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NHL 2004
Generally favorable reviews
Based on 21 critic reviews
How did we calculate this?
Based on 32 votes
Read user comments
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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 team's on ice performance. All-New Elite Leagues: 39 new international teams from Germany's DEL, Sweden's Elitserien, and Finland's SM-Liga. 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 2002 NHL 2003 NHL 2005
Cheat Codes & Hints: Cheat Code Central
Also On The Web: 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
Given how far this franchise has come, however, I've no doubt that the team behind NHL will keep this series out in front of the curve from now on. [Oct 2003, p.138]
Cheat Code Central
Everything that has been revamped makes me look forward to next year's version and see if they can bring it all together.
My Gamer
With graphical enhancements and improved controls over last year's edition of the NHL franchise, EA Sports manages to keep the hits coming.
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 >GameZone
A hockey game at its most realistic, therefore making for a game that’s both fast-paced and hard-hitting...just the way we hockey fans love our hockey.
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 >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]
Team Xbox
The series is turning towards the likes of "Madden," with realism being added into every nook and cranny of the game. The greatest strength NHL 2004 holds is that it brings back the game of hockey the way it was meant to be played...physical and tight scoring.
Read Full Review >GameSpot
Although NHL 2004 does fall just shy of beating out the competition, any previous fan of EA's NHL series will find very little to complain about in this installment.
Read Full Review >Next Level Gaming
While the game moved from the arcade feel to more a realistic feel, the impressive graphics remain.
Read Full Review >Operation Sports
This is a strong title, and will hopefully be a sign of more good things to come from the series.
Read Full Review >Official Xbox Magazine
Dynasty Mode is NHL 2004's best feature. It's literally an RPG. [Oct 2003, p.80]
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 >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. The lack of online play for Xbox owners once again makes me want to holler at EA for their irritating deal with Sony.
Read Full Review >G4 TV
Though there's room for improvement in its dynasty mode, controls, and overall presentation, NHL 2004 is a huge step in the right direction for a franchise that was recently skating on thin ice.
Read Full Review >Xbox Nation Magazine
Pound for pound, it's gritty play - and experience points - propel NHL 2004 to a hard-fought win [over "ESPN NHL Hockey"]. [Oct/Nov 2003, p.97]
Armchair Empire
An extremely good hockey game but has one major failing in my eyes: lack of fun.
Read Full Review >TotalGames.net
The customary mid-game fighting seems a little pointless, but for a game with such a wealth of strengths, this isn’t really a problem. Prepare to be pleasantly surprised by this title.
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 6.4 (out of 10) based on 32 User Votes
Note: User votes are NOT included in the Metascore calculation.
Wingsfan gave it an 8:
I think this is EA's best game yet, Realistic Skating, new Dynasty mode, and improved graphics, however it has its bad things, such as signing free agents easily by just making offers, takes the other teams out of the competition, thus I give it an 8\10.
Mike Q. gave it a 10:
The controls take some getting used to, but once you master checking and deking with the right thumbstick, you'll never again be able to play any other hockey game.
Cody H. gave it a 4:
-Sh.t passing -Stupid AI ( spinning tops? ) -Horrible online play -Rigged like crazy (no matter how "good" you are) -Half assed control of players Plus, its the only game that has ever consistently made me want to throw my controller through the screen during every game. If you know even the slightest bit about hockey, you'll hate this game. Garbage.
Kyle M. gave it a 10:
The greatest f...ing hockey game of all time. Can't get any better than dynesty mode. Best game ever.
Sam gave it a 4:
I haven't been impressed with EA's Hockey titles since atleast '98 or '99. If you want a GREAT game grab ESPN 2K4, it is the ultimate Hockey game for XBOX!
Alec M. gave it a 10:
This game kicks ass. It has so many different modes of play to enjoy. And on top you getto build on your EA sports bio.
Spinelesenhaeur Max gave it a 5:
Bad control....hard to play...it should have arcade mode....i prefer nhl 2k3.
