|
The new NBA Jam? Unlike Blitz, or even NBA Jam, this series is continuing to fly high, and is actually the second best NHL game this year, falling just short of the mark made by Sega's NHL 2K3. This game is more fun than the other two major NHL games, but is lacking in a few departments, partiuclarly in the depth, but we will get to that later. I criticized the previous edition of being not too much fun and sterile, this game is nothing of the sort. In fact, it is so much fun you might want to get some parties set up for this one. Believe me. It is that good, and I can't say this about too many games. The original Blitz, maybe, but that is about it, really. This one is in a new class.
The graphics are very sharp, if a little muddy in some areas, particularly in the background, but we don't pay for the backgrounds too much, do we? The on-action stuff is great and the people look fairly real. As real as you can possibly get for a game like this one. There is a little static here and there. For an arcade game, I must say that Midway did a fine job with this one. I'm very pleased.
The controls are extremely good, especially in the main game. In the multiplayer, they do wane a little bit but they do have the right tone and they will not cause that many headaches unless you really are careless. There really aren't any major issues to grapple with and you should be able to play a virtually seamless game of hockey with your friends.
Sound is also excpetional. The hits sound pretty authentic, and the sounds that you make with the sticks are also pretty solid. The announcers are annoying. I do realize that. But, you can turn them off, which is a plus. They do have some nice one-liners, but you'll only want to hear them once.
The overall gameplay is deep. To get more points and to unlock more stuff, all of which is worth the effort, you need to be willing to bust your ass off to make it happen because they will not come cheap. They will make you sweat pools. I won't tell you what they are because I want you to take a look at some of the daunting challenges that they have ready for you. All I can say is, be prepared.
The minigames are fun, but not nearly as cool as last year's. There a re a couple of neat ones out there, but NHL Hitz 20-02 had some really innovative stuff. This feels like rehash, but that might not stop you from enjoying them.
This is a must for arcade fans, and NHL fans might like this too if you were disappointed by NHL 2003. This is a game that is fun for the whole family. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to knock out Tie Domi's teeth right about now. -- Chris Vavra, PGNx Media
---- Nov 19, 2002
|
