NHL Rivals 2004 Image
  • 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
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 15 out of 39
  2. Negative: 4 out of 39
  1. Impresses with smooth, realistic game play and rib-cage-crushing intensity.
  2. 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.
  3. My biggest problems, though, are with the unevenness of the penalties called and shots that go in.

See all 39 Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 3 out of 4
  2. 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
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  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
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  3. 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
    • 0 of 0 users said yes

See all 4 User Reviews