Well not much has changed since the 2002 version, only some defensive patterns, and some new dekes, make that ridiculous new dekes. Now there are other options for a hockey game, namely the excellent NHL 2K3 from Sega. EA has stuck with its old formula, mainly due to success from the past; if it isn’t broke why fix it eh? Well this year have to face competition from Sega’s franchise (NHL 2K2 was released only for the defunct dreamcast), and NHL 2K3 is much better for those seeking a true to form hockey sim. NHL 2003 is not a sim, not by any stretch, inflated scores, and terrible and I mean terrible save percentage (on easy 12 goals of 16 shots is a very likely possibility). EA does set out nice strategies, albeit a simple, but it still works, and the AI responds, only on offense that is. The defense seems to collapse way too easily, and there is not a situation where you just can’t deke out of. There are some nice pinching plays from you defenders, but more often than not they’ll cost you a breakaway or an odd-man rush. EA definitely put flash over substance this year, goalies go for high light reel saves, in other words they go down like a cheap prostitute at the push of the deke button. Only to try and jump and dive to make or miss a very difficult save. Now defensemen miss a lot of checks, the poke check is almost useless. One thing that will anger any one is how one gets a sense of predetermination of the outcome of the game, your goalie sometimes plays outstanding, but more often than not they too go down like cheap prostitutes, and allow some really bad goals, soft shot from 50 foot out, and all, this just really frustrated someone. Another complaint is how you players go all over the place, I want my wingers on the wing and my centre at centre, but I have had my defenseman playing those positions while my wings try and cover. One more annoying thing is how the opposition gets back on defense. The opposition will have 4 guys deep in your defensive zone, only to have all five back in a matter of a second when you break out. There is that predetermination feeling again, how do they speed burst that fast and long? Now that they have those four guys back as if the all teleported, guess what, you can beat all of them with dekes, or just go by them without them touching you as if your player is a leper. Now the game is very well presented, very cinematic, and stylish. The out of play camera is very nice, but the in game camera, you really can’t tell what is going on? This leads to a lot of missed passes. Sound: On ice sounds are very well done, and the game boasts a good soundtrack, and the little arena themes are very nice (especially a remixed bohemian rhapsody). The commentary is whacky, some times just stupid, and some times funny. Which is a shame since the timing of the commentary spot on, if they were serious they would have gotten a 10 from me, some things said have nothing to do with the game and just don’t fit in, nor is it easy for someone to listen to. Some comments are a bit “robotic” at times. Graphics: This is where the game shines, Very well presented, clean and nice facial animations, along with some excellent motion captured moves at well. They even copied NHL2k2’s diving shot block animation (although this move isn’t very handy, and goes to show some collision detection issues). Goalie animations are very nice too. The menus are very nicely designed too. Gameplay: Don’t get me wrong its fun to play, but certain aspects are ridiculous, as mentioned above. This is a mix between NHL 2K3 sim oriented play, and NHL Hitz arcade play. There are lot of issues to nitpick that weren’t mentioned. The sliders are a nice feature, but one has to do a lot of trial and error with this, to find what they enjoy, and even then there are problems, albeit some aspects can be fixed, but at the cost of others. The game really lacks balance. And its pretty obvious that this is NHL 2002 (hell even NHL 2001) with some new moves and an updated roster. The controls on the other hand are highly responsive. Replayability: Its very fun with friends and people just looking to spend 20 minutes, and it can be fun game for those not seeking a sim, and for those looking for an arcade version would benefit from NHL Hitz. For those seeking a simulation, then I strongly recommend NHL 2K3. There a franchise mode as one would expect, it’s a good one, but some trades are hard too make, and you can adjust the AI for simulating games and trades as well, which is fairly well done. Overall: I am being very harsh, with the gameplay here. I prefer a simulation, and seeing basic hockey fundamentals being broken badly, make me cringe. I originally gave the gameplay 6, but when I started analyzing the things done wrong the score lowered. Still its very fun to play, and isn’t that what games should be about? I still recommend someone to rent it, or wait till the price drops to $30, or less. Then it’s worth it in my opinion. The developers didn’t work as hard on this version, and it shows.