The “best-selling pro hockey franchise” returned in 2004 with even more content.
N.H.L. 2004, like Madden N.F.L. 2004, has a deep career mode called Dynasty Mode. You take over as General Manager for up to twenty seasons. As G.M., you’ll have to negotiate contracts, run drafts, make trades, sign free agents, ensure your players get the necessary training, and more. You may be inducted into the GM Hall of Fame if you perform well enough.
Aside from Dynasty mode, there are three standard game modes: Season, Exhibition, and Playoffs.
N.H.L. 2004’s control has been improved, allowing for more precise movement than in previous games. Tap the button results in special passes, shots, and accurate skating.
N.H.L. 2004 includes a new fighting engine for more accurate and realistic battles. The right analog stick is in charge of “Bruise Control,” enabling you to perform various moves by tilting the bar in different directions. You’ll need to agitate a player before engaging in combat, and this is where his Agitation Meter comes into play. Losing the game, being checked, and making sloppy passes all raise his Agitation Meter to the point where he is ready to burst and fight at the slightest poke check.
N.H.L. 2004 includes the E.A. Sports Bio, available on all console versions of E.A. Sports games. Playing more E.A. Sports titles, playing them for an extended period, and achieving exceptional achievements (such as your first shutout in N.H.L. 2004 or your first number one finish in NASCAR Thunder 2004) will earn you a higher Gamer Level and reward you with bonuses such as cheat codes and new stadiums. This feature is not available on the P.C. version.
In addition to the standard N.H.L. roster, there are thirty-nine international teams to choose from, including Germany’s DEL and Sweden’s Elitserien, as well as the usual U.S.A., Canada, and other regulars.
N.H.L. 2004 for the PlayStation 2 and Windows supports online play.
