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
Buy Now
Buy on
  1. Game Informer
    85
    For the second year running, "NHL" best encapsulates the play and and authenticity of the sport. [Sept 2004, p.103]
  2. Sports Gaming Network
    84
    NHL 2005 does have many things going for it, but it just is not as good as "ESPN NHL 2K5." There are no glaring problems with EA's game, but it just was not as fun as it had the potential to be.
  3. GameZone
    84
    Add silky smooth animations and an addictive pick-up-and-play gameplay style and you end up with NHL 2005.
  5. IGN
    83
    Although a lot of the other pieces are in place -- Franchise, modes, and presentation -- the final product is a little light on gameplay.
  6. PGNx Media
    83
    The actual gameplay is pretty solid throughout, the visuals are excellent and the rest of the presentation isn’t too shabby. That said, it doesn’t do anything principally different.
  7. Play Magazine
    83
    The lax AI from last year's game has been stepped up...An improved Dynasty Mode and the inclusion of the World Cup of Hockey round out this great hockey title. [Sept 2004, p.84]
    All this publication's reviews
  8. AceGamez
    80
    People who are looking for a fast sports game can't go wrong with this, but those wanting to upgrade might want to rent it first to see if it's worth their hard earned pennies.
    All this publication's reviews
  9. Nintendojo
    80
    To be honest, if you’ve already own last year’s game, there isn’t that much of a point to check this game out. Why? Lockout. There won’t even be a season this year. There just aren’t enough improvements here to ensure your interest.
  10. GameSpot
    79
    This is still a solid game of hockey, but it isn't the most realistic or best-playing NHL title out there, and as such, it shouldn't be your first choice for one.
  11. Game Revolution
    75
    While the control tweaks get props, the defensive A.I. has been cranked up a shade too much.

Awards & Rankings

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

User Reviews

All reviews »
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 »
See all user reviews »