NHL 2002

"A great mix of Hitz and 2k2"

Every year EA sports comes out with a new and for the most part improved hockey game than the year before. Now into 2002 the graphics are better, control is better, and for the most part the AI is better.

Graphics: 9/10

For the most part 2002 has some great graphics if you have a good processor/video card. When I bought the game and installed it and played my first game, I thought that this game look liked it came from the N64. Then I realized that I had a horrible video card. So I tried my dad's computer and it looked so beautiful; mouths moving, shadow underneath, crowd in 3D. So in order to get the full graphics make sure you have a good video card.

Sound: 9/10

Pretty much all of the songs in this game are pretty well suitable for a hockey. I like how the crowd always cheer for there home team (i.e. GO LEAFS GO!). The commentary on the other hand has to be fixed. Jim Hughson is all right giving what is happening in the game and that should be all. Don Taylor should have been there only to give a FEW comments on the game, not every second. Well thank god that you can turn him off. Also the songs for the menu part are pretty good.

Gameplay: 7/10

It might take a few tries to get into, but it will be worth it. Everything playing into the game is fine except for one or two things. One is that while playing a power play it is so easy to get a short handed goal (even on medium). This leads me to my next point.....NO DEFENSE!! This pretty much ruins the realistic effect of the game. Well other than that the NHL cards are a nice addition, and the drafting and free agent sign ups are alright, but the should be more rounds in the draft pick.

Replay: 10/10

One of the better points in the game and especially the online part so that you most always have someone to play with. This along with all the game modes is almost perfect

''FUN SCALE'': 5/10

F: Fire (Yes(Calgary Flames))
U: Uranium (No)
N: NO Survivors (YES + NO (Might get all your players injured?))

9/10 overall
Like the top said if you like to hit and fight with the players a lot, but still want a pretty much simulated game, then this game is perfect for you!!!!!!!!

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 06/11/02, Updated 06/11/02