SEGA Sports ESPN NHL Hockey

Developed by Kush Games, ESPN NHL Hockey - formerly known as NHL 2K4 - takes to the ice in grand form. Our preview awaits.

	Version PS2 / Xbox	Developer Kush Games	Publisher SEGA	Genre Sports

By Joseph Jackson

Sega's ESPN NHL Hockey - previously known as NHL 2K4 - certainly lacks no authenticity, coming complete with new ESPN broadcasts to capture the atmosphere of the televised sport, along with almost life-like representations of the actual players themselves.

The visual presentation of ESPN NHL Hockey features superb player models with faces detailed enough you can spot the little fuzz growing on their faces and perhaps shave them off. Everything from the Arenas, to player uniforms are modeled well, with great cut-scenes and environmental effects that really bring the level of realism up to speed.

The gameplay features some very solid looking blades of steel action on the ice. You'll be able to choose from 14 international teams and compete on international-sized ice in exhibition games and tournaments alike, experiencing the thrills of international ice hockey.

There's also a customizable playoffs option that provides you with the opportunity to put together player brackets anyway you see fit.

Along with those things, special attention is given to well executed hits throughout the game. From open ice hits, checks into the boards, to the occasional careening over the protective boards onto the players' bench - all of which get spotlight treatment.

Other unique features include a 3D Front Office that allows you to manage every aspect of your franchise from key trades to scouting talent in the minors and abroad with a 3D front office menu system.

'Muck it Up' provides players with the option to wear down opponents, fight for possession, or tie up the puck in order to get the whistle blown at you, all while a dynamic camera zooms into all of the action.

Online play enriches the NHL experience for both platforms. Players will be able to download rosters, engage in voice chat and some epic battles on the ice.

The audio presentation of ESPN NHL HOCKEY is equally well represented with top-notch color commentary from ESPN's Bill Clement and Gary Thorne, they deliver some very competent sounding play-by-play analysis of all the action.

ESPN NHL Hockey features fast paced slapstick action, highly detailed graphics complete with very well modeled arenas that sport some real-time reflections on the ice, and superb character models that animate pretty smoothly.

The trademark Sega Sports gameplay contains a variety of new play modes including online play for both consoles, and utilizes complex A.I. routines that adapts to your moves. All these things and more await you in Sega's ESPN NHL Hockey, which is shaping up to be the slapstick of choice for Ice Hockey fans.

Sega's ESPN NHL Hockey is out now in the US, and scheduled for release in Europe on October 31. Stay tuned for our verdict.