- Critic Score
- Most active
- Publication
- Most clicked
-
Skates in a league of its own when it comes to the most basic function of hockey gaming: realistic physics. [Oct 2004, p.94]
-
I would highly suggest NHL 2005 for anyone who likes sports games, but the controls are too complex for casual non-fans who just want to pick up a game and play effectively.
-
For the second year running, "NHL" best encapsulates the play and and authenticity of the sport. [Sept 2004, p.103]
-
A better, more realistic game than last year's, but its still-vicious checking system might turn off hardcore hockey enthusiasts. [Oct 2004, p.80]
-
83If you're looking for a raw, wide-open experience with lots of arcade elements, NHL 2005 is for you...If you're more into the strategy of real hockey—the poke checks, the traps, the dumps, the dekes -- then you'll either have to try to design this game to fit your tastes (which can be frustrating) or go elsewhere.
-
83Better than last year’s 2004 and the inclusion of Xbox Live support will be important to fans of the series, but there isn’t anything remarkably better that warrants an immediate purchase.
-
83The on-ice gameplay is some of the best hockey you’ll ever play in a videogame; the control is unmatched. Then, the game lays an egg when it comes to all around game modes and extras.
-
83The actual gameplay is pretty solid throughout, the visuals are excellent and the rest of the presentation isn’t too shabby. That said, it doesn’t do anything principally different and online play could have been implemented better.
-
The lax AI from last year's game has been stepped up...An improved Dynasty Mode and the inclusion of the World Cup of Hockey round out this great hockey title. [Sept 2004, p.84]
-
80You even get to see the coaches of the respective teams geeing-up their players and remonstrating about decisions and player misdemeanours which all adds up to the great overall presentation of the game.
-
80People who are looking for a fast sports game can't go wrong with this, but those wanting to upgrade might want to rent it first to see if it's worth their hard earned pennies.
-
It's just tragic that there's no Xbox Live support.
-
80The new Open Ice mechanics allow for smoother, wide-open play than previous versions, and the Dynasty Mode is as deep and realistic as any I've ever seen.
-
Perhaps the biggest new feature for this year's ice hockey outing is the inclusion of Live compatibility...This essentially adds months to NHL 2005's appeal, and will turn the already feverishly loved title into a true competitive tussle.
-
80With all of the different game modes it has to offer, NHL 2005 will keep you entertained for an extremely long time.
-
80Comes up like the Calgary Flames - a very close second - because "ESPN NHL 2K5" is the better game due to its overall complete package. [Dec 2004, p.146]
-
79This is still a solid game of hockey, but it isn't the most realistic or best-playing NHL title out there, and as such, it shouldn't be your first choice for one.
-
Not as fantastic as last year.
-
But while EA has been able to make some improvements to their franchise, they just haven’t done enough to keep up with the ice maniacs over at ESPN.
-
70While the game's is an improvement over the 2004 edition, it's still not quite up to snuff.
-
70It's worth purchasing for the World Cup and Free-4-All modes alone, but be aware that this isn't the defining hockey experience it could have been.
-
You’re better off picking up "ESPN NHL 2K5" because for the third year in a row Sega’s hockey series takes the Cup as it’s made the furthest leap forward in improvements.
-
67The ease of play, with the challenge of a good A.I. creates the perfect balance that not only makes for a realistic competition, but an enjoyable one as well.
-
Flow? NHL 2005's skaters have no flow, 'cause they're always lying out on the ice from hit after hit - just like last year. I know hockey is a rough game, but c'mon, I like to control the puck for more than two seconds before picking up my teeth. [Oct 2004, p.99]
-
60Even though this is undeniably a good representation, the feel of it is really not all that different from the SNES and Mega Drive titles of yesteryear.
-
60This is EA’s take on NHL action as it’s always been, rejigged with improved animations and new moves so it’s inevitably the best version yet. [Nov 2004, p.119]
-
60The bar has been set higher by "ESPN NHL 2K5," whose presentation, sense of realism, and play modes simply outclass, outshine, and outperform those found in NHL 2005.
prev
next
Page:
- 1
User score distribution:
-
Positive: 3 out of 6
-
Mixed: 1 out of 6
-
Negative: 2 out of 6
-
Buried-In-The-Box7
-
SteveP.8
-
MarkK.8