Customer Reviews

NHL 2003

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I've been playing NHL since '94, on all game systems (mostly on the PC). I finally got around to buying GameCube and bought this game -- and was a bit disappointed. Don't get me wrong, its a playable, fun exciting hockey game that continues the EA tradition, but it has some bad aspects (I play on medium with all official NHL rules):

1. The AI is not up to par. Players will skate over the puck with out picking it up, which is really annoying. Also, players take a long time to get out of the zone (which can result in frustrating offsides). I also think the defensive AI is somewhat poor -- it is hard to get the puck from the computer in your zone and sometimes it feels like they're running circles around you.

2. The game options are lacking. There are less stats and options than there are on the PC version. For instance, you can't save games while you're in the middle of playing (you have to quit or leave the game on pause until you come back). The stats and player profiles are also limited.

3. The functionality can be annoying. You have to save your franchises after every game, which requires saying yes to about 4 dialogue boxes. Why can't it just auto-save it or at least minimize the effort required to save it?

NHL 2003 is a good game, but it is not enough of an improvement or even difference over 2002 to justify buying it if you have 2002. I actually prefer 2002's graphics, but 2003's are good too. The differences in gameplay and look are very minor. The biggest differences are simply the updated rosters and ratings. As I say, they are both good games, but 2002 had room for improvement in gameplay, and 2003 simply didn't come through in the wanting areas. The powerplay gameplay is the most glaring weakness in the games. The offensive players all constantly and quickly cycle around, even if the puck is being held still, and no matter what PP system you're running. As a result, the defensmen can never get off a good one-timer - they're never square to the net. As another result, you can't execute any tic-tac-toe passing, or much passing at all, for that matter. On the whole, not just on the powerplay, the game is not very conducive to set offense, behind the net play - the players are constantly out of position. The game is still fun to play on offense, it's just not totally true to real life. Perhaps I'm asking too much, though. The fighting, of course has room for improvement, too. One thing that the fighting does do well, though, is have the players' toughness ratings play out in their fighing performances. For instance, you would have to be damn crafty to beat Sandy McCarthy with Michael Peca. Since this has basically become a review of both NHL 2002 and 2003, I'll say something specifically about 2002 alone: I love Don Taylor's commentary. A lot of people are complaining about Taylor dumming down the game and just not being funny. If you don't know the game and you need guidance, watch ESPN's NHL Rules. I thought Taylor was stupid for the first few games that I played, but then he started to get funny. Some of his humor is too intellectual for a lot of the people playing the game. Some of it is funny because of how stupid it is - but that's intentional by Taylor. In 2003 they've scaled way back on Taylor's commentary, and this is disappointing for me. All things considered, if you don't have a hockey game and want one, then NHL 2003 is a great choice. If you have NHL 2002, don't waste your money.

EA's NHL series is the gold standard for video game hockey, and for good reason: the series consistently improves upon itself, with tremendous graphics and sound, fast gameplay, and easy control. We're treated to a new game each year, and EA tries to make improvements where it can. The last major overhaul occurred five years ago when the series made the leap to 3D. These days, however, the updates are more or less window dressing: updated rosters, and the addition of more subtle graphical effects and animation. NHL 2003 is not much of an update over 2002, so if you own 2002 on any system, the purchase of 2003 is not warranted unless you must absolutely have the newest edition. The only complaints that I could lodge against this game is that while it faithfully recreates the excitement of hockey, some details are still missing. For instance, there is still not a lot of realism along the boards. You cannot tie up players in the corner, or play the body other than to deliver a bone-crushing check. The addition of this feature, which is in Sega's otherwise inferior NHL 2K3, would improve the experience greatly. Also, the AI, while good in terms of opponent challenge, is still lacking in players on your own team. The most egregious thing is how shockingly often your own computer-controlled teammates will push themselves offsides. This has been a problem since NHL '99, and has yet to be remedied. Also, computer-controlled line changes still seem to happen at the most inopportune times, often turning a good passing streak up ice into a five-on-one. The thing that upsets me the most, though, is the goalie AI. In the past, the way to beat the netminder was to move the puck rapidly in the zone, and fire off an unexpected one-timer through traffic. This is how real hockey is played. Starting with last year's installment, however, goalies seemed to have a sixth sense about these things, and the goals stopped. Now, to beat a goalie, all you have to do is find some open ice, charge up your shot meter, and fire one as hard as you can at the net. Very few goals are actually scored in this manner, and in terms of gameplay, it reduces the incentive to play as a team and pass the puck. Jim Houghson and Don Taylor are back this year, and fortunately, EA has decided to tone down Taylor's antics, which got really old really quick in 2002. That said, the color commentary still lacks the specificity and depth of the contributions of Bill Clement. However, with Sega now employing the ESPN license, I wouldn't hold your breath for Clement's return to the EA NHL series.

nhl 2003 is the best hockey sim on the market. It has the most things you can do. First u can full controll over the puck. That is the best part because the other teams can't get the puck from me. Also the golie makes the sweetest save i have ever seen in my life. Plus u can trade draft and pick up free angents to make your dream team. You can make the Penguins the best in the nhl. So if your tired with NHL Hitz unreal gameplay this is the game to get.

this game is great not because it surpasses 2002, but because there wasnt a 2002 for cube, now cube users can finally enjoy a real hockey game, one which far surpases the unrealistic tendancies of hitz. This game is awsome and is a must buy for all game cube owning hockey fans

this game is wicked cool! the graphics are amazing and it is so much fun. When you play against the computer, it is a blast, but playing against a friend is 100x more fun. the deeking is great and you have so much control over the player. The play-off mode is also fun and you can create your own players and teams. I recommend this game for any hockey fan who loves a good game!

the game is pretty fun but a bit hard and frustrating its a bit slow and its more fun making cheeply awesome guys and playing 4 player and getting 100 big hits. thats pretty much fun the carear mode is pretty simple you play you get experience points for doing specail stuff and getting cheats. if you can wait for another better hockey game to come out.

if your a big hocky fan this game is the most realistic, the announcers are wicked funny and you can play in a franchise for ten years play in a playoff mode or an internatonial tournament (hint Canada is almost unbeatable) anyway if your only
relativly intrested in hockey this game will make you a huge fan

Anybody that buys this game will not be dissapointed!! The announcers are so cool and you feel like your'e sitting at the game. I love it when you check another player and the glass shatters. Now thats cool! I also own NHL 2004 and I still think that 2003 rocks!!!!

francise is the best i like the goalie AI. but the rest is like to slow.the 2 player is no fun at all.