NHL Hitz 20-02

 PlayStation 2
  • Publisher: Midway
  • Release Date: Sep 24, 2001
Metascore
78

Generally favorable reviews - based on 18 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 14 out of 18
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 18
  3. Negative: 1 out of 18
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  1. Hot Games
    90
    A pure adrenaline rush, a fun-filled fantasy representation of a sport that already has its over-the-edge moments.
  2. Gamezilla!
    90
    With a combination of stunning graphics, high-octane action and sweet multiplayer gameplay, NHL Hitz 20-02 comes off as one of those rare titles most PS2 owners will not want to miss.
  3. Electric Playground
    90
    The thing that I enjoy most about this arcade style hockey is the big hits. You can actually practice the many skills you will need in this game, including driving your opponent through the glass.
  5. TotalGames.net
    90
    An impressively complete product, able to coax anyone with the slightest interest in its subject matter onto the ice – just don’t forget to bring a potential convert with you… it’s THAT kind of game!
  6. GamePen
    90
    I can’t tell you how much fun it is to check your best friend over the boards and into the stands. That alone is worth the price of admission for me.
  7. GameShark
    86
    There are so many things within NHL Hitz 20-02 to unlock and challenge you the game play is unmatched in any hockey game thus far.
  8. GamerWeb Sony
    85
    Without a doubt, the best arcade hockey game out there. If you're a hockey fan, or even a general sports fan, you should check this game out.
  9. Game Informer
    85
    Extras aside, Hitz plays amazingly well, with lots of fancy tricks and smack-talk-worthy checks. [Dec 2001, p.94]
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  10. PSX Nation
    80
    Hockey has never been more action packed, violent and fun than this unique and oh so Midway approach to the fastest game on earth.
  11. Official U.S. Playstation Magazine
    80
    The finest accomplishment is the stirring fighting system. [Dec 2001, p.170]
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  12. Next Generation Magazine
    80
    The best “wacky” sports game we’ve played in years. [Jan 2002, p.81]
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  13. Cloudchaser
    80
    The sound is one place where the game sort of falls back a bit.
  14. IGN
    76
    Much like many other arcade-styled sports videogames, Hitz simply lacks the long-term depth that's offered up by its sim counterparts.
  15. Game Revolution
    75
    A good deal of dumb fun. Grab a few friends and a case of Labatt's and you've got yourself the perfect rental.
  16. Core Magazine
    67
    Fast, fun and furious in small doses, but it wasn't made for prolonged exposure.
  17. GameSpot
    67
    NHL Hitz can be fun for the first few days of play, but its computer AI, which basically chooses which team wins, ultimately zaps the game of long-term replay value.
  18. Sports Gaming Network
    65
    It really is a shame that Midway and Black Box included such blatant computer assist since it ruins the longevity of what would otherwise be a solid game.
  19. G4 TV
    40
    Despite a solid concept behind it, NHL Hitz 2002 has neither the gameplay nor the presentation level to deliver.

Awards & Rankings

55
#55 Best PS2 Game of 2001
96
#96 Most Discussed PS2 Game of 2001

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
7.6

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. ZiggyStardust
    May 11, 2002
    6
    I'm a huge hockey fan, so i don't mind the game. it does have a few flaws i think though. firstly, there is frequent slow-down when I'm a huge hockey fan, so i don't mind the game. it does have a few flaws i think though. firstly, there is frequent slow-down when the crowd gets onto the screen or when players are all on the screen at once. second, the players look very little like their real-life couterparts. third, the gameplay is a bit boring since there's little to no strategy involved. fourth, the graphics are pretty bad. not only do they look unimpressive, they also are glitchy. fifth, is that there are few settings or gameplay options (i've come to expect to be able to modify some settings to my liking after playing ea games). it's difficult to tell the difference between the fastest game setting and the slowest eventhough there's about 10 different settings. on the up side, the game delivers a fast paced reflex fest. i'd likely hate this game though if i wasn't from canada and a self proclaimed hockey fanatic. … Full Review »
  2. [Anonymous]
    Jan 3, 2002
    0
    This is to counter all those 9 and 10s out there. This game really is about a 6. The graphics are glitchy. There's slowdown. And the This is to counter all those 9 and 10s out there. This game really is about a 6. The graphics are glitchy. There's slowdown. And the gameplay is repetitive. You could do worse though.… Full Review »
  3. SomeoneWholikesnhlhitz
    Dec 23, 2001
    10
    This game is the best you can ever want, it is better than syphonfilter1-2 and anything you can think of.
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