NHL 2K3

 Xbox
Metascore
89

Generally favorable reviews - based on 17 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 17 out of 17
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 17
  3. Negative: 0 out of 17
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  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. Yahoo!
    100
    Treyarch has done a masterful job with this game, satisfying the needs of serious hockey fans without losing sight of the fact that a sports game has to be fun.
  3. Operation Sports
    95
    It looks fantastic, sounds fantastic, and possesses unrivaled gameplay – online or off.
  5. Game Informer
    93
    It's a brilliant design, and a generation ahead of where EA is today. [Dec 2002, p.142]
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  6. GameSpy
    92
    The biggest difference between 2K3 and its competition, though, is the game's physics. Players move like they're actually on ice.
  7. Gaming Age
    91
    With AI that is light years ahead of EA Sports, a simulation experience that's second to none, and a fun - if somewhat fickle - online experience with Xbox, the serious hockey gamer should only look at one title this year.
  8. Armchair Empire
    90
    It’s clear that Sega used the learning experience of the Dreamcast’s SegaNet online gaming to its utmost advantage, because the seamless and lag-free gameplay provided by NHL 2K3 is simply fire-on-ice marvelous.
  9. All Game Guide
    90
    EA's "NHL 2003" is a solid game, but 2K3 is a gem. The intelligent play of the computer players in 2K3 -- unparalleled by any past or present -- makes NHL 2K3 the best hockey video game to date.
  10. 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!
  11. Official Xbox Magazine
    89
    Smooth framerates directly translate into smooth gameplay. [Jan 2003, p.65]
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  12. GameSpot
    88
    The new additions, excellent gameplay, and Xbox Live support make this the best hockey game of the year.
  13. GamerWeb Xbox
    85
    The game is an amazing hockey simulation with great artificial intelligence and online play as well as an acceptable graphics and sound department make NHL 2K3 the absolute best hockey title available.
  14. 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.
  15. Total Video Games
    80
    An absolutely brilliant game to play – really enjoyable, really addictive and instantly playable.
  16. TotalGames.net
    80
    SEGA Sports certainly know how to make their titles as exciting as possible – the music plays, the lights flash, the audience is pumped up, all you’d need is a hotdog and you’d have the perfect hockey experience!
  17. Play Magazine
    80
    NHL 2K3's biggest accomplishment is without question the AI: it is absolutely brilliant - especially the goalie. [Jan 2003, p.84]
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  18. Cheat Code Central
    80
    This game is fantastic but it's buggy online play has really kicked the crap out of the overall value.
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Awards & Rankings

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

User Reviews

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User Score
6.5

Mixed or average reviews- based on 11 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 11
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 11
  3. Negative: 2 out of 11
  1. 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.… Full Review »
  2. 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.… Full Review »
  3. 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.… Full Review »
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