faster the players, the tougher the contact. NHL 2004 brings professional hockey to life like never before, with crisp passes, searing slap-shots, and a variety of new ways to check your opponent to regain control of the puck. NHL 2004 is the hockey fan's dream come true, with the addition of international leagues, Bruise Control fighting system, online play, and a Dynasty Mode that lets you build a powerhouse.'.… Expand

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 20 out of 21
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 21
  3. Negative: 0 out of 21
  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. TeamXbox
    86
    The series is turning towards the likes of "Madden," with realism being added into every nook and cranny of the game. The greatest strength NHL 2004 holds is that it brings back the game of hockey the way it was meant to be played...physical and tight scoring.
  3. GameSpot
    86
    Although NHL 2004 does fall just shy of beating out the competition, any previous fan of EA's NHL series will find very little to complain about in this installment.
  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 21 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 14 out of 25
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 25
  3. Negative: 9 out of 25
  1. MikeQ.
    10
    The controls take some getting used to, but once you master checking and deking with the right thumbstick, you'll never again be able to play any other hockey game.… Expand
  2. Wingsfan
    8
    I think this is EA's best game yet, Realistic Skating, new Dynasty mode, and improved graphics, however it has its bad things, such as signing free agents easily by just making offers, takes the other teams out of the competition, thus I give it an 810.… Expand
  3. Joe
    7
    Managed to try a copy and again, it's fun. But I prefer the realism and nuances of the ESPN games. I've played NHL for years and every year, it's one-timers, moving the goalie across the goal, goalies gloving everything and cartoonish checks. Don't get me wrong, that's a lot of fun. But I get more out of ESPN. I have to worry about positioning and neutral zone play as opposed to going out and trying to take someone's head off. And the checking is more responsive on ESPN. I don't know, there's more depth and challenge on ESPN's game, and more to enjoy as time goes on. ESPN though is not perfect. It's unnaturally hard at times and the goalies won't push the puck up ice.… Expand
  4. CodyH.
    4
    -Sh.t passing -Stupid AI ( spinning tops? ) -Horrible online play -Rigged like crazy (no matter how "good" you are) -Half assed control of players Plus, its the only game that has ever consistently made me want to throw my controller through the screen during every game. If you know even the slightest bit about hockey, you'll hate this game. Garbage.… Expand

See all 25 User Reviews