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How Metascores Are Calculated
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7 Wonders of the Ancient World
Stars indicate the most critically-acclaimed games. |
It's more physical than ever before, with new Bruise Control, an all-new fighting system, more realistic player collisions, and powerful visuals such as popping helmets and breaking glass. Total Control on the Ice: Total player control allows you to direct 2-button touch sensitive passes anywhere on the ice, call team strategies on the fly, and aggressively tie up opponents against the boards and in front of the net. Go Deep Into Dynasty Mode: Take on the role of GM for up to 20 seasons, drafting and trading players, negotiating contracts, and managing the financial bottom line of your franchise. Earn valuable experience points to upgrade your GM office and/or purchase improvements to staff and facilities, thus improving your teams on ice performance. All-New Elite Leagues: 39 new international teams from Germanys DEL, Swedens Elitserien, and Finlands SM-Liga. Enhanced EA SPORTS Online: Compete in one-on-one or all-new on-line tournament games, and chat in-game with EA SPORTS Talk. New EA SPORTS Bio: Unlock special rewards in NHL 2004 by playing multiple titles, including Madden NFL 2004, NBA Live 2004, and much more. [Electronic Arts]
All critic scores are converted to a 100-point scale. If a critic does not indicate a score, we assign a score based on the general impression given by the text of the review. Learn more... 100
Play Magazine
Not to be outdone, EA Sports has upped the ante with NHL 2004 and it truly has left me speechless. What am I so excited about? One word - Dynasty Mode... For hockey fans, this is a no brainer. [Sept 2003, p.88]
93
Game Informer
Saying that EA has turned it on this year is the understatement of the century... When it comes to your hard-earned dollar, the puck stops at NHL 2004. It's easly the best hockey title of the year. [Oct 2003, p.121]
90
PSX Nation
The truth is that simulation freaks who want their hockey tough and real could do no better. Arcade lovers should probably look elsewhere.
 90
Yahoo! Games
This is almost certainly the best release in the history of the NHL series and one of the most authentic action-oriented sports games currently on the market.
89
TotalGames.net
It's true that NHL 2004 is a tougher game to get involved with compared to past versions of the franchise. But, with more leagues (including elite world clubs), more players and new enhanced moves, there is plenty here for fans to enjoy, if you have the stamina to master it all, that is.
88
IGN
Mimics the real thing more than ever and therefore the joys of the sport are found in big hits, near misses and brilliant scoring opportunities that barely miss lighting the lamp. If you can get over the fact that scoring is going to be reserved only for those that deserve it.
88
GameSpot
In a few fundamental ways, the game actually does manage to beat out the opposition, though ultimately it falls a bit short of being the best overall package. It's still a really great hockey game in its own right, though.
88
GamingTrend
For those of you that want a good game of hockey that you can play online and may have a little less simulation than "ESPN NHL Hockey," this game is for you.
88
Playboy
Expanded fight controls include grappling, punch selection and the ability to pull off the gloves whenever rink rage overcomes you. [Oct 2003, p.37]
86
Next Level Gaming
While the game moved from the arcade feel to more a realistic feel, the impressive graphics remain.
85
GameSpy
It's remarkable that EA has managed to catch up to the incredible effort from Sega in a single generation, and if it weren't for an overly trying physics engine on the ice, the two would be in a dead heat.
83
GameNow
Yes, checking is part of hockey, but it's overdone in NHL 2004. [Oct 2003, p.62]
83
Game Revolution
Does a fantastic job for the hardcore hockey fan with endless hours of play in Dynasty mode, but it can’t quite match the competition when it comes to delivery and mechanics... Despite its small faults, NHL 2004 is still one hell of a hockey game.
80
GamePro
Some of its ideas are brilliant innovations, some are wisely appropriated standards, and some just flop - but the overall result is fun, action-oriented, authentic hockey with a few troubling flaws.
80
PSM Magazine
Difficult on anything but the easiest setting. You can't go five seconds without getting crushed by the opposition...It has the right mix that will win over hardcore hockey fans. [Oct 2003, p.38]
80
GMR Magazine
If only the visual polish matched the immaculate accuracy of the gameplay. [Oct 2003, p.67]
80
Official U.S. Playstation Magazine
It's a good time - just not as much fun as "ESPN NHL" down on the ice. But it's easily the most full-featured hockey game ever to come along. [Oct 2003, p.121]
78
netjak
Dynasty mode will be a draw for those who have an interest in the management side of hockey. That aside, ESPN NHL Hockey is simply the better game in just about every respect.
73
Electronic Gaming Monthly
Too much force and not enough finesse - that's the problem with EA's puck offering. Don't get me wrong, I'm all for getting' physical, but not when it comes at the cost of disrupting the natural flow of hockey. [Oct 2003, p.138]
Jim S. gave it a10: Oprah W. gave it a 9: [Anonymous] gave it a 10: Jean P. gave it an 8: Chris A. gave it an 8: Josh gave it a 10: Travis C. gave it a 10: |
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