NHL 2K3

For the US the likes of NBA, NHL, and NFL are as popular as football games like Fifa in the UK but sadly the British audience doesn't have a very wide knowledge of any of these sports due to limited coverage.

A concern for gamers is learning the rules of the sport. If you don't understand the rules then you're not going to do well. NHL 2K2 provided gamers with a fairly simulation-based game which although could be understood had to be persisted with before gamers could really get into the game. With this in mind the question is; have Sega Sport provided the UK with a more arcade orientated game or does it remain very much focussed on simulation?

GRAPHICS

As with most Sega Sports games there is a nice introduction providing 3D animation of in game action. This serves as a good general introduction to hockey, showing the thrills of slotting the puck in the back of the net and the rough competitiveness that takes place when fighting for possession. Once the initial introduction to the game is over gamers are presented with a very familiar layout nearly identical to that of NHL 2K3 and NBA 2K3 - clearly Sega are going for a themed series.

When in the game the action is presented in a similar style to the way that ESPN would display a hockey game even going as far as to have a newsflash telling viewers the programme that will follow the hockey match. For regulars to ESPN you will be welcomed as it gives you a feel of quality and authenticity. The polished display is further evident when replays take place. This is also in an ESPN style and shows the gamers their handiwork from an array of different angles.

Although presentation is generally of a high standard NHL 2K3 falls short when it comes to players.

Admittedly action surrounding the players such as the uniform fabric, glass reflections and ice texture is all suitable but most players don't seem particularly unique, most sporting similar faces. This is of course a minor fault but fans of the sport would appreciate a familiar face or at least a player that bares a vague resemblance to their real life counterpart!

It isn't just the faces that let NHL 2K3 down but the look of the players. At times they can become jagged and blurred which is a pity for most other aspects are satisfactory. There is also a lack of the camera zooming in, this results in the action being viewed from high above the ice rink and as a result things seem to be particularly small. Sometimes you will lose track of the puck due to the fast paced action - a costly mistake!

Overall the graphics are respectable, something that can largely be credited to the smart ESPN Broadcast presentation. If errors such as jagged edges and near identical players can be ironed out then the next instalment of NHL will be on the verge gaming perfection - until then, however, it remains merely satisfactory.

15/20

SOUND

Following on from the ESPN graphics theme gamers are treated to a very much ESPN orientated sound theme. Danny Mann and Michael A. Carlucci are responsible for providing commentary.

Unlike the commentary disasters gamers have witnessed in sports games such as Pro Evolution Soccer NHL 2K3 does a pretty good job of pulling off effective commentary. Of course if the gamer adapts the same strategy of playing down the wing then the commentator is going to run out of phrases when commentating but if you play a varied game of hockey then the commentator will treat you to some varied and informed commentary. Unlike commentators who may as well be at a different game (PES) this team provides commentary appropriate to the action and helps rather than hinders the gaming experience.

Sound effects such as the pleasant music that chirps in, the whack of the puck and the general reaction from the crowd are all successfully executed. Admittedly the crowd don't vary as much as they could but then again there are only so many ways that fans can get behind their team!

17/20

GAMEPLAY

NHL 2K3 like its predecessor is a simulation of the sport. This can prove a problem as many gamers are not hardcore followers of the sport. Sega Sports have combated this problem in the form of the control system.

Gamers can have basic controls leading to a much more arcade like game, intermediate controls which are not as basic as the aptly titled "basic" controls, and finally advanced controls which allow gamers to play the game as a full simulation with various modifiers on moves. Regardless of this it is still strictly a simulation but the fast paced gameplay makes up for this.

One minute gamers will be taking a shot at goal and in a matter of seconds they will be defending as the other team is on the attack.

Despite strictly following the rules of hockey NHL 2K3 can still be a pick up and play title for newcomers to the sport, particularly if they are playing with basic controls! On the other side of things NHL 2K3 has extremely intelligent AI. Players can not simply run down the middle, take a shot and expect the puck to end up in the back of the net because this simply does not happen.

Players must set up key moves with intelligent passes to get passed the defence and trick the keeper. This is no easy achievement but certainly adds another level of competition particularly when in multiplayer mode. AI is just as good when you are defending, the players will trick you and set up some beautiful moves for you to counter. Whilst playing your tactics can determine how you play. If facing tough opposition the defence will get back and play a fairly safe game of hockey.

If the team is a fairly easy opposition then the team will play a much more offensive game spreading out to the wings and crossing the puck into the goal area.

Franchise mode is a new feature to NHL 2K3 although owners of NBA 2K3 and NFL 2K3 may feel a little hard done by. Whereas these two games provide a general manager's office all NHL 2K3 owners get is a text menu. Did Sega feel this game was not as important as the others? Although this means the game can feel a little incomplete Franchise Mode is still a good feature.

Gamers create a team of rookies and take them through several matches developing the team and trading players. This is very much one of the main appeals of the game along with the season mode that allows gamers to play an entire season and the play offs if they are lucky enough to get to them (there is also the option to compete in the play offs straight away or to set up a tournament)!

There is a great wealth of players with a detailed attribute system that rates players in over 50 categories. This means that each player varies in their ability.

This means good management is essential so players know who to bring on and who to take off in different situations. It also means that players reflect their real life counterparts in terms of ability so fans of the sport will have a fairly good idea how each player performs.

NHL 2K3 has been primarily designed for hockey fans with its strong focus on ESPN and realism. This sadly means that newcomers to the sport may not enjoy the game as much as arcade hockey games.

For fans of the sport this is the best hockey game on the market, but for others this is a serious hockey game that although challenging will not appeal as much as other arcade based sport games.

20/25

LIFESPAN

Franchise and season mode are both pretty beefy in terms of size and as a result will last a fairly long time. Likewise the tournament mode can last a while and multiplayer games can be repeated over and over again.

In reality, unless a big fan of the sport, the game will last longest on multiplayer mode as friends challenge each other. It is a competitive game but the appeal is limited for non hockey fans.

This is definitely aimed at a niche market meaning that others outside the market suffer. Provided you have the passion to stick with the game it can last up to a couple of months but for others it will prove best to rent and have a few days of fun.

20/25

ORIGINALITY

Although available for all three consoles this is the first hockey game on the XBOX and it features online capabilities. This means that gamers can hook up with other gamers will XBOX Live.

This is a new feature to hockey games and one that will undoubtedly be appreciated by the legions of fans worldwide. For gamers without the capabilities of online gaming there is the all new franchise mode. This has not been seen in any other hockey games and although available for both NBA 2K3 and NFL 2K3 it is a welcome addition to the NHL series.

The advanced physics engine also gives a new hockey experience as puck movement is more consistent whilst passes, shots and saves are more predictable and realistic. Other than that this is essentially just another hockey game but it is nice to see that Sega Sports have done more than just update the teams for the season (a problem that is apparent in the Fifa football series).

6/10

OVERALL

For NHL fans this is an essential game for your collection, for others it is a game that is worthy of a rental. There is a strong focus on simulation despite the turbo feature and gamers looking for an arcade title should look elsewhere. Having said that NHL 2K3 does offer varying levels of control for pick up and play gamers and hardcore hockey fans. Multiplayer mode is certainly challenging and AI is of a top standard. Sega Sports have produced a brilliant hockey simulation but perhaps one that relies too much on simulation features and should consider incorporating arcade features for the next instalment.

78%

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