Games
Sony
Microsoft
Nintendo
Other Platforms
Upcoming &
Recent Releases
Stars indicate the most critically-acclaimed games.
NHL 2005
Generally favorable reviews
Based on 18 critic reviews
How did we calculate this?
Based on 4 votes
Read user comments
Rate this game >
Game Info
Publisher: Electronic Arts
Developer: EA Canada
Genre(s): Sports, Hockey
Players: 4
ESRB Rating: E (Everyone)
Release Date: September 20, 2004
Summary
OPEN ICE CONTROL: Seamlessly switch between players with or without the puck -- call for passes, tell a teammate to shoot, set up a vicious one-timer, or call for a defensive double-team on the fly with the push of a button. TOTAL PLAYER AWARENESS: With more player awareness than ever before, make saucer passes just before the blueline, call in a second defender to break up a 2-on-1, or fire off wrist shots at the perfect angle on net. FACE-OFF PLAYBOOK: New playcalling system allows you to choose offensive and defensive face-off strategies every time the whistle blows. Plan an attack in your opponent's zone or protect the net right before the puck drops. THE WORLD CUP OF HOCKEY: Take part in the excitement of this year's World Cup of Hockey event featuring teams from USA, Canada, Sweden, Finland, Germany, Russia, Czech Republic, and Slovakia playing in authentic European and North American venues. ALL-NEW SKATING ENGINE: Glide then use explosive speed to get to the open ice -- now you have more puck-handling and turning control. A refined backwards skating system also allows for unprecedented defensive precision and control. THE DRILL: The intensity explodes off the ice with The Drill -- one net, one goalie, and every man for himself. Up to four can play and the one who scores the most goals wins. [EA Sports]
Also On Metacritic
GAMES: NHL 06 NHL 2003 NHL 2004
Cheat Codes & Hints: Cheat Code Central
Also On The Web: GameSpot Preview GameSpy Preview IGN Preview Official Website
What The Critics Said
All critic scores are converted to a 100-point scale. If a critic does not indicate a score, we assign a score based on the general impression given by the text of the review. Learn more...
Game Informer
For the second year running, "NHL" best encapsulates the play and and authenticity of the sport. [Sept 2004, p.103]
Read Full Review >Sports Gaming Network
NHL 2005 does have many things going for it, but it just is not as good as "ESPN NHL 2K5." There are no glaring problems with EA's game, but it just was not as fun as it had the potential to be.
Read Full Review >GameZone
Add silky smooth animations and an addictive pick-up-and-play gameplay style and you end up with NHL 2005.
Read Full Review >Play Magazine
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]
PGNx Media
The 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.
Read Full Review >IGN
Although a lot of the other pieces are in place -- Franchise, modes, and presentation -- the final product is a little light on gameplay.
Read Full Review >Nintendojo
To be honest, if you’ve already own last year’s game, there isn’t that much of a point to check this game out. Why? Lockout. There won’t even be a season this year. There just aren’t enough improvements here to ensure your interest.
Read Full Review >AceGamez
People 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.
Read Full Review >GameSpot
This 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.
Read Full Review >Game Revolution
While the control tweaks get props, the defensive A.I. has been cranked up a shade too much.
Read Full Review >Nintendo Power
A great update of an established franchise. [Dec 2004, p.146]
Yahoo! Games
While the game's is an improvement over the 2004 edition, it's still not quite up to snuff.
Read Full Review >GameSpy
The 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.
Read Full Review >Gaming Age
The 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.
Read Full Review >Electronic Gaming Monthly
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]
games(TM)
This 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]
G4 TV
The 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.
Read Full Review >Armchair Empire
A decent title, but if you already own NHL 2004 you’re probably wasting your time and money for updated player stats, a token number of additions, and some new animations.
Read Full Review >What Our Users Said
The average user rating for this game is 5.2 (out of 10) based on 4 User Votes
Note: User votes are NOT included in the Metascore calculation.
George S. gave it a 9:
Great dynasty mode, only thing missing is create a player mode.
Jody O. gave it a 2:
Add chainsaws to this game and call it mutant league returns. First time i ever preordered a game and the last time as well. They've been making NHL since the days of sega. How can they get it soooo wrong?
Yiyi Y. gave it a 9:
It rocks.
