STAFF REVIEW of NHL Rivals 2004 (Xbox)


Monday, December 1, 2003.
by Chr0nik

NHL Rivals 2004 Box art Earlier this year, Microsoft announced NHL Rivals 2004, the company's very first attempt at the sport of professional ice hockey. Rivals 2004 is a simulation-style hockey game that clearly draws influence from gameplay elements found in both EA and Sega's NHL games. Unfortunately, NHL Rivals 2004 doesn't do much to set itself apart from the competition, and, additionally, it has some rather problematic flaws that deteriorate its gameplay to the level of subpar, at best.


Gameplay is a mix between NHL Hitz and EA Sports NHL2004. Gameplay controls are fairly easy to get the hang of. If you have played hockey games in your life, it should only take you a period or so to get used to all the controls. Gamspot sums it all up with the following comment "NHL Rivals 2004 is most certainly geared to cater to fans of simulation hockey but lacks the cohesive gameplay of its competitors. The game just feels very loose and sloppy in some key areas. Specifically, Rivals' AI is often questionable at best, especially when it comes to goalies.

Compared to the other available hockey games on the market, NHL Rivals ranks at the bottom.


NHL Rivals' graphics are probably one of its strongest features, but they still have alot of work to do for next years incarnation. Ice Textures are very nice as well as arena detailing. Player models and animation are average at best. Animation is often choppy and player models do not justly represent the actual look of a character. Seeing that this is a first party Microsoft game, there is no reason why they are not fully utilizing and exploiting the Xbox's graphic capability.


The only good thing about the sound in this game is the custom soundtracks and the crowd reactions. Game commentary is awful and is extremely repetative. It often "clips" or gets cutoff.


Suggestions:
Play ESPN hockey and take alot of notes. If MS wants to be a real player in the Hockey video game market, they need to step up to the plate with next years release and give the fans what they want.


Overall: 5.0 / 10
Gameplay: 5.0 / 10
Visuals: 5.0 / 10
Sound: 4.0 / 10

Comments

Site Statistics

Registered Members: 80,946
Forum Posts: 725,969
Xbox One Titles: 6,507
Xbox 360 Titles: 1,086
Xbox 360 Kinect Titles: 95
Xbox 360 Arcade Titles: 586
Original Xbox Titles: 987
Staff Reviews: 2,602
Member Reviews: 10,339
News Articles: 16,557
Screenshots: 39,499
Xbox 360 Achievements: 45,112
Xbox 360 Faceplates: 2,016
Cheat Codes: 1,706

Latest News

Bulwark: Evolution Out Now on Consoles

Bulwark: Evolution Out Now on ConsolesThis major free update, which has already been successfully launched on Steam, brings a new layer of depth, strategy, and innovative gameplay mechanics to the immersive world of Bulwark: Falconeer Chronicles.


Thrustmaster Unveils T.Flight Hotas One

Thrustmaster Unveils T.Flight Hotas OneThrustmaster’s best-seller is back with a new look featuring the official license of Microsoft Flight Simulator. This complete, precise and easy-to-use hands- on throttle and stick (HOTAS) is the ideal companion for Microsoft Flight Sim 2024







See News Archives

Community Forum Activity

KeyWe Giveaway!
Post by Variation-XBA
0 Replies, 26214 Views

2021: XBA is still here
Post by shrew king
40 Replies, 234693 Views

Watch Dogs: Legion
Post by Nato King
0 Replies, 124826 Views

Xbox Series X or S
Post by Nato King
5 Replies, 142544 Views

Spellbreak Grand Magus Pack (3) and Starter Pack (7) Giveaway!
Post by Variation-XBA
0 Replies, 131285 Views

I pay $ 1000! I search the Element 54 Canadian launch Team signaturen Faceplate
Post by Smill
0 Replies, 153872 Views

Xbox one no signal
Post by debrartin
0 Replies, 143330 Views

do you remember?
Post by SnoochyBoochy
3 Replies, 213390 Views

i haz xbox
Post by SnoochyBoochy
0 Replies, 167175 Views

Claiming the first thread of 2020
Post by Kraft
7 Replies, 263441 Views

Important! I pay $ 1000! I search the Sweden launch and the Element 54 Faceplate
Post by Smill
3 Replies, 149179 Views

Squad Up
Post by samslophead
0 Replies, 253713 Views

TERA Skinned Xbox One X Giveaway!
Post by Variation-XBA
0 Replies, 178954 Views

Starfield Release expectations?
Post by DJ tx
4 Replies, 309302 Views

Issue with Xbox live on Xbox home
Post by rcmpayne
0 Replies, 167242 Views

© 2000-2024 XboxAddict.com - All rights reserved. All trademarks are properties of their respective owners.
Xbox is a registered trademark of Microsoft. XboxAddict.com is not affiliated with Microsoft.

Made in Canada
Site Design by Cameron Graphics