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NHL Hitz 02

Review

By Javid - 12th November 2002 08:28

Sports games take one of two directions. They either aim to be the most realistic and true to the game with precise physics or they go to the extreme opposite, and this is exactly what we have here with NHL Hitz 2002. It’s made for fun, and it certainly shows.

Graphics:

During play the graphics don’t actually stand out to be that great, but cut scenes certainly do show off some impressive character models and icy reflections. Also, effects when a player scores 3 consecutive goals can be impressive as they get shocked with a thunderous bolt of electricity to become on fire. The crowd are fully animated with polygonal fixtures meaning they look pretty impressive and they react accordingly to how well the home team is doing. If winning hats and scarves are flung onto the rink but if losing a loud round of boos is what awaits you. Graphically, it’s all pleasing, but not jaw dropping but it’s the game play that counts and so the graphics don’t charge much disappointment.

Sound:

Surprisingly impressive is the commentary. It keeps up well with the fast action and is very effective in producing a high excitement factor. It’s also very helpful in learning the names of your players as their names are screamed out as they pull off blistering shots. It’s certainly a fresh thing to say considering most commentary on sports games really is quite dire and cringe-fully bad. Outside of play your ears will be treated with familiar rock anthems from the likes of Limp Bizkit and others, quite a popular choice in games now-a-days it would seem and it doesn’t go a loss here, it fits the game well.

Gameplay:

Fast, frantic and very, very exciting. Games last 9 mins, quite a long haul you would think, but it flashes past ever so quickly especially seeing as the action never lays off, not even for a second. Games consist of a four on four basis meaning there’s plenty of space to dash around in. Speaking of dashing, you can only do so as long as you don’t drain your dash meter. This adds a tactical style to play as you can either go all out in an attacking play or you can save up slightly to catch the computers opposing counter strike. This back and forth play continues throughout, and you will never find the game letting up or being easy for that matter.

The computer responds to how well you are doing and most certainly gives you a hard run for your money every game. They aren’t shy on smashing you up the side borders or playing very dirty, and you’d better retaliate as this is where the core of the game shines through. Ice Hockey is all about rough and tough, and this game takes that idea and blemishes it. By pressing ‘X’ you barge viciously into the opposition, the effects are enough to leave you feeling sorry for them! Produce a ‘hit’ by the side of the rink and you will send an opponent crashing through the glass suspending them from play for at least a few seconds, very valuable time for you to take advantage. The game pretty much centralises around this idea and is reason for some of you to find the game rather shallow, but that’s not all there is to it.

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