NHL HITZ 2003 from Midway is the latest in their
harder, faster, more flashy sports series that includes Slugfest, and Blitz.
Highlighting faster gameplay special effects, and hard hitting action Midway
sports has created a game that separates itself from the pack.
HITZ offers several modes of gameplay including
mini-games, franchise building, exhibition and season play. Aside from the
mini-games which vary between pretty entertaining (king of the rink) and dull as
dirt (3 in a row), HITZ focuses on a 3-on-3 hockey experience. This creates an
exceptionally fast paced game. It also allows for a much smaller team roster,
which comes in handy when going through the franchise making process. With a
multitude of options, stats and appearances it is difficult to pick out the best
part of the team making process. But if I had to put my finger on it I would
have to say its the nicknames. The game includes a huge list of nicknames which
the announcers will yell any time your player does anything of interest.
Ranging from mundane names such as Mike to stranger ones like 010110 the game
gives you a huge variety with which to customize your character. I must say
hearing the announcer yell "Great hit by Uncle Louis" as my zombie headed
enforcer checks an opponent through the glass always brings a tear to my eye.
Their is a multitude of unlockables from
equipment to character models. In addition to the extensive character creation
and mini-games Hitz offers several more unique features. Individual players or
entire teams can go on fire increasing their stats for a set duration. The
other is a pretty complicated fighting system that incorporates several punching
options, blocks and dodges.
Graphically the game is pretty good. Even though
some of the effects are a little bland after a while, the character models are
great. Small features such as the glass shattering when you check people
through it or the way the puck lights up on a shot, along with fantastic arenas
and models, show the obvious effort that went into designing the feel of this
game.
The sound track includes several big name groups
that you would expect to hear in a game that goes by the name HITZ. Just a few
of the names are Incubus, Rob Zombie, and Powerman 5000. In addition, the
extensive list of nicknames, crowd sounds, and announcer dialog make listening
to this game almost as fun as playing it.
HITZ is a great take on the high paced hard
hitting atmosphere of the rink.
Gameplay: 8
Solid, well done, and fast paced.
Graphics: 8
Funny at times realistic at others. A generally good job of mixing style
and realism.
Sound: 8
Fun, fast soundtrack that matches the pace of the game.
Difficulty: Medium
Easy to learn but difficulty increases as you advance.
Concept: 8
It’s the same successful formula they’ve applied to baseball and football.
It’s no Mutant League but it does its job.
Multiplayer: 8
Best part of this game is making a team
of your friends to play with. While certain tasks are difficult to complete
with more than one player, being able to coordinate your enforcer with your
shooter is invaluable.
Overall: 8
Solid addition to a fun series of sports games.
