A great representation of hockey which stands up to the test of time.
I bought NHL 2004 the day it came out and was presented with the most challenging and realistic game of virtual hockey ever. The game was so tough I couldn't even win on EASY mode, which was a change from my quick mastering of EA's previous offerings. I hadn't seen a game this difficult since NHL '99.
The gameplay itself was true to what the NHL was at the time. A close checking, interference filled match that forced you to earn every goal. The hitting was hard and the defence unforgiving. It was apparent right off the bat that every game was going to be an uphill battle. I loved that.
The NHL has changed somewhat since then, with the implementation of new rules and stricter enforcement of those said rules. But NHL 2004 still represents and down and dirty version of the NHL that most purists will love. This is "Canadian hockey".
Speaking of "Canadian hockey", the fight engine is easily the best out of any game. It is a challenging task comprised of a series of grabs, blocks and counter attacks. It is the best representation of a hockey fight that I've ever seen.
The presentation was and still is beautiful. The player models look great, though the faces could've been a little more like their real life counterparts. What immediatly stood out to me was the life-like body checks. Running a player into the boards had never felt so real, or so satisfying. The bruise control is addictive and makes every hit that much more bone crushing.
The sound is authentic and makes you feel like you're really in the arena. From the clang of the puck hitting the post to the crowds chants and reactions to on ice developments, it doesn't get much better or more real sounding than this.
The commentary is one area the game could've been improved. It can get annoying hearing "He uses the pads and makes the save." over and over again. Personally I think it's one of the worst lines I've ever heard.
Dynasty mode was definitely a good inclusion to the title. It offers a decent range of options for you (the G.M.) as you take a team through 20 years in the hopes of obtaining a "Dynasty" status. While it doesn't have the depth that Madden 2004's Franchise mode offered, it still keeps you interested.
In my opinion NHL 2004 is still the best hockey game out there and a number of my friends agree. We still play it often more than two years after its release.
If you like a hard hitting close scoring game of hockey, pick it up.