For those playing the game for the PC, the "template" for creating new jerseys, masks, gloves, pants, players faces, basically everything you can edit were all changed. Though not very noticeable at times, NHL 2004 included all new graphics. In addition, a "My NHL" option was introduced for creating brand new NHL teams and players from scratch, adding to the replay value dramatically. The Create a team feature allowed the player to create a new NHL team and put it in the game and the player could choose between NHL jerseys as the team's uniform. By the time EA Sports heard news of the glitch hundreds of thousands of units had been shipped around the world. On breakaway plays a player can maneuver the deke analog stick for an automatic goal. Furthermore, goaltenders were able to fight however, goalie fights appear to be completely random, as the names of other players are shown at the bottom of the screen, however, a goalie fight can be triggered by beginning the fight while the goalie has control of the puck also, goalies are not thrown out of a game for fighting in real life, goaltenders who fight are given both a major for fighting and a minor for leaving the crease, resulting in game misconducts for both combatants. When two players' names flashed onto the bottom of the screen, accompanied by the word "Fight!" and a bell sounding, the person playing the game could push a button to begin a fight, or hold off until a later time. Commentary was also repetitive and the game play always felt slow.Īnother new feature of NHL 2004 was allowing the player to select when to fight, where previously it had been a somewhat random occurrence. The Dynasty Mode, regarded by many gamers, still has its flaws - trades were very difficult to accept, and only allows the player to manage the team at the maximum of 20 seasons.
#NHL 2004 REBUILT ADDONS SERIES#
Because of these additions, it was praised as one of the best games in the series to date. A "secret" song (Shatterday by Vendetta Red) plays while the animation shows the stats of the players in the picture, ending with the captain. This then led to the common snapshot of the team and the coaches that holds true in the NHL. It included players skating around the ice holding the Cup over their heads. When a team wins the Stanley Cup Finals, a large-scale celebration ensues. In addition to the gameplay improvements, one particular non-gameplay improvement was added. The game included many improvements to its gameplay (more realistic puck and rebound control and better checking) and game modes (a completely reworked franchise mode renamed "Dynasty"). It's not going to attract a new audience, but for hockey fans this is a worthwhile upgrade.The game is based on the 2003–2004 international ice hockey season. Fights don't take place randomly any more and you can grapple and throw punches in an occasional mini-game, while being able to trip players during the match itself, as well as elbow them in the face and crush them against the walls hard enough to smash the glass panes.Īlthough I would have preferred it go further down this arcade route, NHL remains a simulation at heart. While previous titles ended up being little more than Pong with men, NHL 2004 reintroduces Slap Shot-style carnage. Slap ShotĬrucially, the most important part of hockey has been given an overhaul: the violence. Multiplayer has been improved too (you can now create online clubs) though there still seems little point in playing someone you can't scream and laugh at. For hardcore players there are new levels of realism, from the Al and puck physics to the tactical options. It takes time to master, but you do feel more « in control than in any previous incarnation. It might look identical in many respects but there is a real difference in the way it plays, with much more accessible EA Sports has gone for a complete redesign. Real Evolutionįor once though, instead of taking NHL 2003, refining it slightly and sending it out into the world with a hefty price tag and a new number on the end. The annual review of NHL is hardly one of the highlights of my gaming year, concerned as it usually is with trying to spot a difference from the previous edition, praising the gloss and fast-paced fun and, finally, advising everyone to buy last year's version on budget. It's the bag of frozen peas I've stuffed down my underpants. No, it's not NHL 2004, great though its depiction of ice rinks are and refreshing as its simple yet addictive gameplay is.
Only one thing has managed to cool me down. It feels like there should be a hypnotically slow ceiling fan spinning above me and Marlon Brando lying in the corner babbling about some horror or other. I'm Writing this in the middle of a heatwave, sweat stinging my eyes and thought processes slowed down due to safety restrictions.
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