NHL Rivals 2004 Xbox
NHL Rivals 2004 Image
Metascore
65 out of 100

Mixed or average reviews - based on 39 Critics What's this?

User Score
8.9 out of 10

Generally favorable reviews- based on 19 Ratings

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  • Summary: NHL Rivals 2004 is a dramatic hockey simulation that immerses gamers into a realistic and exciting hockey experience. With more than 700 motion-captured animations, you can take one-timers, blast slap shots, and dish out the big body checks just like real NHL superstars. You also can settle your hockey grudge matches and create their own rivalries online with Xbox Live and XSN Sports. Control an NHL team on a quest to win the Stanley Cup, or take on your friends in a single game between two bitter rivals.… Expand

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 15 out of 39
  2. Mixed: 20 out of 39
  3. Negative: 4 out of 39
  1. Maxim Online
    100
    Impresses with smooth, realistic game play and rib-cage-crushing intensity.
  2. Xbox World Australia
    84
    Whilst this is Microsoft’s first venture onto the ice, it does quite a respectable job at recreating the action, speed and excitement of the game of hockey.
  3. Armchair Empire
    72
    Much like a NHL expansion team that does unexpectedly well in its initial campaign but doesn’t have any realistic chance of competing for even a number-eight seed playoff spot, NHL Rivals 2004 is a good start for Microsoft’s hockey franchise, but needs many more superstar elements to challenge its competition in the hockey game arena.
  4. Electronic Gaming Monthly
    47
    My biggest problems, though, are with the unevenness of the penalties called and shots that go in.

See all 39 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 3 out of 4
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 4
  3. Negative: 0 out of 4
  1. AnttiK.
    10
    Excellent game. The Real Suprise. I've played all new NHL-games and this is the best of all. I hope that next year custom soundtracks are also available during gameplaying. … Expand
  2. MichaelB.
    10
    This hockey game is the most fun to play of any in the last year. It's not as deep, but it's definitely the best-controlling and best-looking. It's also a blast to play online.… Expand
  3. BillD.
    8
    I sometimes wonder who is pocketing the magazines.They loved EA NHL 2004 (which ea keeps handing us the same crap for the past 5 years) and they don't like NHL Rivals(A good first year effort thats more fun than EA) Do they know anything about the sport?This game Is alot of fun!Sure it's gotta a few flaws but,for a 1st year effort,it is a good solid game.It not as deep as others.Controls are sharp,graphics are very crisp.Best arena music.The fighting engine is the best so far and it acyually works!.This game shine on the pro level . Its a blast to play.Could easily topple EA NHL with refinements and deeper play.Did I mention how fun this game is?If I had to pick only one hockey game this year .It would be Sega NHL2k4,but I would miss NHL Rivals alot. … Expand
  4. BlueFalcon
    5
    There are a few things that this game does better than any other hockey series. But for the most part, it's not quite up to par. The graphics need a lot of work, but I very much like the different camera angles during replays. I think this series could be a contender with some relatively minor upgrades. But as it is, I wouldn't recommend it.… Expand