NHL 2005

 PlayStation 2
NHL 2005 Image
Metascore
75

Generally favorable reviews - based on 21 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.2

Generally favorable reviews- based on 26 Ratings

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  • Summary: OPEN ICE CONTROL: Seamlessly switch between players with or without the puck -- call for passes, tell a teammate to shoot, set up a vicious one-timer, or call for a defensive double-team on the fly with the push of a button. TOTAL PLAYER AWARENESS: With more player awareness than everOPEN ICE CONTROL: Seamlessly switch between players with or without the puck -- call for passes, tell a teammate to shoot, set up a vicious one-timer, or call for a defensive double-team on the fly with the push of a button. TOTAL PLAYER AWARENESS: With more player awareness than ever before, make saucer passes just before the blueline, call in a second defender to break up a 2-on-1, or fire off wrist shots at the perfect angle on net. FACE-OFF PLAYBOOK: New playcalling system allows you to choose offensive and defensive face-off strategies every time the whistle blows. Plan an attack in your opponent's zone or protect the net right before the puck drops. THE WORLD CUP OF HOCKEY: Take part in the excitement of this year's World Cup of Hockey event featuring teams from USA, Canada, Sweden, Finland, Germany, Russia, Czech Republic, and Slovakia playing in authentic European and North American venues. ALL-NEW SKATING ENGINE: Glide then use explosive speed to get to the open ice -- now you have more puck-handling and turning control. A refined backwards skating system also allows for unprecedented defensive precision and control. THE DRILL: The intensity explodes off the ice with The Drill -- one net, one goalie, and every man for himself. Up to four can play and the one who scores the most goals wins. ENHANCED EA SPORTS ONLINE: Make a run for the Stanley Cup™: in the world's largest online competition, complete with leaderboards, downloadable rosters, and improved cheating countermeasures. [EA Sports]… Expand
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 13 out of 21
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 21
  3. Negative: 0 out of 21
  1. GameZone
    88
    The “Open Ice Control” that the developers implemented in NHL 2005 really expands the entire gameplay, since it adds more strategy to every play that you might go through.
  2. IGN
    83
    If you're looking for a raw, wide-open experience with lots of arcade elements, NHL 2005 is for you...If you're more into the strategy of real hockey—the poke checks, the traps, the dumps, the dekes -- then you'll either have to try to design this game to fit your tastes (which can be frustrating) or go elsewhere.
  3. 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 and online play could have been implemented better.
  4. PSX Nation
    80
    On an average year I'd suggest you rent NHL 2005 but, with the '04/'05 season all but lost to the NHL lockout, even a slightly-improved hockey game goes a long way.
  5. Game Revolution
    75
    While EA has been able to make some improvements to their franchise, they just haven’t done enough to keep up with the ice maniacs over at ESPN.
  6. Official U.S. Playstation Magazine
    70
    The players look great, but there's too much hitting, too much speed, and too little hockey. [Oct 2004, p.99]
    All this publication's reviews
  7. Operation Sports
    60
    Fans of the ‘sport’ of hockey are going to be frustrated by the extreme emphasis of arcade gameplay. So frustrated they are going to wonder when Midway’s next title will be coming out to get the true arcade hockey video game. Those who are looking for a more simulation based hockey experience also better look elsewhere.

See all 21 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 15 out of 17
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 17
  3. Negative: 0 out of 17
  1. ThomasW.
    Jan 15, 2005
    10
    I love this game because you can be toronto and trade some of there better older players who have a large salary and get younger bergeron I love this game because you can be toronto and trade some of there better older players who have a large salary and get younger bergeron guys or ryders and the computer will trade for the older guys even if they retire in a couple of years so you get the deal, try getting younger players with lots of potential say at least 90 and are fast and have some agressiveness and you can sign them for cheap at least until the get good after a couple of years in the dynasty mode.… Expand
  2. LegendKiller
    Aug 11, 2004
    10
    NHL 2004 was awesome. The looks of this game makes me want to buy it! Go Redden Go! He should make the cover. Go sens GO!
  4. WiLd4JokEr
    Sep 20, 2004
    10
    I had 2004 NHL EA sports. I switched to ESPN 2k5, I didn't like it first but after a while, it's awesome. Pens suck but... go PENGUINS!!
  5. BobR.
    Oct 10, 2004
    9
    This game is great, i myself play hockey, and agree there is a little to much hitting, but that is just the effect that will attract people This game is great, i myself play hockey, and agree there is a little to much hitting, but that is just the effect that will attract people who are not familiar with hockey.… Expand
  6. KevinS.
    Jan 17, 2005
    9
    I have to say that the 04 version blew. It was kiddie almost but espn redeemed themselves with this one. Someone mentioned the goalies I have to say that the 04 version blew. It was kiddie almost but espn redeemed themselves with this one. Someone mentioned the goalies stopping everything, that's true and it's not very realistic but i love the game. Robert Esche plays like an all-star.… Expand
  7. The_D4RknesS
    Apr 23, 2023
    8
    all the things you have in 04 here have been perfected in every way like graphics, details and animations. fun game
  8. SamiS.
    Dec 23, 2004
    6
    Espn nhl2k5 is the best hockey game ever make..........i have been playing hockey at live and videogames allmoust my lifetime(29yrs)so i haveEspn nhl2k5 is the best hockey game ever make..........i have been playing hockey at live and videogames allmoust my lifetime(29yrs)so i have quite good wiew this games.Ea sports nhl2005 is fun to play and dynasty mode is fabulous,but game realistic sucks and it meens me more than dynasty mode.Everyone should try play espn hockey and you will see the differents,goals wont come so easyly and you really have to learn play the game,before you can beat the hardest level.… Expand

See all 17 User Reviews

Awards & Rankings

78
#78 Best PS2 Game of 2004
65
#65 Most Discussed PS2 Game of 2004