As a big fan of Fox Sports' NHL Championship 2000 (which I've also reviewed, if you care to look), I wasn't sure about trying EA's NHL 2000. I've heard all the complaints about the AI in EA hockey games, and I even experienced some of those problems firsthand in NHL 98. I was itching for online play, though, which Fox's game doesn't have. It was off to the store to buy NHL 2000!
Immediately after installing, I installed EA's latest patch for the game. Apparently, some of the AI problems had been addressed, because the computer played a tough game against me. Granted, it was the first time I had played, but I tried all kinds of things to break the computer down, and they just weren't working. I felt good. After a few games, though, I did discover that there are a couple of tricks that will net you a goal more often than not. I found the tricks by accident, and I don't use them in games against the computer, nor do I use them online.
Ah, this is where the online play comes in. EA has set up an in-game lobby that allows you to match up with other players. The online play is a little laggy even when the players are using high-speed connections, but it's tolerable. I've even joined one of the many online NHL 2000 leagues to squeeze even more fun out of the game.
Although I enjoy playing against both the computer and human players, I got the most enjoyment out of the add-ons that many kind people have created for the game. These users have made new jerseys for the teams, very realistic arena updates, and even amusing quirks like a bikini-clad woman on the off-ice official's TV monitor. Another fun option is to add whatever music you want to the game. Using EA's official "ditties" importer, you can take WAV or MP3 files and make them a part of the action. Before a faceoff, the game will randomly select one of the ditties and play it in the arena. Fox's game allows you to do something similar, but there's a small limit to the number of files you can create. In EA's game, if there is a limit, it'd be very hard to reach.
The graphics are very good, and the realistic face-mapping onto the players is a nice touch. Paul Kariya looks like Paul Kariya, and Martin Brodeur looks like Martin Brodeur even through the mask. Very cool. There's even a way to add your own face to the game, although I haven't done it yet, so I do not know how well it works or how easy it is.
There is a season/career mode that lets you play up to 10 seasons. I really wish that you could play more in a career, but I'll probably never make it that high anyway, since I play all my games instead of simulating them. As I mentioned before, online leagues are possible, also. The game has tons of game options, so if you want to play with the larger international rink instead of the NHL rink, you can. If you want to play with the new 4-on-4 overtime format, you can. Want to switch to the old 5-on-5? Do it. How about a shootout? Feel free. It's all there.
I really wish I had bought NHL 2000 earlier than mid-May. Now, hockey season is almost over, and NHL 2001 isn't far away. I'm going to enjoy this game to pieces, though. The AI problems aren't really bad, and it's easy to avoid the loopholes that they create. The online play could stand to be a little smoother, but it isn't bad. I've heard that the game didn't make much progress from NHL 99, but since I never played 99, I can't say. It's a huge step from NHL 98 and earlier, though, so if you left EA once before like I did, you might want to think about coming back. They've earned another chance.
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