NHL 2004

 GameCube
Metascore
85

Generally favorable reviews - based on 18 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 17 out of 18
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 18
  3. Negative: 0 out of 18
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  1. Play Magazine
    100
    Not to be outdone, EA Sports has upped the ante with NHL 2004 and it truly has left me speechless. What am I so excited about? One word - Dynasty Mode... For hockey fans, this is a no brainer. [Sept 2003, p.88]
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  2. Game Informer
    90
    Dense with managerial options and overflowing with new gameplay features, NHL 2004 is a complete turnaround from last season's disastrous release and is this year's must-have hockey title. [Oct 2003, p.131]
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  3. Cheat Code Central
    90
    NHL 2004 has gone the distance and has surpassed the 2003 version by leaps and bounds.
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  5. Yahoo!
    90
    This is almost certainly the best release in the history of the NHL series and one of the most authentic action-oriented sports games currently on the market.
  6. IGN
    88
    Mimics the real thing more than ever and therefore the joys of the sport are found in big hits, near misses and brilliant scoring opportunities that barely miss lighting the lamp. If you can get over the fact that scoring is going to be reserved only for those that deserve it.
  7. Nintendojo
    88
    An excellent hockey video game. It sets a precedent for game mode depth. In particular, its dynasty mode is sick and twisted in terms of its Madden-esque depth.
  8. Playboy
    88
    Expanded fight controls include grappling, punch selection and the ability to pull off the gloves whenever rink rage overcomes you. [Oct 2003, p.37]
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  9. Gamer's Pulse
    88
    The controls are tight and deep, the Dynasty Mode is great, and the gameplay is realistic and fun.
  10. GameSpot
    86
    In a few fundamental ways, the game actually does manage to beat out the opposition, though ultimately it falls a bit short of being the best overall package. It's still a really great hockey game in its own right, though.
  11. Next Level Gaming
    86
    While the game moved from the arcade feel to more a realistic feel, the impressive graphics remain.
  12. TotalGames.net
    85
    If you want the most comprehensive and thorough hockey game/management sim, then NHL 2004 is the place to turn.
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  13. GameSpy
    85
    It's remarkable that EA has managed to catch up to the incredible effort from Sega in a single generation, and if it weren't for an overly trying physics engine on the ice, the two would be in a dead heat.
  14. GameCube Europe
    84
    EA puts more emphasis on realistic gameplay making the experience less approachable. Passing, for instance, needs to be executed pretty accurate otherwise you’ll lose the puck easily.
  15. Game Revolution
    83
    Does a fantastic job for the hardcore hockey fan with endless hours of play in Dynasty mode, but it can’t quite match the competition when it comes to delivery and mechanics.
  16. GamePro
    80
    A nice middle ground between realism and action.
  17. Armchair Empire
    79
    If the GameCube is your only access to gaming bliss and you’re a hockey fan, then there really isn’t a better hockey game for you than NHL 2004. Just be prepared to groan when you have your friend trash talk you when they score a back handed one timer from the point.
  18. Nintendo Power
    76
    The basic game play and graphics are similar to those of the franchise's 2003 edition, but they were already top-notch. [Dec 2003, p.146]
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  19. Electronic Gaming Monthly
    73
    Too much force and not enough finesse - that's the problem with EA's puck offering. Don't get me wrong, I'm all for getting' physical, but not when it comes at the cost of disrupting the natural flow of hockey. [Oct 2003, p.138]
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Awards & Rankings

18
#18 Best GameCube Game of 2003
86
#86 Most Discussed GameCube Game of 2003

User Reviews

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User Score
7.4

Mixed or average reviews- based on 9 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 9
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 9
  3. Negative: 2 out of 9
  1. neojotic
    Aug 26, 2020
    8
    A groundbreaking entry in the series. NHL 2004 introduced GM mode which has changed how most single players play the game even today.

    The    A groundbreaking entry in the series. NHL 2004 introduced GM mode which has changed how most single players play the game even today.

    The original GM mode in this game had more charm, your desk and office can be customized and you can invest in specific areas for your franchise.

    Game play is pretty standard for a 2000s NHL game and there are a lot of options for setting up your game modes that have since been removed.

    2004 doesn't have the charm that 2002 and 2003 had, it moves more towards simulation. 2004 is a classic for this reason. It was a step in the direction NHL games have now found themselves in.    … Full Review »
  2. Uter
    Jul 8, 2004
    3
    I don't know quite how, but this series has been run into the ground with the last few entires. This ones another big disappointment. I don't know quite how, but this series has been run into the ground with the last few entires. This ones another big disappointment. Note to EA: I don't want more pop fluff during the hockey game. I sometimes wonder what sort of people they hire to come up with their innovative ideas each year. Not actual hockey fans, that's for sure.… Full Review »
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