NHL 2002

 Xbox
Metascore
89

Generally favorable reviews - based on 17 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 16 out of 17
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 17
  3. Negative: 0 out of 17
Buy Now
Buy on
  1. GamePro
    100
    Turns in a superstar performance with its addictive gameplay, authentic hockey feel, and exhaustive features.
  2. Game Informer
    93
    The framerate is incredibly smooth. [Dec 2001, p.109]
    All this publication's reviews
  3. Sports Gaming Network
    92
    The key to the game is the balance of arcade and sim elements of the gameplay. The game is flat out fun to play, which is what counts the most.
  5. Electronic Gaming Monthly
    92
    The frame rate has also been improved upon over NHL 2002 on the PS2, and runs as smooth as Michael Jordan’s newly shaved head.
  6. Game Revolution
    91
    It is one of the best hockey games I've played...a picture perfect port of the Playstation 2 version. The graphics are just a smidgen better than the original.
  7. IGN
    90
    The best hockey simulation anywhere on any platform.
  8. BBC Sport
    90
    It's by far the most realistic game of its genre available - and that is likely to remain for some time to come.
  9. Hot Games
    90
    EA Sports has crafted one of the best hockey games around, with stunning, realistic graphics and rock-solid game play.
  10. GamePen
    90
    Gameplay is fast and furious-as it should be in a hockey game. If anything the gameplay is almost too fast.
  11. GamerWeb Xbox
    88
    The formula of solid gameplay, plus solid sound and controls makes for a hell of a hockey game.
  12. GameSpot
    87
    The deepest, most realistic 3D NHL game on the market. Even though its graphics fail to take advantage of the Xbox hardware, its depth of modes is staggering, and the gameplay is predominantly tight.
  13. Official Xbox Magazine
    86
    Rocks the rink. [Jan 2002]
    All this publication's reviews
  14. Cloudchaser
    85
    First comment that comes to mind is 'smooth'. The players have a good sense of motion in the game giving it a very realistic feel which is expressed more-over in the way 'motion capture' seems to never miss a beat.
  15. Games Radar
    80
    You'll actually want to play by yourself to unlock a slew of easter eggs. [XGamer Magazine]
  16. Next Generation Magazine
    80
    Great graphics, superb animation, and peerless TV-style presentation. [Jan 2002, p.28]
    All this publication's reviews
  17. Xbox Nation Magazine
    80
    Few sports games ride the line between simulation and arcade as deftly as this. [Jan 2002, p.88]
    All this publication's reviews
  18. TeamXbox
    70
    If you enjoy fast-paced, action packed, back cracking, ice cold hockey, I suggest you head on over and pick up this title...I wouldn’t go as far as saying it is a must buy.

Awards & Rankings

3
#3 Best Xbox Game of 2001
21
#21 Most Discussed Xbox Game of 2001

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
6.8

Mixed or average reviews- based on 8 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 8
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 8
  3. Negative: 2 out of 8
  1. darkNiGHTS0
    Feb 9, 2019
    10
    Pure arcade goodness, one of my favorite NHL games out there. Love how you can adjust the speed of gameplay, and the season mode is very wellPure arcade goodness, one of my favorite NHL games out there. Love how you can adjust the speed of gameplay, and the season mode is very well done. The commentators are ridiculous, in a good way.… Full Review »
  2. BlueFalcon
    Apr 9, 2005
    6
    I was hyped about this release at the time, but it was very disappointing. The goalie AI is a big problem - it's predictable.
  3. Ben
    Oct 1, 2002
    10
    I thought this game was the sh.t.
See all user reviews »