What do you get when you cross Midway classics NBA Jam and NFL Blitz? Amazing graphics, hilarious commentary, great gameplay. NHL Hitz 2002 for the Xbox might be more fun than any of Midway's previous arcade-style games. If you're looking for a realistic, tough hockey game, go with NHL Faceoff. Hitz is for the gamer who isn't necessarily excited about hockey (like me), but loves hardcore smashing games that anyone could enjoy.
Game Play - 10
People of all ages will enjoy playing and/or watching this game in action (..including my parents). Hitz is a fast paced, thrilling game that will catch anyone's attention and will play it for months. Like Jam and Blitz, Hitz isn't a "real" game; unbelievable hits and plays are here that you won't find anywhere else.
Hitz comes with all 30 or so official NHL teams and also about 15 fantasy created teams (clowns, sharks, pharoahs, pirates, etc...). Each NHL team has 6 or 7 real players, but during gameplay it's a 3-on-3 battle.
NHL Hitz has a few different play modes: Exhibition, Championship, Franchise, and Skills. Exhibition is pretty much self-explanatory. Championship is taking your team up the 30-team ladder in pursuit of the Stanley Cup. Franchise is running your own team and playing a season-type game. And the skills competition has three levels of play with pretty fun contests like hitting and shooting.
During the game, it's FUN. 3-on-3 war with the other team for 3 minute periods is the most fun I've had since sliced bread. The game is packed with bone-crushing hits and excellent game play. The controls are so easy to learn that you’ll find yourself mastering the game after a couple games.
Sound Commentary – 10
BOOM SHAKALAKA!!!! The ever-popular announcer from Jam and Blitz returns for Hitz and succeeds. Most people feel the commentary is corny…what do they know anyway?? Everything that comes out of that man’s mouth is pure genius and hilarious. From “Hit me baby one more time” to “He slapped him right in the cabbage!!” to “Face. Board. Face meet Board,” the commentary is very entertaining. I can’t help but laugh hysterically throughout each game and anticipating what he’ll say next.
As for the hockey sound, it’s just as good as any other game. I mean, how much could you possibly do with a puck hitting a wall or whatever. The sound is very good and adds to the excitement of playing the game.
THE HITZ – 99
The whole point of the game is to hit hard and score goals. And these players hit…hard. Checking a player could either send him flying down the ice or through the glass into the crowd.
Fighting plays a big role in Hitz as well. If two players decide to go at it, they drop their gloves and sticks and prepare for battle. A short instruction menu on how to fight appears for about 30 seconds and then you go at it. It’s almost like a boxing match, but is very hockey-like.
Graphics – 8.5
First of all, the players look excellent and very real. Reflections off the ice are shown very nicely and clean. The only bad part is the stadiums. I’ve seen more fans at a high school football game. Each stadium, none are official by the way, all generic with the team logo at center ice, has about 10 rows of people surrounding the ice. They are all pretty much into the game, but it could have been better.
He’s on Fire!!!!
We all remember in NBA Jam when a player would get hot after a few consecutive points and spontaneously combust into flames. Well, that’s pretty much how it is here, too. Score a few goals with the same player without the other team scoring and you’re in for a treat.
When a player becomes on fire, he is almost unstoppable. His strength, speed, and shooting is increased dramatically. To get on fire, a lightning bolt strikes down from the heavens and lights him up. So far, I’ve seen a few different ways, which are all great. Either a teammate shoots the electricity into him like a shotgun or bow and arrow or one guy kneels in front of another and becomes “knighted” with fire. The graphics of this animation are amazing.
Lasting Appeal – 9.5
My friends come over pretty much everyday for about three hours to play Hitz so I would say the appeal is still there. The only problem is that it isn’t as exciting when playing by yourself. Maybe it’s just more fun with other people around to play, but it’s still very fun.
Summary
Amazingly exciting and fun to play. Definite recommendation for anyone out there looking for a fun game to play. Even the non-sports fans will enjoy NHL Hitz for its fast-paced action and great game play. Go out there and buy it now.
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