Summary
- Release Year: 2001
- Genres: Sport
- Platforms: Nintendo GameCube, PlayStation 2, Xbox
- Developers: Black Box Games
- Publishers: Midway Games
NHL Hitz 2002: The Ultimate Arcade Hockey Experience
Midway’s NHL Hitz 2002 is the epitome of arcade-style hockey. It takes the fast-paced, hard-hitting action of Midway’s NFL Blitz series and applies it to the ice, resulting in a game that is both exhilarating and over-the-top.
Gameplay
NHL Hitz 2002 is played 3-on-3, with each team consisting of a forward, a defenseman, and a goalie. The game is played on a smaller rink than in real hockey, which makes for faster-paced and more chaotic gameplay.
There are no rules in NHL Hitz 2002. You can hit your opponents as hard as you want, and there are no penalties for fighting. This makes for some truly brutal and bone-crushing hits.
In addition to the standard hockey modes, such as exhibition and season mode, NHL Hitz 2002 also features a number of mini-games and bonus modes. These include:
- Pond hockey: A more casual mode where you can play hockey on a frozen pond.
- Elimination: A mode where you must defeat a series of increasingly difficult opponents.
- Shootout: A mode where you try to score as many goals as possible in a limited amount of time.
- Slap shot: A mode where you try to hit a target with a slap shot.
NHL Hitz 2002 also features a deep create-a-team mode, where you can design your own team’s uniforms, logo, and players. You can also earn attribute points and credits that you can use to improve your players.
Graphics and Sound
The graphics in NHL Hitz 2002 are colorful and cartoony, which fits the game’s over-the-top style. The character models are well-animated, and the game runs smoothly even on older hardware.
The sound in NHL Hitz 2002 is also top-notch. The crowd noise is realistic, and the sound effects are impactful. The game also features a great soundtrack of rock and metal songs.
Reception
NHL Hitz 2002 was a critical and commercial success. It was praised for its fast-paced gameplay, brutal hits, and over-the-top style. The game was also a hit with fans of the arcade hockey genre.
NHL Hitz 2002 has been ranked as one of the best hockey games of all time by many publications. It is still a popular game today, and it is still played by many fans online.
Conclusion
NHL Hitz 2002 is the ultimate arcade hockey experience. It is a fast-paced, hard-hitting game that is full of over-the-top action. If you are a fan of hockey or arcade games, then you need to check out NHL Hitz 2002.
Tips for Playing NHL Hitz 2002
Here are a few tips to help you get started in NHL Hitz 2002:
- Use the turbo boost: The turbo boost can give you a quick burst of speed, which can be helpful for getting around defenders or scoring goals.
- Hit your opponents hard: There are no penalties for hitting in NHL Hitz 2002, so don’t be afraid to lay the body on your opponents.
- Use the environment to your advantage: The environment in NHL Hitz 2002 is interactive, so you can use it to your advantage. For example, you can use the boards to pin your opponents against or you can use the goalposts to deflect shots.
- Don’t be afraid to experiment: NHL Hitz 2002 is a game that is all about having fun, so don’t be afraid to experiment with different strategies and tactics.
Trivia
Here are a few trivia facts about NHL Hitz 2002:
- The game was originally going to be called NHL Blitz, but the name was changed to avoid confusion with Midway’s NFL Blitz series.
- The game features the voices of legendary hockey commentator Bob Cole and former NHL player Darren Pang.
- The game’s soundtrack features songs by bands such as Metallica, Pantera, and Slipknot.
- The game was a commercial success, selling over 2 million copies worldwide.
- The game is still popular today, and it is still played by many fans online.
Review Score
8.5/10
