Face down the NHL's finest in this hockey title.

User Rating: 7 | NHL 2004 XBOX
With clear graphics, all the teams, and realistic crowd details, this game almost makes you feel like you took the trip to the stadium yourself.

It has a trait that's particularly annoying, however: when your goalie makes a big save, you get a replay that zooms in on him for three or four shots, with a sound like a door slamming. This is kinda cool the first couple of times. The other 700, it gets maddening.

Still, if you're looking for a hockey game that has all the basics, this will do it. The graphics are clear, if a bit too angular, and the announcements make it sound like a game on a big network.

Do a little practicing in the warm-up. You'll want to perfect your passing skills.

A capable if not spectacular effort that will do if you're dying for a hockey rental.