NHL 2004 - PS2

The best NHL game of the year?

NHL 2004 is quite possibly the best ice hockey game this year, but it falls below standards of the past. EA has put an amazing amount of depth to the series, adding three foreign leagues and a dynasty mode. This doesn't make up for the incredibly low computer AI. To make this perfectly clear, your AI controlled players run circles instead of actually getting the puck when it's loose. I would definitly say I've seen better AI in the Super Nintendo NHL games. The largest problem this game has is the fact that you cannot delete created players unless you want to delete your entire saved state for NHL 2004 on your PS2 memory card. This also goes the same for your created teams. Instead of giving players the option of some unique and new jersey styles, you are only given the option of reusing current NHL styles and slapping a cheap logo on the front. NHL 2004 is worth a rental or even a purchase if you're a huge NHL fan like myself. But for those new to the sport or the series from EA, I would give NHL 2002 for the PC a try before this.