hockey

I am very surprised at the number of awful reviews this game has gotten here. I can only guess that mnost wrote them after playing this game less then an hour. It takes time to fully appreciate all this version has to offer. It is ironic that many complain now how hard scoring is..if you check past versions reviews you will see many complaining about unrealistic scores. EA can't win either way.

Basically, this is the most realistic hockey game made. The speed is human, not super human. The passing is awesome because you now have to actually have skill to pull it off. I love how you can hold other players against the boards and hook them to slow them down. I was mazed to see one reviewer complain about the high number of blocks when trying to shoot the puck. Anyone who watches real hockey knows that on almost every outside shot a defender will dive to try to block the puck. This is an awesome feature of this year's version and makes defense even more enjoyable since you have to time your blocks just like NBA Street.

I hated the speed boost (R2 button) at first, but now can appreciate that it is set up to be realistic and you must use it only when it is perfectly appropriate. In fact, the button allows you to vary your speed and that helpd to avoid poke checks. Another great feature is the manual dekes using the left analog stick. Not only to you have full control over moving the puck, but you can actually shoot it by pressing down on the analog stick.

To show I am not a shill for EA, I will now mention a much needed improvment. There is no reason why this game did not come with a practice option. With all the new button combinations, it is ridiculous that they have no real tutorial (other than a brief video) which allows you to perfect the techniques. The brilliant soccer game Winning Eleven 6 literally have an academy you have to go through to learn its controls, why could EA not have provided something simliar? I would bet that many complaints would have faded had gamers gotten a chance to learn the new controls rather then have to play and pick them up while getting clobbered.

So, if you already have past versions where all you do is fly down the ice on breakaways and score 15-20 goals a game, and want something new for your money, then this game is well worth it. Do not let the negative reviews deter you. Unlike Knockout Kings 2003, this is not a horrible game, it is instead a new version, quite different from earlier ones..and for 50 bucks that is what i would want.

I know people have complained about a hit fest and bunching of players, but overall, this is a very fun game. I found it easy to make the game very realistic and dispell the problems people claim to have by adjusting the gameplay settings (about 20-25 diff sliders) to a more reaspnable level. The visuals are great also. Real equipment, good faces, popping helmets, and individual player hair. Gameplay features allow you to control when players drop the gloves, what kind of hits you perform (over 100 hit animations), and to turn and stop on a dime. But by far my favorite feature in '04 was Dynasty Mode. This mode is even bigger then Madden. Play happiness, different upgrades (ex. hiring goalie coaches, scouts, managers, lawyers, equipment managers, trainers, and more), and more. There is to much to list.
Bottom line, even if you arent a hockey fan, pick up this game.

I love hockey. I have most of the EA games before this one and I really like them. So I rented this one, and thank God I only rented it. I hate this game. It wont save settings, passing in the game is incredibly stupid, and it will edit your lines automaticly if you sim any games. Plus the controls suck something fierce. If you like hockey than stick with NHL 2003 and pray that NHL 2005 is a lot better. Plus I only gave the game one star because there was no option to give it zero stars.