What it is
This game is a version of hockey that defies all the traditional rules. It's a 3-on-3 plus goalies game with absolutely no realism whatsoever. This may turn off lots of video hockey fans (as it did me at first), but if you don't think of it as hockey, it won't disappoint you.
What it isn't
This game is NOT supposed to be real hockey. None of the standard hockey rules apply. You will not get called for offsides, 2-line pass, icing, roughing, cross-checking, high-sticking, fighting, or anything else that you would see in regulation. You can even check the goalie and crash into the crease and score. In fact, the only way to win is to use the dirtiest tricks in hockey (Scott Stevens fans, pay attention!).
On with the game
Now that I've described the essence of the game, let's go into some details.
Game Modes
You can choose from Exhibition, Regular Season, Playoffs, and Franchise for games. Also there is a Skills mode that challenges you to various tests of skills vs. a given time limit.
Exhibition
This is basically just what it says. A single game where you choose your team and the opponent. You are awarded points for winning exhibition games, and you can use these points to buy "hidden" or "locked" goodies (such as new arenas, special jerseys, various heads for your team, etc).
Regular Season + Playoffs
This is what you expect to get in hockey-type game. Choose a team and play the entire regular season and playoffs in the quest for the Stanley Cup. Note: you can use any of the unlocked items you have purchased through exhibition play.
Franchise
Here's where NHL Hitz shines. The Franchise mode allows you to build a custom team from the ground up. You can pick from a generous list of uniforms and team logos, fine tune the physical characteristics of each of your 7 players (there are about 30 characteristics you can play around with), choose a face for you players, select where the team's shooting "hot spot" is located on the ice, and even assign "nick-names" to your players (in addition to the name on their jersey) so that the announcer mentions them during play. You start off with a small amount of Attribute Points to distribute among your players, and with each victory you are allotted more points to strengthen your team. In this respect, the game is very similar to Gran Turismo in that you can constantly upgrade and alter you players. Note: you can use any of the unlocked items you have purchased through exhibition play.
Gameplay
Overall, the gameplay is smooth. The GameCube's directional stick lends itself well to the fluid motions of skating. The passing is brainless, you don't even have to aim at another player. There is some control over shot direction, however. I was disappointed to discover that there is no "flip" (ie - pass in the air) move in the game. The commentator is pretty good, but lags behind the plays too much for a game this new. The sound track is top notch, and the sound effect are great, too (with the exception of the "skate" sound, which I think is really cheesy).
Extra
Hitz packs in several "secret codes" that alter the gameplay when entered. Every time you score a goal, a few people in the crowd will stand up and hold signs that have the code on it. There are about 15 in all, and my favorites are "No Puck Out of Play" (which keeps the puck from flying out of play no matter what) and "Bulldozer Puck" (which knocks down any opponent that attempts to block your shot).
Sadistic AI
If you have played many sports games, you have at some point become the victim of a biased CPU. Hitz must be a very proud game, because it "cheats" without remorse when trailing. The AI starts off being rather average, and it begins to learn your passing lanes and favorite moves (to a lesser extent). However, it kicks into overdrive in the late 2nd and 3rd periods -- but only if it is losing. I have lost many games where I had a 4 or 5 goal lead going into the 3rd period. I even lost one game where I had a 3 goal lead with 55 seconds left in the game! Be prepared to get angry at the unprecedented amount of bullsh!t that will rear its ugly head late in the game.
Overall
I think you should rent this game before making a purchase. It has many fun aspects, but it could be a real downer for some players.
Epinions.com periodically updates pricing and product information from third-party sources, so some information may be slightly out-of-date. You should confirm all information before relying on it.
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