NHL 2004

"EA shots, again and again"

EA sports hasn't been know for their hockey games, which have been a little above average in the past. This year EA well, has actually put some effort in. No more 3 guys in the penalty box, arcade style hockey. NHL 2004 is surprisingly realistic. The gameplay is great with only one major flaw. While dynasty mode has become addictive and very in-depth.

Graphics: EA usually has the best graphics in the business, and this year has made their game look even better. You no longer see one sheet of ice like in some of EA's past hockey games. At the beginning of the period, the ice is perfect and looks like no one has touched it. Then when you start playing you notice the marks on the ice of where your players have skated. You can actually see the players make their marks as they skate by and when they stop you see some snow go up like it does when you stop quickly in real life. The players look sharp, and everything is very detailed.
10/10

gameplay: EA's game this year is very realistic. I got into a habit in past EA games of passing with my goalie to someone right in front of the net. If you were to do this in this years game, well then the computer will get a nice clean shot on your goalie, and usually score. Another habit I got in with past EA games was letting people roam freely in the slot. I didn't have to defend that area because goalies would always make the save. In 2004 if you were to let the computer defend the slot for you, well it wouldn't be pretty. EA has put an emphasis on defending the slot area. I usually put three to four defenders stacked their ready to hit anyone that comes near the slot. That way, my goalie only faces weak shots from the outside. One major problem for me in the gameplay area is the amount of shots and goals per game. Every game I play in this me and the computer get a little less than 20 shots per period. The goalies have a save percentage over .910 yet give up four to six goals per game. I find this to be very unrealistic and teams never seem to trap, which almost every team does in real life. Other than the amount of shots and goals per game/period, the gameplay is great. There are no more continuous one-timer goals.
8/10

Dynasty Mode: In this years dynasty mode, you take on the role of the general manager. You get your on office and get to chose what it will look like. You get experience points for making trades, signing players, winning, and most importantly to the owners, make a profit. You get to chose the ticket prices for the regular season and the playoffs, that is if you make it there. Once you get 100 experience points, you get to upgrade something. You can upgrade your scouting, medical, coaching, team travel, and lots of others. You get to decide when you practice what type of practice it is. You could give your players a day off, a short practice, a medium practice, or a long practice. Each has their advantages and maybe some disadvantages. Another change from past EA games, is there are player contracts. In the past, free agents were chosen at random. Now you know when someone is a free agent and where their not.
9/10

As you can see EA's hockey games have changed for the better. Becoming more in-depth, more realistic, and most importantly more fun.

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 12/30/03