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Stars indicate the most critically-acclaimed games.
NHL 2005
Generally favorable reviews
Based on 21 critic reviews
How did we calculate this?
Based on 20 votes
Read user comments
Rate this game >
Game Info
Publisher: Electronic Arts
Developer: EA Canada
Genre(s): Sports, Hockey
Players: 8
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. ENHANCED EA SPORTS ONLINE: Make a run for the Stanley Cup™: in the world's largest online competition, complete with leaderboards, downloadable rosters, and improved cheating countermeasures. [EA Sports]
Also On Metacritic
GAMES: NHL 06 NHL 2001 NHL 2002 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...
GameZone
The “Open Ice Control” that the developers implemented in NHL 2005 really expands the entire gameplay, since it adds more strategy to every play that you might go through.
Read Full Review >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 >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 and online play could have been implemented better.
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]
IGN
If 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.
Read Full Review >Armchair Empire
The one area that may frustrate some comes in how difficult this year's edition can be. At higher difficulty settings, the opponent's goalie can be almost god-like, and the game can become very unforgiving to mistakes.
Read Full Review >GamePro
Comes 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]
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 >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 >DarkStation
But by far the most exciting portion of NHL 2005 has to be the dynasty mode which is something EA Sports is getting very good at creating. There are just so many different customization options that you can choose from that any hockey enthusiast who is bored to tears with the lack of hockey this season could really spend hours in this mode.
Read Full Review >PSX Nation
On an average year I'd suggest you rent NHL 2005 but, with the '04/'05 season all but lost to the NHL lockout, even a slightly-improved hockey game goes a long way.
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 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.
Read Full Review >Yahoo! Games
While the game's is an improvement over the 2004 edition, it's still not quite up to snuff.
Read Full Review >Official U.S. Playstation Magazine
The players look great, but there's too much hitting, too much speed, and too little hockey. [Oct 2004, p.99]
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]
GMR Magazine
NHL 2005's major flaw is the sheer amount of contact that takes place during a game. It's got more checks than a bank! More hits than the Top 40! [Oct 2004, p.107]
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 >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]
Operation Sports
Fans of the ‘sport’ of hockey are going to be frustrated by the extreme emphasis of arcade gameplay. So frustrated they are going to wonder when Midway’s next title will be coming out to get the true arcade hockey video game. Those who are looking for a more simulation based hockey experience also better look elsewhere.
Read Full Review >What Our Users Said
The average user rating for this game is 8.3 (out of 10) based on 20 User Votes
Note: User votes are NOT included in the Metascore calculation.
Kevin S. gave it a9:
I have to say that the 04 version blew. It was kiddie almost but espn redeemed themselves with this one. Someone mentioned the goalies stopping everything, that's true and it's not very realistic but i love the game. Robert Esche plays like an all-star.
Thomas W. gave it a10:
I love this game because you can be toronto and trade some of there better older players who have a large salary and get younger bergeron guys or ryders and the computer will trade for the older guys even if they retire in a couple of years so you get the deal, try getting younger players with lots of potential say at least 90 and are fast and have some agressiveness and you can sign them for cheap at least until the get good after a couple of years in the dynasty mode.
Tony B. gave it a9:
Awesome game.Theonly problem I have are the goaltenders are too good for the reast of the players.the goalies arent very realistic they stop everything in the hardest setting.
Sami S. gave it a 6:
Espn nhl2k5 is the best hockey game ever make..........i have been playing hockey at live and videogames allmoust my lifetime(29yrs)so i have quite good wiew this games.Ea sports nhl2005 is fun to play and dynasty mode is fabulous,but game realistic sucks and it meens me more than dynasty mode.Everyone should try play espn hockey and you will see the differents,goals wont come so easyly and you really have to learn play the game,before you can beat the hardest level.
Bob R. gave it a 9:
This game is great, i myself play hockey, and agree there is a little to much hitting, but that is just the effect that will attract people who are not familiar with hockey.
Jules A. gave it a 9:
All right all you people who say that the game has too much hitting are dumb...hockey is hitting and if you can't handle it don't play it!! the game is awesome!!
Lino G. gave it a 10:
This game is, without question or hesitation, the premier hockey title on the market. The gameplay is tight, the visuals are incredible, and the overall value is priceless. If you love hockey, get this game. If you want a watered down, less impressive game of ice, go elsewhere.
