NHL 2005

 GameCube
Metascore
75

Generally favorable reviews - based on 18 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 10 out of 18
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 18
  3. Negative: 0 out of 18
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  1. Nintendo Power
    74
    A great update of an established franchise. [Dec 2004, p.146]
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  2. GameSpy
    70
    The new Open Ice mechanics allow for smoother, wide-open play than previous versions, and the Dynasty Mode is as deep and realistic as any I've ever seen.
  3. Yahoo!
    70
    While the game's is an improvement over the 2004 edition, it's still not quite up to snuff.
  5. Gaming Age
    67
    The ease of play, with the challenge of a good A.I. creates the perfect balance that not only makes for a realistic competition, but an enjoyable one as well.
  6. Electronic Gaming Monthly
    63
    Flow? NHL 2005's skaters have no flow, 'cause they're always lying out on the ice from hit after hit - just like last year. I know hockey is a rough game, but c'mon, I like to control the puck for more than two seconds before picking up my teeth. [Oct 2004, p.99]
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  7. games(TM)
    60
    This is EA’s take on NHL action as it’s always been, rejigged with improved animations and new moves so it’s inevitably the best version yet. [Nov 2004, p.119]
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  8. Armchair Empire
    60
    A decent title, but if you already own NHL 2004 you’re probably wasting your time and money for updated player stats, a token number of additions, and some new animations.
  9. G4 TV
    60
    The bar has been set higher by "ESPN NHL 2K5," whose presentation, sense of realism, and play modes simply outclass, outshine, and outperform those found in NHL 2005.

Awards & Rankings

33
#33 Best GameCube Game of 2004
53
#53 Most Discussed GameCube Game of 2004

User Reviews

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User Score
5.6

Mixed or average reviews- based on 5 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 2 out of 5
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 5
  3. Negative: 2 out of 5
  1. Kyle_Katarn92
    Nov 15, 2016
    7
    The dynasty mode was a lot of fun, the lack of the 'create a player' feature really hurts the game dough. EA included a new national team,The dynasty mode was a lot of fun, the lack of the 'create a player' feature really hurts the game dough. EA included a new national team, Denmark, which can be used in the world tournament.… Full Review »
  2. GeorgeS.
    Dec 11, 2004
    9
    Great dynasty mode, only thing missing is create a player mode.
  3. JodyO.
    Sep 26, 2004
    2
    Add chainsaws to this game and call it mutant league returns. First time i ever preordered a game and the last time as well. They've Add chainsaws to this game and call it mutant league returns. First time i ever preordered a game and the last time as well. They've been making NHL since the days of sega. How can they get it soooo wrong? … Full Review »
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