steven9988's Full Review: NHL Hitz 2002 for GameCube
*NHL Hitz*- If you played the Blitz games, you basically know what this will be like. It's a no rules hockey game. Involving a lot of action and high scoring games. Let me say this from the start. I'm not a sucker for sports games, at all. I'm actually tired of seeing games like Madden being updated every year with nothing but a roster change. I'd rather play some off-the-wall sports game, then some realistic one, is what I'm saying. If you are looking for a realistic hockey game. Don't even read the rest of this review, because it's not.
*Gameplay*- The gameplay, like I said, is off-the-wall. Actually, it's through the wall, considering you can check players through the glass, get into fights (best fights in a hockey game) If you lose the hockey fight you will be kicked out of the game. Your team consists of 7 players, only 4 are in the ring at a time. The goalie, and 3 other players which you can control. So you can play friends 1v1,1v2,1v3,and 2v2. The thing I love about the gameplay, is you always have a chance to win. You can be down 13-2 and come back very quickly.
The game has many modes to keep you busy. Championship, is a mode you have to beat every team, you earn money to go to the shop and unlock rings, jerseys, teams, etc. There is also Franchise mode, in this you create your own team and earn points to build-up your team by giving points to things like accuraccy, power, speed, etc. There is also an Exhibition mode, of course, which is just if you want to play a game of multiplayer fun. There's a Practice mode where there are various obstacles to do. The obstacles consist of hitting boxes and skating around cones and such. After you beat one level you go onto the next, the next, is always a lot more difficult.
What, I haven't mentioned yet, and which you probably should assume is this IS an off-the-wall game by Midway, and yes it consists of an on fire mode. Now most Midway sports games, such as Blitz, there isn't anything to unlock. There is just a Season mode (which unfortunately Hitz doesn't have) and an Exhibition mode. But NHL Hitz was a well done game. With lots to unlock, and a DVD Feature showing how they made the game.
*Graphics*- The graphics are very well done. Unlike Blitz the players aren't chunky and overly big, the players look realistic, as does the 3d crowd and the arenas and outdoor rings you can play in. I have no problem with the graphics.
*Sound*- The sound is well done, the shatter of the glass is clear, the grunts of the players is realisitic, and not overly done. The soundtrack isn't half bad either, it contains hit songs from Limp Bizkit, Korn, Fuel, Staind and more.
*Controls*- The controls fit the game perfect, it'll take only a game or two. It's one of the few sports games I actually use all the controls and use every move to its advantage.
*Replay Value*- Lots to unlock, lots of multiplayer fun, practice mode can bring up a challenge. But I'm such an expert at this game that Hard Mode is easy for me now. I need a friend over for him to bring up a good match. Of course, you won't be an expert like me until a few solid weeks, maybe even a month of play.
*Final Word*- Overall, this is an off-the-wall sports game done right. I congratulate Midway for actually pulling it off correctly. I know this game has gotten bad reviews and that just blows my mind. If you want a fun night or your not sure if the gameplay will fit your style, give it a rent. For those fans of Blitz and such, this is a must get. It's three times better than any Blitz game. A worthy purchase, you also might want to wait for the updated version which should be similiar with more stuff. I don't think I'll get the updated version, basically because I don't jump on the sports game every year bandwagon. But I'm glad that out of the few sports games I've purchased, I chose this one.
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