Pros: Lots of Action; Many different teams and competitive modes; Fun
Cons: Graphics aren't superb; Not all players on teams are included
The Bottom Line: While somewhat unrealistic, it is more fun than most NHL games. If you're looking for a crazy, action packed time with multiple modes to play in, buy NHL HITZ 2002.
iceboy9's Full Review: NHL Hitz 2002 for PlayStation 2
NHL Hitz 2002 models after NFL Blitz in that it is unrealistic and much more crazy than the average sports game.
First of all, there is a lot more checking and fighting in this game than you'll see in a game like NHL 2002. Players are constantly crushed by the click of a button and at times you'll find your whole team down on the ice. As for fighting, there is always at least one fight per period. Except, what makes the fighting even more interesting is that if your player loses, he's out for the entire game. Also, if you don't like the fighting, you can just turn it off. Now, overall these factors make this game highly unrealistic. However, in this case, the more crazy this game gets, the more fun it gets. Don't get me wrong, the game isn't too far off the edge. I am a hockey player myself and while I feel this game is unrealistic, it does not go too far at all.
Secondly, gamers cannot choose from all the players on an NHL team. NHL HITZ only includes the star players for each team. While this might seem truly bad to some people, the other side of the story is that it's a 3 on 3 game, which means each team doesn't need too many players. Also, since there are less players on the ice, this leads to a more open playing area and subsequently, more action.
Finally, there are many competitive modes to choose from including exhibition, season and playoffs. My personal favorite is the full season where a person can pick or create a team to play every NHL team in the game. After you've defeated all of the NHL teams however, it's not over yet. NHL HITZ has a whole list of their own created teams to play you. These teams have players that are often comical and fun. Additionally, each team has its' own arena to play in. When you create your own team, you also create your own players, giving them skills, nicknames and size. Also, every game you win in the season, you get more points to build up your players' skill. This is, in my opinion, the best part of the game because it drives the gamer to keep playing and ultimately leaves you with very talented players at the end of the season. Once you win the season, you get a ton of points so you can buy a variety of things like ice rinks, created teams, different jerseys and more.
As for graphics, during play the players are not animated to the fullest extent. However, during fights and between play, gamers will find that players look very realistic. The graphics do not hinder the game. On the contrary, you will hardly notice it because of all the action.
While NHL HITZ is somewhat unrealistic, the game's craziness and multiple good ideas combine to create a fun time.
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