NHL 2K2

 Dreamcast
  • Publisher: Sega
  • Release Date: Feb 14, 2002
Metascore
80

Generally favorable reviews - based on 11 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 11
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 11
  3. Negative: 0 out of 11
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  1. IGN
    92
    The gameplay and features are the slickest out there, and in terms of simulating the experience of hockey, NHL 2K2 delivers the most authentic representation I've seen yet.
  2. Sports Gaming Network
    92
    If you can get past some of the sloppy control and strong defensive qualities of the game (including a too-effective poke check), you'll find a game completely opposite all other arcade based titles on the market.
  3. Gaming Age
    91
    A fast, fun, deep, and graphically impressive game and it’s been well worth the two year wait since Sega released the original.
  5. Hot Games
    90
    The controls in NHL 2K2 get the nod for being the most intuitive in the genre.
  6. Electronic Gaming Monthly
    82
    Its top game speed, Lightning (yes, that's what they call it), keeps the action firing at an intense clip without sacrificing skater physics. In other words, it's slippery fast, but not in a cheesy, pretend way. [May 2002, p.114]
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  7. GameSpot
    81
    A great game of hockey... It may not have all the features that we would have liked, but it's certainly a lot of fun to play.
  8. Electric Playground
    80
    In the good, but not great category, NHL 2K2's artificial intelligence provides moments of excellence, tempered with moments of sheer stupidity.
  9. Play Magazine
    80
    It's all here, with looks that kill and gameplay to support it. [April 2002, p.63]
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  10. Planet Dreamcast
    70
    While it has all the makings of a great game, its ho-hum presentation, standard graphics and gameplay, missing online play and overall lack of innovation make this a game to pass on if you can.
  11. GamePro
    60
    The controls, while exhaustive in their scope, suffer from too much complexity, and skating and checking never quite feel right.
  12. XenGamers
    58
    The sound of skates on ice is particularly grating here, sounding more like nails on a blackboard than thin knives of steel dragging across a slab of frozen water.

Awards & Rankings

1
#1 Best Dreamcast Game of 2002
1
#1 Most Discussed Dreamcast Game of 2002
1
#1 Most Shared Dreamcast Game of 2002

User Reviews

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User Score
8.1

Generally favorable reviews- based on 8 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 8
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 8
  3. Negative: 1 out of 8
  1. hoogafanter
    Aug 3, 2017
    9
    This game is far from amazing by today's standards, but it truly is one of the greats of it's time. It sits somewhere between simulation andThis game is far from amazing by today's standards, but it truly is one of the greats of it's time. It sits somewhere between simulation and arcadish... and it's a great blend. It certainly suffers from awkward controls and some inconsistencies, but it's alot of fun to play and that's the most important thing. The breakaways are hard to get but so damn satisfying, as is pretty much every goal...… Full Review »
  2. AlM.
    Apr 12, 2003
    4
    Nhl 2k2 is easily one of the most underwhelming hockey games on the market. sega sports seems to have missed the boat about how to design a Nhl 2k2 is easily one of the most underwhelming hockey games on the market. sega sports seems to have missed the boat about how to design a realistic hockey game. as far as the graphics go they are relatively clean and sharp. where sega loses marks is in its player models which all look like football players on skates. the arenas aren't bad, however aside from the logo at center ice the gamer won't be able to tell the difference between cities. gameplay is where nhl 2k2 really suffers. the computer ai is too cheap when it comes to offensive chances. collision between players often makes for very scrambly play and it seems like every human controlled character skates with his head down. in addition to the scrambly play the cpu erroneously faces off at center ice after EVERY penalty called. if you plan on passing the puck from your goalie to the defenseman, forget about it. it seems like the goallies can only stop the puck and not pass it with any authority. often you will find that if you do try to clear it with your goalie it will just weakly lay in the slot for an opponent to jump on. avoid this game, nhk 2k2 is garbage. for real hockey fans stick with nhl 2002 or 2003 by ea sports. the guys who really know hockey.… Full Review »
  3. LaneB.
    Feb 27, 2002
    8
    The game's good but on any difficulty but easy the defenders stick check you to death and you can't get a shot off. I guess The game's good but on any difficulty but easy the defenders stick check you to death and you can't get a shot off. I guess it's realistic but I'd like to be able to come out front of the net with the puck.… Full Review »
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