ESPN NHL Hockey 2K4

(out of five)

The only place the Rangers have a realistic shot at winning the Stanley cup this year.

.Let’s just put it this way, Pavel Bure leads the league in goals with 30, and I’ve only played through Novemeber 23rd.

If I have one problem with this game, it’s that when I started the season, I forgot to change the skill level from Amateur (easiest setting) to Rookie. So, now when I’ve scored 5 goals in the first period, the system automatically switches the skill level to Rookie. However, the change only lasts for the duration of the current game, and does not carry over to the overall season settings. I tried changing the season settings, but it seems that the only way to do so would be to re-start the entire season. Otherwise, this game is absolutely fantastic.

The game-play itself is phenomenal, much more realisitic than other NHL simulations I’ve played in previous seasons. Rebounds, deflections, hip-checks, battling for loose pucks along the boards have all been worked in to perfection. This being an ESPN game, we have a duplication of a complete television viewing experience; and who better to provide the play by play and color commentary than arguably the best tandem in the business, Gary Thorne and Bill Clement. The play by play engine works very well, staying right on top of the action, and Clements observations are very timely and accurate.

ESPN NHL 2K4 comes with online capabilities, in which you can compete with other players from around the country on the Sega network. I logged on twice looking for a game, but could not find anyone available. This could partially have something to do with the time of day (well after midnight eastern,) so I will reserve judgement on the online play for another day.

Screen shots “borrowed” from gamespot.com - thanks guys!