Xbox Critic Reviews

The true star of the ESPN NHL Hockey is the play-by-play commentary. Courtesy of ESPN's Gary Throne and Bill Clement, this is some of the best commentary I've ever heard in a hockey game. [Jan 2004, p.80]

The game is outstanding, but I would possibly add the possibility of using downloaded rosters online.

The most significant difference in this latest Sega hockey game is the graphics, really the only weak point in the last edition. Where once clunky uninspired graphics were the norm, now, well-rendered motion capture and realistic athletes put the final polish on an over-the-top game that excels in its field.

The best Hockey game I have played so far. I love hockey and ESPN gave me the feel of what has been missing in past hockey games. The feeling of total control and not having the computer interfere with the game.

The complete package - awesome graphics, stellar control, and meticulous realism.

All the great things from last year's NHL 2K3 are back and better than ever. Even more bells and whistles have been added, the least of which is the addition of the ESPN name which goes much deeper than just the name itself.

The finest hockey video game we've ever played...The graphics have been refined, the gameplay has been considerably tightened, the already great control has been made better, and there are several new modes to keep everyone quite happy.

With the new modes of play, and astonishing online play, it will be nearly impossible for any other franchise this year to touch Sega’s masterpiece.

If they can just clean up the fighting and add some extra fire to the Franchise, we’ll definitely be seeing this series' “A” game.

The control is spot-on, player ratings make a huge difference in checking, skating and passing, and it just feels like real on-ice action. ESPN NHL 2K4 has ironed out most of the wrinkles from last year, and turned the presentation up to 11 - you won't find a better playing, better looking, or better sounding hockey game available.