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Stars indicate the most critically-acclaimed games.
NHL 2004
Generally favorable reviews
Based on 19 critic reviews
How did we calculate this?
Based on 47 votes
Read user comments
Rate this game >
Game Info
Publisher: EA Sports
Developer: EA Black Box
Genre(s): Sports
Players: 4
ESRB Rating: E (Everyone)
Release Date: September 22, 2003
Summary
It's more physical than ever before, with new Bruise Control, an all-new fighting system, more realistic player collisions, and powerful visuals such as popping helmets and breaking glass. Total Control on the Ice: Total player control allows you to direct 2-button touch sensitive passes anywhere on the ice, call team strategies on the fly, and aggressively tie up opponents against the boards and in front of the net. Go Deep Into Dynasty Mode: Take on the role of GM for up to 20 seasons, drafting and trading players, negotiating contracts, and managing the financial bottom line of your franchise. Earn valuable experience points to upgrade your GM office and/or purchase improvements to staff and facilities, thus improving your teams on ice performance. All-New Elite Leagues: 39 new international teams from Germanys DEL, Swedens Elitserien, and Finlands SM-Liga. Enhanced EA SPORTS Online: Compete in one-on-one or all-new on-line tournament games, and chat in-game with EA SPORTS Talk. New EA SPORTS Bio: Unlock special rewards in NHL 2004 by playing multiple titles, including Madden NFL 2004, NBA Live 2004, and much more. [Electronic Arts]
Also On Metacritic
GAMES: NHL 06 NHL 2001 NHL 2002 NHL 2003 NHL 2005
Cheat Codes & Hints: Cheat Code Central
Also On The Web: GameSpot Preview IGN Preview Official Website Producer Interview
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...
Play Magazine
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]
Game Informer
Saying that EA has turned it on this year is the understatement of the century... When it comes to your hard-earned dollar, the puck stops at NHL 2004. It's easly the best hockey title of the year. [Oct 2003, p.121]
PSX Nation
The truth is that simulation freaks who want their hockey tough and real could do no better. Arcade lovers should probably look elsewhere.
Read Full Review >Yahoo! Games
This is almost certainly the best release in the history of the NHL series and one of the most authentic action-oriented sports games currently on the market.
Read Full Review >TotalGames.net
It's true that NHL 2004 is a tougher game to get involved with compared to past versions of the franchise. But, with more leagues (including elite world clubs), more players and new enhanced moves, there is plenty here for fans to enjoy, if you have the stamina to master it all, that is.
Read Full Review >IGN
Mimics the real thing more than ever and therefore the joys of the sport are found in big hits, near misses and brilliant scoring opportunities that barely miss lighting the lamp. If you can get over the fact that scoring is going to be reserved only for those that deserve it.
Read Full Review >GameSpot
In a few fundamental ways, the game actually does manage to beat out the opposition, though ultimately it falls a bit short of being the best overall package. It's still a really great hockey game in its own right, though.
Read Full Review >GamingTrend
For those of you that want a good game of hockey that you can play online and may have a little less simulation than "ESPN NHL Hockey," this game is for you.
Read Full Review >Playboy
Expanded fight controls include grappling, punch selection and the ability to pull off the gloves whenever rink rage overcomes you. [Oct 2003, p.37]
Next Level Gaming
While the game moved from the arcade feel to more a realistic feel, the impressive graphics remain.
Read Full Review >GameSpy
It's remarkable that EA has managed to catch up to the incredible effort from Sega in a single generation, and if it weren't for an overly trying physics engine on the ice, the two would be in a dead heat.
Read Full Review >GameNow
Yes, checking is part of hockey, but it's overdone in NHL 2004. [Oct 2003, p.62]
Game Revolution
Does a fantastic job for the hardcore hockey fan with endless hours of play in Dynasty mode, but it can’t quite match the competition when it comes to delivery and mechanics... Despite its small faults, NHL 2004 is still one hell of a hockey game.
Read Full Review >GamePro
Some of its ideas are brilliant innovations, some are wisely appropriated standards, and some just flop - but the overall result is fun, action-oriented, authentic hockey with a few troubling flaws.
Read Full Review >PSM Magazine
Difficult on anything but the easiest setting. You can't go five seconds without getting crushed by the opposition...It has the right mix that will win over hardcore hockey fans. [Oct 2003, p.38]
GMR Magazine
If only the visual polish matched the immaculate accuracy of the gameplay. [Oct 2003, p.67]
Official U.S. Playstation Magazine
It's a good time - just not as much fun as "ESPN NHL" down on the ice. But it's easily the most full-featured hockey game ever to come along. [Oct 2003, p.121]
netjak
Dynasty mode will be a draw for those who have an interest in the management side of hockey. That aside, ESPN NHL Hockey is simply the better game in just about every respect.
Read Full Review >Electronic Gaming Monthly
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]
What Our Users Said
The average user rating for this game is 7.3 (out of 10) based on 47 User Votes
Note: User votes are NOT included in the Metascore calculation.
Matt W. gave it a10:
This game is awesome. Love using the R3 and the right analog stick to throw huge hits at players. It's tough to do, but if you do it right it's awesome. The passing will take some getting used to, and the AI is pretty challenging. The dynasty mode is sweet. Negotiating contracts, setting ticket prices, practices, upgrading, training rookies, and playoffs are just the tip of the iceberg. Turn the commentary off if you get it. Highly recommended.
Jim S. gave it a10:
Abosolutely amazing, addicting and fun...buy it!!!
Oprah W. gave it a 9:
It's addicting, fun, and its one of the best sports games ever. Its truly amazing.
[Anonymous] gave it a 10:
I don't care whut n e one says about this game this is the most addicting nhl game ever the dynasty mode is unreal and everything about it is awsome....Perfect 10!!!!!!!!!!!! P.S. keep it up boys lets make NHL 2005 even better.
Jean P. gave it an 8:
Drastic improvement over the prior years but could still be better. What there's too much of: Glass breaking, "bone-crushing hits," scoring, key players getting hurt during simulation, computer players getting caught 20 feet offsides, hooking. What I like: Dynasty Mode, (although a team will give you anyone for a draft pick), realistic skating, scoring on wrap arounds, computer play development. Overall it was good enough to consume my life for nearly 4 months.
Chris A. gave it an 8:
This game was great except for a few things all real hockey players icluding myself would fix. First the glass...i mean every hit doesn't break the glass! Or every other shot! Graphics were good except the faces on the NHL players. Didn't look anything like Chris Chelios or Joe Sakic! Also in Dynasty the SCORING WAS INSANE. You don't see 17-14 as a final in the NHL. O boy! And after you have played three games in your season, most players have already scored 17 goals. There on the way to swipping away The Great One's records. Better than ESPN Hockey though...wait next year for hockey games.
Josh gave it a 10:
This games rocks buy it you will love it.
