NHL Hitz 20-02

In the tradition of NBA Hoopz and NFL Blitz comes this Midway Sports Asylum interpretation of pro ice hockey. In NHL Hitz 2002, Xbox gamers take control of a team of four players consisting of a goalie, a center, and two wings. The game is designed to focus more on the action of the sport, instead of burdening players with line changes and penalties. When in possession of the puck a variety of moves are available, including slap shots, one-timers, and special moves unique to each player. By scoring three times in succession, the character becomes "on-fire" and is imbued with enhanced abilities until the opposing team scores. Fights can also break out if the player is excessively aggressive. In addition to all of the officially licensed teams and home arenas, the title features several fantasy locations, one example being an Egyptian-themed arena. NHL Hitz 2002 offers a create-a-player feature and several mini-games in addition to exhibition and season modes. In-game commentary is performed by the same announcer present in Midway's NFL Blitz series.

Left Thumb Pad = move player
X Button = shoot; stick check
Y Button = deke; spin
B Button = guard puck; body check
A Button = pass; select player
Right Trigger = turbo
Start Button = pause game
X (hold) + B = fake shot
X (hold + A = fake shot, pass
A + X = one-timer
X (hold) + A, X = fake shot, pass, one-timer ~ Mark Hoogland, All Game Guide

Midway has built its reputation by releasing popular arcade titles and porting them into successful console versions. Yet one of the chief complaints has been a lack of originality, especially in the company's sports titles, with countless versions of NFL Blitz and NBA Jam lining the shelves for nearly every system. On paper, NHL Hitz appeared to be just another venue for the tired Blitz and Jam franchises, copying the same formula of exaggerated players, over-the-top action, and shallow gameplay.

While NHL Hitz offers many of the same features as NFL Blitz and NBA Jam (the ability to catch fire by scoring three unanswered goals, hot spots, secret codes, etc.), playing the game reveals a surprisingly strong version of hockey. While purists will scoff at the blistering pace, limited roster, and lack of infractions, the physics of skating and checking seem accurate to the point where it looks like a game on television. At least until your player starts emitting puffs of smoke...

The act of catching fire is the only aspect separating the visuals from a "normal" hockey game. You can't pick up players and throw them across the ice, you won't be able to trip someone and then perform a pile driver, and there are no power-ups in the rink to alter gameplay. Players looking for these features might be disappointed with the game's somewhat traditional approach, but those looking for hard-hitting and lightning fast action reminiscent of NHL Hockey on the Genesis will be pleasantly surprised.

All three versions of the game look great, with large 3D players sporting such minutiae as tags on jerseys, individual ridges on a goalie's pads, and stubble on certain faces. Having only eight players on the ice at once allowed the developers to render the crowd in 3D, a first for a sports game, and the arenas are beautifully detailed. Animation is also fluid, especially when delivering punishing checks or spinning away from defenders. This is the best looking hockey game yet released, and it plays just as good as it looks.

The action is consistently fast without hiccups in frame rate or pauses after checking, which adds to the excitement. Controls are kept simple and players will be streaking down the ice using turbo while performing one-timers, deke-spins, and guarding the puck. Checking is also fun because of the high speed of play, and unlike other hockey games, fights are actually meaningful: the losing player is out for the entire game, so timing and dodging punches become important.

Bolstering the replay value is the concept of earning points by winning games in either exhibition or championship mode. These points can be cashed in at the Hockey Shop for additional jerseys, stadiums, fantasy teams, or heads. Players can also complete a series of increasingly difficult challenges, like shattering plates in different areas of the net while weaving past two defenders, or create their own team from scratch, earning attribute points to bolster their team's abilities by winning games.

While a few more additional modes and features would have been welcome, such as a complete season and more detailed stat tracking, the addictive gameplay is worth the price of admission alone. Hardcore hockey fans should skate wide of this release, but most will enjoy this sleeper hit for what it is: a solid, fun game of hockey that strips out rules and penalties for a more action-packed experience. ~ Scott Alan Marriott, All Game Guide