NHL 2004

Posted Oct 10, 2003 by Erik Erlendsson

Updated Oct 15, 2007 at 02:51 PM

System: Sony PlayStation

Also available for: Nintendo GameCube, Microsoft Xbox, Windows PC

Publisher: EA Sports

Reviewer’s rating: C+

ESRB rating: Everyone

Game type: Sports

Kind of like: “NHL 2003”

Best feature: The new dynasty mode offers the unique experience of seeing your team through the eyes of an NHL general manager.

Worst feature: The only way to control players on the ice is with the left analog stick, a radical change for players accustomed to the more traditional directional-pad use.

The bottom line: Loyal EA “NHL” players might be disappointed in the latest version of hockey’s best-selling video game.

The new general manager dynasty mode, which recreates a day-by-day season with scheduled practices, contract negotiations as well as a five-round draft, is a nice touch. So is the addition of three European leagues — Finland, Sweden and Germany. But it’s not enough to make up for the actual gameplay, which is what EA has been so successful with in the past. The new “bruise control,” which allows you to power up before a hit, sounds more impressive than it plays.

Clunky controls don’t help: Since the analog stick (on PS2) is now the only way to move your players, you have to relinquish control momentarily in order to complete a line change, which is now done with the directional pad.

Other software developers have been chasing EA Sports for years. “NHL 2004” should make it easier for them to catch up — if they haven’t already.