80
Pound for pound, it's gritty play - and experience points - propel NHL 2004 to a hard-fought win [over "ESPN NHL Hockey"]. [Oct/Nov 2003, p.97]
90
Given how far this franchise has come, however, I've no doubt that the team behind NHL will keep this series out in front of the curve from now on. [Oct 2003, p.138]
90
Everything that has been revamped makes me look forward to next year's version and see if they can bring it all together.
9
Very good game with realistic movements, and a variety of game modes and features. One of my favourite NHL EA games.
10
The most fun arcade hockey game ever created. Ahead of its time in terms of commentary and features in dynasty mode. Controlling the ticket prices, salary caps, staff and contracts was present in this game and led the way with the improvements for future games. The soundtrack was also killer and the game was presented in a way that was easy on the eye. Of course the game has not aged particularly well, but this game is still fun to go back to and take on a friend.
NHL 2004
Xbox
Released On:
Sep 22, 2003
Metascore
Generally Favorable
85
User score
Generally Favorable
8.3
My Score
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Metascore
Generally Favorable
85
95% Positive
20 Reviews
20 Reviews
5% Mixed
1 Review
1 Review
0% Negative
0 Reviews
0 Reviews
100
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]
90
Everything that has been revamped makes me look forward to next year's version and see if they can bring it all together.
88
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.
86
Dynasty Mode is NHL 2004's best feature. It's literally an RPG. [Oct 2003, p.80]
85
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.
80
An extremely good hockey game but has one major failing in my eyes: lack of fun.
73
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]
User score
Generally Favorable
8.3
70% Positive
7 Ratings
7 Ratings
30% Mixed
3 Ratings
3 Ratings
0% Negative
0 Ratings
0 Ratings
Jul 30, 2014
10
The most fun arcade hockey game ever created. Ahead of its time in terms of commentary and features in dynasty mode. Controlling the ticket prices, salary caps, staff and contracts was present in this game and led the way with the improvements for future games. The soundtrack was also killer and the game was presented in a way that was easy on the eye. Of course the game has not aged particularly well, but this game is still fun to go back to and take on a friend.
Dec 22, 2023
9
Very good game with realistic movements, and a variety of game modes and features. One of my favourite NHL EA games.
SummaryIt'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 f... Read More
Rated Efor Everyone
Platforms:
- PC
- PlayStation 2
- Xbox
- GameCube
Initial Release Date:Sep 22, 2003
Developer:
- EA Black Box
Publisher:
