NHL 2K3

 Xbox
NHL 2K3 Image
Metascore
89

Generally favorable reviews - based on 17 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
6.5

Mixed or average reviews- based on 11 Ratings

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0 out of 10
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  • Summary: More than just familiar faces and numbers, Sega Sports NHL 2K3 delivers player realism down to size, skill, and behavior, resulting in individuals that exhibit accurate styles of play. Grinders battle for pucks in the corners, elite players see the ice and create opportunities, and fastMore than just familiar faces and numbers, Sega Sports NHL 2K3 delivers player realism down to size, skill, and behavior, resulting in individuals that exhibit accurate styles of play. Grinders battle for pucks in the corners, elite players see the ice and create opportunities, and fast skaters exploit their speed. The all-new Franchise Mode lets you capitalize on player accuracy to develop a team that plays your brand of hockey.… Expand
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 17 out of 17
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 17
  3. Negative: 0 out of 17
  1. GamePro
    100
    If you’re looking to play hockey of the NHL variety, to tackle pro challenges and use real-life strategies, NHL 2K3 will thrill you as much as watching your team heroically survive a five-on-three penalty kill.
  2. Operation Sports
    95
    It looks fantastic, sounds fantastic, and possesses unrivaled gameplay – online or off.
  3. GameSpy
    92
    The biggest difference between 2K3 and its competition, though, is the game's physics. Players move like they're actually on ice.
  4. IGN
    89
    If you are a fan of hockey or if you want to try hockey on a level beyond Hitz and NHL 2003, then this is absolutely the way to go. And it doesn't hurt that it's online!
  5. GameSpot
    88
    The new additions, excellent gameplay, and Xbox Live support make this the best hockey game of the year.
  6. XenGamers
    83
    It still has some issues that need addressing for 2K4, but even a flawed NHL 2K3 is leagues better than EA Sports' latest.
  7. Cheat Code Central
    80
    This game is fantastic but it's buggy online play has really kicked the crap out of the overall value.
    All this publication's reviews

See all 17 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4 out of 7
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 7
  3. Negative: 0 out of 7
  1. ToMMy
    Mar 6, 2003
    10
    I just love this game. The gameplay is so smooth and realistic. Also I love the tiny fights that occur when you play really rough.. This I just love this game. The gameplay is so smooth and realistic. Also I love the tiny fights that occur when you play really rough.. This game will give you months of pleasure, since you're never really finished playing it! It goes on and on and on.... Go get it! NOW!… Expand
  2. TyH.
    Jan 11, 2003
    10
    Just simply the best in terms of gameplay and realism. Sure nhl 2003 looks pretty but it's collected almost an inch of dust sinceJust simply the best in terms of gameplay and realism. Sure nhl 2003 looks pretty but it's collected almost an inch of dust since i've gotten 2k3.… Expand
  4. GreenTiger
    May 20, 2003
    9
    Absolutely amazing game. When you are playing it actually feels much more like ice then any other hockey video game I have played before. The Absolutely amazing game. When you are playing it actually feels much more like ice then any other hockey video game I have played before. The gameplay is the selling point for NHL 2K3. While it seems many people are complaining about the "difficult" goalies, I think with some more skill it really is not that hard. Using real hockey strategies and properly passing can completely fool a goalie; not to mention that you can beautifully deke out a goalie with excellent control. I find that the players are much more responsive to the controls in comparison to EA's NHL 2003. The XBOX Live factor makes this game a must buy for any sports fan.… Expand
  5. JimR.
    Jun 14, 2003
    8
    Not bad, but the goalies are way too good. It took 46 shots by the Avs to score one goal against Florida!! I can't find anymore camera Not bad, but the goalies are way too good. It took 46 shots by the Avs to score one goal against Florida!! I can't find anymore camera angles, but othjer than that, a superb hockey game. Much better than NHL 2003.… Expand
  6. FranF.
    Jan 15, 2003
    7
    I don't know much about hockey. In fact, everything I learned about it was from my NHL-fan friend. But, I can tell you that the NHL I don't know much about hockey. In fact, everything I learned about it was from my NHL-fan friend. But, I can tell you that the NHL games are fun, especially this one. It's fast, it's furious, it's VERY detailed (according to my friend) as far as being like the actual game. In fact, it may take a while to get down the more advanced controls. However, I truly enjoy this game only when playing with another person. Single player is ok, but my experience with it playing my friend makes it a lot more fun - not to mention having a few beers with it as well. :)… Expand
  7. AdrianM.
    Apr 14, 2003
    6
    Good game except for the fact that the goalies are too skilled. Even with goalie skill set at its lowest often 30-40 shots are needed for one Good game except for the fact that the goalies are too skilled. Even with goalie skill set at its lowest often 30-40 shots are needed for one goal. Despite having nearly 500 shots more than most other teams my team has the 5th least amount of goals. Goalie skill can become very frustrating. Otherwise a fun game.… Expand
  8. MaxM.
    Apr 24, 2003
    5
    This game is definitely geared toward the die-hard hockey fan. As far as fun for the normal, videogame/sports fan, a flop. When no one scores This game is definitely geared toward the die-hard hockey fan. As far as fun for the normal, videogame/sports fan, a flop. When no one scores for 35 minutes straight, it just gets old. Couldn't even get into a fight.… Expand

Awards & Rankings

7
#7 Best Xbox Game of 2002
55
#55 Most Discussed Xbox Game of 2002