This game employs the same three-on-three format as Hitz 2002. The 2003 sequel features larger rinks, crowds, referees, and animated coaches. All 30 NHL teams are represented by motion-capture animation, and the Create-Player option allows you to create your players. Season mode in the game now supports trades, stat tracking, and player awards.
In exhibition mode, up to four players can compete against each other. Season mode places you in an NHL schedule, but you can switch to a shorter season. There are also a few hockey-related minigames, such as keep-away. Franchise mode allows you to create your team, name your players, and compete against other teams for experience points. These points can be used to improve your players’ toughness, speed, passing, and agility. After defeating all lesser teams in a tier, you can face the “boss team” for that region. Beating that team earns you new equipment for your players, which boosts their stats.
