DESCRIPTION

The second game in Midway's arcade-style NHL Hitz series offers a franchise mode, complete NHL schedule, and a beginner's tutorial called Hockey School. The fast-paced action continues with the same three-on-three competition found in NHL Hitz 20-02, but the rinks are now larger and include an on-ice referee, bigger crowds, animated coaches, and functional scoreboards. The Season mode has been adjusted to accommodate trades, a playoff tree, deeper stat tracking, and individual player awards.

Six mini-games are also available for one or two players to test their skill in a variety of skating and shooting challenges. In addition to the 30 NHL teams and players with ratings based on the 2001-2002 season, NHL Hitz 20-03 features new fantasy stadiums, secret teams, and bonus players. A two-man announcing team handles the in-game commentary, and new motion-capture sessions were filmed to better re-create actual checking between two athletes. Players can also create their own stars using the separate Create-Player option. ~ Scott Alan Marriott, All Game Guide