He shoots he scores and this is the case with NHL Hitz 2002, the latest version of the long running series. In Hitz the game shies away from the sim format in favour of more arcadey fast paced action and plenty of it. Hitz is not your typical Hockey game, instead of 10 men and 2 goalies on the ice Midway opted for only 6 out field and 2 goalies, this makes the game easier for players not so familiar to hockey and keeps the action thick and fast.

Hitz is developed by the accomplished development team over at Black Box Games who have delivered a masterpiece to the Xbox, the players in the game feature stunning detail, with rich fluid animation and excellent player models. Players of Hitz have the option to play as any of there favourite NHL teams, with each player featured in amazing detail and also including real player stats and attributes, although not all the NHL league players are included in the game, you can only choose from a selection of players

Shatter the boards and slice through the net in 30 arenas with 12-15 unique and hidden fantasy rinks and unlockable secret players and teams. NHL Hitz also features mini games with authentic NHL super skills competitions designed to help players hone their skills before games, while multiplayer hockey allows one to six gamers to battle it out head-to-head. Gamers can also create the ultimate ice warrior with the Create-A-Player feature.

Atmosphere is everything and this is yet another feature, which the developers have not failed to overlook. The look, feel and sound effects throughout combine to create a really authentic environment, even the crowd are in full 3D and individually modelled. The announcer although eventually becoming repetitive is initially very good, and surprisingly keeps up with the speed of the game unlike some other titles we can mention. 'Have you ever scored a free kick and the commentator is still going on about the free kick rather than the goal it's self' This is not the case here in Hitz.

Gameplay:
The character animation in Hitz is extremely smooth and fluid even in the fast paced action of Hitz the characters are super smooth and make for a very realistic experience, smash bang crash the opposing team in to defeat after all a goal is a goal and winning is winning, in Hitz anything goes, a few selected shoulder barges and the opponent may throw a little tantrum and challenge you to a fight which soon erupts in to a full on brawl mini game, players square up and fight it out, worryingly this is a rather amusing part of the game and you might just find yourself drawn in to looking simply for the next fight, watch as players helmets fly off in various directions as the action heats up, during the mini fight games you can throw fists at each other, head butt them, grab them pick them up and various other fighting moves that would be fitting in any beat 'em' title.


Shoulder barge and laugh as you smash your opponent through the glass on the sidelines and slam the flaming puck into the goal. This is just another part of the fun that Hitz offers. A rather cool feature borrowed from Midways NBA Jam is the flaming player, score three goals using the same player and the player becomes a flaming player ('yes they actually appear to be on fireö) with increased powers. Unlike NBA Jam this has been tweaked a little, you now don't have to score three times in a row ù rather, you can score three times at any point in the game to be set ablaze, no matter how many times the opposing team scores a goal.


Every time you win a match, whether it is part of the season, Stanley Cup or an exhibition match, you earn points (you can also earn them if you answer a trivia question correctly after every game this is not the best feature for most players of the game out side North America and know very little about the NHL league). The purpose of these is to exchange them in the 'hockey shop' and earn new jerseys, teams, player heads, and stadiums. The jerseys are just new looks and colours for the current teams available. The teams are brand new, fully playable teams with high statistics ù and always represent something strange (Such as a team of snowmen, zombies, sharks, clowns, etc.). The player heads simply allow you to buy the heads of the teams and stick them right onto the players of currently existing teams.

Stadiums are new stadiums that correspond to the new teams, so that your brand new teams have a home to play hockey at (For instance, the graveyard stadium is for the team of zombies). This is one of the most enjoyable features of the game, as it gives people something to work for and earn with all the hard-earned points. After all, wouldn't you just love to have a team of goofy-looking clowns that play better together than any other team in the league? And wouldn't you love to have a flaming snowman that doesn't melt? Well, you've got it all here!!

Graphics:
Graphically Hitz is setting the standards for the Genre, The super cool ice generated using the power of the Xbox console is amazing and every detail from the players to the ceiling glimmers in the ice. As you skate down the ice you leave authentic scratches, which leave the rink, battered from the constant grind of your blades. The player animations and facial expressions are equally good with each player looking like his real life counter part.

The 3D crowd really ads to the whole on screen effect although not essential this put games such as NHL 2002 from EA to shame with there flat 2D Crowds, and all adds to the visual treat which is presented to us. Every detail appears to have been taken in to consideration, for, the stadiums are well designed, and the game also features real-time shadowing on each character, goals and even the helmets should they be lost by a player. Once you progress through the game and unlock some of the more exotic and detailed arenas you will really learn to appreciate the detail in the game

Sound:
The sound in NHL is excellent throughout; authentic crowd noise's with all the whistles and bells you could desire, and excellent commentary, although this does become repetitive after a while, it is amazing at first how accurate this is and how well it keeps up with the lightning fast pace of the game. Like with most games that feature a commentator eventually you will have heard all the little cheap shots and tease's so just head on over to the options menu and turn the commentator off. Again it appears that Black Box Games have not taken the task lightly and ever sound is authentic right down to the sound of the skates across the ice.

Longevity:
There is no real end to NHL Hitz 20-02, even once you have played and won all the leagues & tournaments the game goes on and on, every game is different and there is always the superb multi-player game to amuse yourself and a group of selected friends.

To improve on this still further is a full franchise mode where players can be created from scratch, along with selecting player names, looks, and stats. Along with team personalisation including creating your own logo and even an anthem, there truly is no end in sight with Hitz from Midway.

Round Up:
Overall Midway have set the standard for Hockey games as Codemasters did for Rally games. EA's NHL 2002 is a long way off the mark although more of a simulation the game is less fun which is why we all shell out our hard-earned cash 'funö. This game will appeal to most gamers, it offers in depth realistic statistic, player stats and attributes to please most.

Players looking for a true Hockey simulation this might not be the game to buy, not only are there only 3 out field players on the ice, but no matter how hard you try or penalties you commit your players are never sent to the Sin-bin 'not a bad thing for the more aggressive players, the only time which you loose a player is if he looses a fight or you sub him.

If your looking for fun over simulation Hitz is the way to go, if your looking for simulation then Hitz delivers to a certain level, but this is not the main focal point of the game. I'm sure there is something here for everyone and would highly recommend purchasing NHL Hitz 20-02. To simply say that on the surface Hitz is simple is like saying a rip round the M25 is enjoyable (sorry to all of you that don't know what the M25 is) the controls are simple yet intuitive and just add to the ease of the whole experience

Pros:

• Excellent Multi-Player.
  
• Addictive to the final whistle.
  
• Super Smooth and fluid animation
  
• Multi-Player mayhem
  
• Plenty to do
  
  

  Cons:
  

  • Eventually annoying and repetitive commentator
    
  • Err....