NHL game scores with power playing

NHL 2002\nRating: E for Everyone\nFor: Playstation 2, X-Box, PC\nBy: EA Sports\nLast year, EA Sports created what is possibly one of the greatest video games of all time in "NHL 2001." It utilized all the graphic capabilities of the Playstation 2 as well as being fun to play. So, when "NHL 2002" came out, you can guess how much I anticipated the release, imagining more terrific gameplay and sweet visuals centered around one of my two favorite sports. And while it's fair to say that "'02" is a quality game, it doesn't quite measure up to the previous year's version. \nTo start with, once again the visuals are great. The players look reasonably like their real life counterparts, the stadiums are well done and the crowds are pretty amazing. The gameplay is pretty smooth as well -- the only down part being the somewhat long periods of time that occur when there is a puck out of play. But once it's back in action, there are no hang-ups whatsoever. \nThe game also features a franchise mode, complete with drafts, retirements and free agent signing. Another nice feature is the added option of choosing between all the national teams, especially with the Olympics upon us now, and all the various jerseys that you can pick before you play your games. There's something that just seems right about playing as the Phoenix Coyotes while donning their former Winnipeg Jets jerseys.\nAll this being said, there are some differences from "'01" that are not for the better. The color commentator is different for this season, and he is downright horrible. Nothing that he says is either informative or funny. You might want to go ahead and turn off the color commentary before the game starts and save yourself a headache. Another somewhat annoying feature is the newly installed is the Breakaway Cam and the Big Hit/Big Save Cam. The idea is kind of cool, showing replays from several angles of an outstanding save or giving a new angle when you are all alone going in on the goalie, but in fact they take away from the gameplay. These features are probably better for those watching instead of playing the game. I turned these features off, and you might want to do the same. \nFinally, the other difference between "'01" and "'02" is the style of play. Last year's was an offensive game, without question. My roommates and I would churn out 9-8 and 11-10 games with great regularity. The new version on the other hand, is more of a defensive game. You have to work hard for your goals, and they are by no means high scoring games. The computer also has a knack of scoring goals quickly after two and a half periods of shutout hockey by your goalie. But that happens all the time, doesn't it?\nAll in all, "NHL 2002" is a pretty solid game. The gameplay is smooth and fun, even if the goals are not as frequent as in its predecessor. While "'01" still holds a special place in my heart, "'02" is a worthy game to play.\n

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