DESCRIPTION

NHL 2003 continues EA SPORTS' ten-year hockey franchise with a variety of enhancements designed to improve key areas of gameplay. New players can jump right into the action by setting the skill level to beginner and then listening as a series of audio cues teach them how to shoot, pass, and check. Up to eight different dekes can be initiated by a press of a button, and multiple slider options let players of varying abilities customize the game to their liking. Four different game modes include Franchise, Playoffs, International Tournament, and Play Now.

The Game Breaker feature incorporates a meter that increases with every successful deke, one-timer, or other offensive move. Once completely filled, players will become "in the zone" as their surrounding elements slow down to create an advantage. "On the Ice" sound is designed to re-create the bench chatter, taunts, and atmosphere at a real hockey game, while "EA GameStory 2" documents individual achievements throughout the course of a season with special in-game overlays and highlights. Rounding out the list of features are improved goalie AI, a new graphics engine, and additional animation. ~ Scott Alan Marriott, All Game Guide