Gaming Target - GameCube: NHL Hitz 20-02

Written by Kyle Williams on December 04, 2001

First Impressions: Feeling brave tonight, tough guy?

With a championship and franchise mode included one could be led to believe that NHL Hitz is a serious take on the game of hockey. That is not the case, however, as Midway has done its best to achieve something rather dissimilar. The NBA Jam series might be the best comparison, and if that is your preferred flavor you could be in for a treat.

Even if the players skate well and handle the puck in a quite realistic way, NHL Hitz is all about fast and furious arcade action. First of all, there are only three ice hockey players from each team on the ice at the same time-four if you count the goalies-which is two less than on the real ice. The rink is also smaller than it should be, which gives plenty of opportunities for big hits. In the final version you will probably be able to set the speed yourself in the options menu, but it will always go fast no matter what you choose. Lastly, slap and wrist shots are easily executed by holding or tapping the shoot button, but even if you opt for the slightly less powerful wrist shot the puck will without a doubt fly over the screen at an incredible speed.

The game will at first glance probably be seen as a ridicule of simulation titles, but NHL Hitz actually sports plenty of tactical elements. Even if the gameplay might have been dumbed down from the real sport there is still some strategy to it. One-timers, for example, will probably play a crucial role for achieving the higher scores, and timing your cross and poke checks will most likely be vital for emerging victorious. Moreover, there is a speed button that makes players skate much faster, but as there is going to be a speed burst meter that is depleted relatively quickly it will be wise not to overuse this function.

In the PS2 version the graphics are neither bad nor exceptionally good. Player animation is better than I expected from a game that emphasizes so much on the arcade aspect, though. Hockey players bring the puck with them with their gloves, sticks, and even skates. The animation routine when you, for example, do a quick left in front of the goalie and the player drags the puck with him by means of his right skate is especially notable. Hopefully the GameCube version can build on the features found on the PS2 and include some beefed up graphics while retaining the good animation routines.

There are thankfully plenty of extras promised as well, such as a skills competition and create-a-player options. The in-game crowd will be modeled in full 3D, which isn't exactly standard in sports games of today, and with lots of fantasy stadiums, classic Уon fireФ mode, and plenty of hard tackles NHL Hitz could very well come together to please a lot of arcade hockey fans.