NHL 2002

"Hockey heaven"

Not quite perfection, but damn near it.

I've been a regular with the series since NHLPA 93 on the Genesis, haven't missed a version since, I even have multiples of some of them(I have the Saturn, Genesis, and SNES versions of NHL 97 for example). This is the best one yet, hands down. Realism is pretty good if you tweak it correctly, but it's also arcady for the casual fan. This makes it great for anyone who even remotely likes hockey. The game itself is so deep. Tons of options, a 10 season franchise mode, tournament featuring 20 worldwide teams, shootout, etc. Graphics are amazing on a high-end PC. The commentary is love-hate, mostly love. Don Taylor adds alot to the series, and if your one that can't stand him there's an option to turn him off. Another plus is the jerseys, there's quite a few available in the game, not quite NHL 2k numbers of them but adequate enough. Plus there's the improved create-a-player feature and create-a-team(only available for exhibition games though). This game has unlimited replay, for hockey fans you'll be playing this sucker into summer. Is it worth $40? If you like sports at all yes, if your a hockey fan you can't live without this game.

Gameplay- this is where it matters most folks, and this is what this game shines in. So deep, so tweakable, so entertaining. 10/10

Graphics- on a high-end PC they're stunning, actually on any PC they're great. As Don Taylor says ''the most butt kicking graphics in the industry''. 10/10

Audio- Commentary is love-hate, mostly love though, I for one loved it. The music is good too featuring songs from Gob, Treble Charger, Barenaked Ladies, SUM 41, and more. Plus if you don't like it you can add your own tunes into the game using the Dittie Importer. 10/10

Replayability- hockey fans will be playing this one until NHL 2003 comes out. 10/10

Main Pros:
graphics
replayability
Don Taylor

Main Cons:
Sluggish Defense
Hit/Save/Breakaway Cam can screw you up
Don Taylor(if you don't like him)

The sluggish defense can be a problem, though it's worse with the PS2 version. Strategy has almost no meaning in this game too, you can assign it all you want, chances are your players won't listen. And the Hit/Save/Breakaway Cams can screw up the tempo of the game(going into save cam with a people around the net can result in a goal, breakaway can catch you by suprise, and hit can make you turn the puck over if you have it). None of these problems are enough to really ruin the experience though. There's just too many pros to make up for it all.

Reviewer's Score: 10/10, Originally Posted: 11/22/01, Updated 11/22/01