below average game

I was very excited about this game. I own 2001 and have rented 2002. I am disappointed that the game did not live up to my expectations.

The game play on this one wasn't bad except for the step back in terms of custom difficulty settings. The major one for me being the goalie and player boost. in earlier versions you had separate sliders for each team. That is gone in 2003. To boost your goalie up or your opponents means weakening the other. This is just an example of the frustration you will have with the limited slider settings. In terms of on the ice game play my major beef is with the goalies. Your entire defense has to center around limiting shots on goal since your goalie will let a lot of terrible shots thru no matter how good his ratings are. meanwhile it is normal for you to hit the opposing goalie with 25 quality shots and only get 1 or 2 goals out of it even if the goalie isn't that good. The other annoying part about this game is when your player gets stuck circling a puck because he cant get his stick on it. I like that they do have to get the stick near it to pick it up but maybe they could have made this a little less strict.

The redeeming factors which makes me give this game a 7 instead of a 6 is the features. franchise mode is a blast. I love being able to plan for the future and play thru multiple seasons. The easter eggs and celebrations in this one also make it fun for when you have friends over. you don't have to be a hockey fan to enjoy the easter egg modes. And the commentary for this game is funny and keeps up with the action very well unless you are a button masher like my brother. The music is very good as has been the case with EA sports games for the last couple of years. It is a strange experience to be driving and hear a song from the game on the radio and then think about hockey and have to fight of road rage when the car next to you almost ''cross checks'' you.

Replays are pretty nifty as well. I don't really care about them but others have said they are really impressed. They especially like the ones set to music. Although sometimes the games choice of what to replay is puzzling.

The very last thing I have an issue with is the information windows. the ones that have the information on the song that is playing or some other trivial stuff. It would be nice to turn that off if we could. If you don't give us that option then at least take the time to position them so they don't affect game play. it is annoying to have a face off about to happen and the window telling me the band that is playing is blocking my view.

In all I enjoyed the game but I expected more. It really wasn't that much better than 2001 which is disappointing. seven out of ten and I hope 2004 is better.

overall rating - 2/5

A classic game worth another look!!!

NHL 2002

A blast from the past.

Players are blocky, and skate funny, but the gameplay is fast and furious.

It's pretty easy to score, but who cares.

This game is the first to add Don Taylor as a color commentator, and even though I love Don Taylor on Sportnet news, the phrase "Too much of a good thing" comes to mind.

I really like the playing card addition to this game as well. The game allowed you to gain points for achieving certain goals, some easy Score a Hatrick some not so easy Accumulate 1000 assists over your career. You could unlock cool trading cards with player info on them, and you could also unlock a bunch of cheats.

The ability to stack your team with every good player from the league, due to the minors system is funny, but not the greatest feature. This game allowed you to have up to 80 players on your team 40 in the pros and 40 in the minors. Even though it's kind of ridiculous, it made the game easier for people who weren't very good.

Final Verdict:

3/5

Rent or Buy?: Another classic, this one I'd actually recommend picking up in addition to NHL 06 or NHL 07. This game is really fun, and the trading card system is a blast.

IF YOU FIND THIS REVIEW HELPFUL PLEASE REMEMBER TO VOTE. Thank you.

NHL 2002 (XBOX)

This game is a great game. I owned it when it came out for xbox, and it was amazing and fun to play. So I wanted to try it again, so I purchased it and I realized it was fun for that year. But it still has a great season mode and it is still exciting and fun to play. I love the big hits and the half court shots that bust the glass. It is a great arcade game, but if your looking for a challenge or better graphics, I suggest that you look and NHL 08 for the XBOX 360. But this game has many amazing features, like create a player and a card book and a token system. With the tokens you can buy cards and cheats. And with the create a player you can put yourself on the ice and on the beginner skill level you will easily score 20 goals. They have great commentators and the fights are interactive and amazing. So enjoy this game!

I liked it

It was good for awhile, but it just seems too easy in goal. Other than that its the best hockey game youll find for that year.

Great!

It is a great game and very fun to play. It also has some good graphics. I played it for hours! I loved it and will buy the next verson soon!