NHL 2004

"Great graphically, but suffer from poor AI, Part II"

Hmm.. Why do NBA Live 2004 and NHL 2004 have almost identical upside and downside ? Is this the new trend for EA' sport games ? Anyway, i've been addicted to Hockey ever since i arrived in Canada. Partly maybe blamed to the hockey culture in my town, and partly because the sport itself is entertaining and umm... gory in one way. My last NHL games was NHL 2002, and i've played NHL 2004 long enough to make some analysis.

Pros.:
1. Nice looking graphic. Certainly a major improvement from previous series (NHL 2002, the only game i can make comparison with).

2. Realistic hit and grind. The effect of power-hit is more realistic and painful than ever. Charge-hit feature.

3. Excellent goalie. The goalies have more puck-saving move, and more acrobatic.

4. New Fighting style. The Fight went through a major overhaul, the fight looks more realistic, and you can block the punch ! oh, and even the goalie may join in the action :)

5. Sick looking goals. More variety in shooting the puck. Wrister, one-timer, slapshot. Add the ability to manually deke the puck and more manuverability, and you'd see a very entertaining score moments. For example, one time, my player went to a breakaway, and only facing one defender, using the auto-deke, i deftly moved away from the defender and went one on one with the goalie, i handled the puck and went from forehand to backhand and completely fooled the goalie. As Mr. Burns likes to say,''Excellent!'' :)

6. Dinasty mode. w00t, now you can manage your favorite team. You can set the ticket price, upgrade the facilities, and managed your roster. Truly a nice addition for those who likes to be GM.

7. Better-than-average soundtracks. And as usual, you can add your own favorite track.

Cons.:
1. Stupid teammates. Hmm, certainly one of the most noticeable one in this game. They dont defend the net, most of the times they just stand around and didnt try to bodycheck or cover the opponent in front of the goalie, making the opponent wide open for the pass. Offensively, they cause an offside way to often, and standing idly instead of trying to create chances.

2. The Dude, where were you aiming pass. The passing thought become manually directed, became less accurate. Even the most skilled playmakers might miss to pass the puck. The AI however, might perform the passing deftly.

3. The unreliable goalie. Though majorly improved, the goalies r too sensitive. They tend to make accrobativ puck-saving move even when you havent shot the puck. They also tend to give up easy goals.

4. The aggresive AI. your opponents will use their sticks effectively ( or you can say abusing their sticks ) to prevent you from scoring. And they may look a bit too extreme as they'll slash you and grab you with their sticks most of the time without even getting any penalty. Well, if you even tried to use the same move to them, most of the times, you'll end up in penalty box.

5. The God mode AI in 3rd period. AI tend to perform beyond your expectation in the 3rd period. The goalie makes more saves and harder to get scored against. And their players make more shots and become more aggresive, if not cheating, than the previous periods.

6. Poor menu interface. The menu interface is bland and boring. Looks to me they were rushing to ship this game.

7. WHERE IS DON TAYLOR ?! Well, its personal, but i prefer Don Taylor' style of light-hearted commentary. :)

Last thought:
An entertaining fast paced game that would surely enjoyable when played with friends. But the poor AI may make you consider in committing suicide or crushing the CD into pieces. I strongly advised you to prepare yourself mentally when decided to play the single player mode.

Reviewer's Score: 7/10, Originally Posted: 03/23/04