Ok, I see these reviews all over and think, do these people really play the game? This is by far better then NHL 2004. There is so much depth in the play, that, you can score almost any way you could think of. this game made me be more creative in setting up plays. using the protect puck button, dekes, diving poke checks, hooks, hits you name it. As far as the goals, I feel more staisfaction in getting a goal in ESPN than NHL 2004 (By the way I have them both, so I am not defending my purchase) All the way from creating the play to the ACTUAL stadium horn to the goal analysis from Thorne / Clement. TOP NOTCH! When I score in NHL 2004, I don't know if it was dumb luck or what! I don't feel the same satisfaction. ALso too much hitting and falling in 2004. ESPN has a more natural flow. most the time you hit, the person just stumbles. While I am on the commentary, easily the best that ever graced any sports game. Even though I do not like watching real hockey on ESPN, this is by far the best experience. NHL 2004 play-by-play / Color Commentary Sucks, bad. Never any relevance to what's going on and less natural. Haven't gotten to the franchise mode, so I can't comment on that. I am waiting to see more on Rivals 2004. I hope it plays as good as it looks, but, I seem to always think about playing ESPN at this time. If you can only buy one game, ESPN is what I recommend, but, if you are a die hard EA person, then you may just want to stick with the same ol' same ol'. cheers
The last hockey game I played before picking this up was NHL PowerPlay '96, so you can imagine I was a little bit leery about approaching the genre again after missing eight years of gameplay development--it would be lik... Read Full Review
ESPN NHL Hockey is the 2004 edition of Sega's hockey franchise, developed by Kush games. The 2K series is known for its focus on a realistic simulation of ice hockey, and this installment is no different. ESPN NHL Hock... Read Full Review
