NHL 2002

Last updated
NHL 2002
NHL 2002 Coverart.png
Cover art featuring Mario Lemieux
Developer(s) EA Canada (PC, PS2, Xbox)
Budcat Creations (GBA)
Publisher(s) EA Sports
Series NHL series
Platform(s) PlayStation 2, Xbox, Windows, Game Boy Advance
Release
September 18, 2001
  • Windows
    • NA: September 18, 2001 [1]
    • EU: October 5, 2001
    PlayStation 2
    • NA: September 25, 2001 [2]
    • EU: October 19, 2001
    Xbox
    • NA: December 10, 2001
    • EU: March 14, 2002
    Game Boy Advance
    • NA: March 7, 2002
Genre(s) Sports
Mode(s) Single-player, multiplayer

NHL 2002 is a video game released by EA Sports in 2001. It is the predecessor to NHL 2003 . The game's cover man is Pittsburgh Penguins superstar and owner Mario Lemieux, who had just made a comeback after being retired for three and a half years. It was the first installment of the NHL series to be released on Xbox.

Contents

Features

Bill Clement is replaced by Don Taylor for NHL 2002. Taylor's quirky and often slapstick commentary style drew mixed reception from fans of the game.

GBA version

NHL 2002 was the only game in the series to be released on the Game Boy Advance. This version is an updated port of NHL 96 for the SNES, [3] and contains many features from that past title.


Reception

The PlayStation 2 version received "universal acclaim", while the rest of the console versions received "generally favorable reviews", according to the review aggregation website Metacritic. [4] [5] [6] [7] Jim Preston of NextGen 's December 2001 issue said of the PS2 version, "Only frustrating defensive controls mar another brilliant effort from EA Sports." [25] The magazine later said of the Xbox version in its final issue, "the only real issue we have is that the game's defensive AI is rather flawed, somewhat marring an otherwise incredible experience." [26] In Japan, where the former console version was ported for release on February 7, 2002, Famitsu gave it a score of 29 out of 40. [33]

Kevin Krause of GameZone gave the PS2 version 9.1 out of 10, calling it "A landmark release in that it is the first PS2 game to support Dolby™ Pro Logic and DTS™ sound. These surround sound technologies allow for realistic environmental surround sound like you've never heard it before." [34] Kevin "Biff" Giacobbi gave the PC version 9 out of 10, calling it "A great game, but true hockey fans that buy the latest and greatest that EA gives us each year will not see a whole lot of changes." [35] Christopher Allen of AllGame gave the same PC version three-and-a-half stars out of five, however, saying, "Despite the unwise decision to hire Don Taylor, NHL 2002 will appeal more to the arcade action camp than the purist. While most of the new additions don't work as well as planned, it is encouraging to see fresh ideas implemented. NHL 2002 is fun to play, but isn't particularly true to the sport, which may disturb true hockey fans with its slip away from realism." [36] Will Abner of Computer Games Magazine gave the same PC version a similar score of three-and-a-half stars out of five, saying, "while some features are better, the most important part—the AI—has received little attention. While it's still a fun game, it's not much of an improvement over last year's edition." [37]

Air Hendrix of GamePro said of the PlayStation 2 version, "While the PS2 competition from 989 Sports and Konami won't hit the ice until November at the earliest, NHL 2002 plays so well that it's this year's front-running favorite. If you're interested in hockey in the slightest, this is the game to buy." [38] [lower-alpha 2] He later said of the Xbox version, "An excellent package of slick graphics and topnotch sound complete[s] NHL 2002's impressive outing." [39] [lower-alpha 3] He also said of the Game Boy Advance version, "If fast, playable hockey sounds appealing, you won’t go wrong with NHL 2002." [40] [lower-alpha 4]

The staff of Computer Games Magazine nominated the PC version as the best sports game of 2001, but ultimately gave the award to High Heat Baseball 2002 . [41] The game was also a runner-up for the "Best Sports, Traditional Game" award at GameSpot 's Best and Worst of 2001 Awards, which went to NBA 2K2 . [42] The PC version also received a nomination for the "PC Sports" award at the 5th Annual Interactive Achievement Awards, but ultimately lost to FIFA 2002 . [43] The game was also nominated at The Electric Playground 's 2001 Blister Awards for "Best Sports Game for PC" and "Best Canadian Console Game of the Year", but lost both to High Heat Baseball 2002 and NHL Hitz 2002 . [44] [45]

Notes

  1. Two critics of Electronic Gaming Monthly gave the PlayStation 2 version each a score of 9/10, and the other gave it 8.5/10.
  2. GamePro gave the PlayStation 2 version two 4.5/5 scores for graphics and sound, and two 5/5 scores for control and fun factor.
  3. GamePro gave the Xbox version two 4/5 scores for graphics and sound, 4.5/5 for control, and 5/5 for fun factor.
  4. GamePro gave the Game Boy Advance version three 4/5 scores for graphics, control, and fun factor, and 3.5/5 for sound.

Related Research Articles

<i>Red Faction</i> (video game) First-person shooter released in 2001

Red Faction is a first-person shooter video game developed by Volition and published by THQ for PlayStation 2 and Microsoft Windows in 2001, and Macintosh platforms in 2001 and 2002. A version for the N-Gage was developed by Monkeystone Games, and the mobile version was developed by Blue Beck. The game was inspired by several works of contemporary science fiction.

<i>NBA Street</i> 2001 video game

NBA Street is a basketball video game developed by NuFX and EA Canada and published by Electronic Arts under the EA Sports BIG label. It was released for the PlayStation 2 on June 19, 2001, and on February 5, 2002, for the GameCube. The game combines the talent and big names of the NBA with the attitude and atmosphere of streetball.

<i>Midnight Club: Street Racing</i> 2000 video game

Midnight Club: Street Racing is a 2000 racing video game developed by Angel Studios and published by Rockstar Games. The game focuses on competitive street racing and the import scene. The game was released for the PlayStation 2 and Game Boy Advance platforms, the former being a launch title for the platform. It is the first game in Midnight Club franchise, followed by Midnight Club II.

<i>Madden NFL 2002</i> 2001 video game

Madden NFL 2002 is an American football video game. It features former Minnesota Vikings quarterback Daunte Culpepper on the cover. Pat Summerall and John Madden are the commentators. The Madden NFL 2002 commercial first aired during Super Bowl XXXVI, three days after Madden NFL 2002 started selling in Japan. Notably, it does not feature the Super Bowl MVP Tom Brady, who is included on later editions of the game as a roster update. It is also the first game to be developed by Budcat Creations.

<i>NBA Live 2001</i> 2000 basketball video game

NBA Live 2001 is the 2001 installment of the NBA Live video games series. The cover features Kevin Garnett as a member of the Minnesota Timberwolves. The game was developed by EA Canada and published by Electronic Arts under the EA Sports Label. NBA Live 2001 is followed by NBA Live 2002. The PC version of the game for the second year included EA's "Face in the Game" feature that debuted in NBA Live 2000, allowing players to use custom facial photographs on created players.

<i>4x4 Evo</i> 2000 video game

4x4 Evo is a video game developed by Terminal Reality for the Windows, Macintosh, Sega Dreamcast, and PlayStation 2 platforms. It is one of the first console games to have cross-platform online play where Dreamcast, Macintosh, and Windows versions of the game appear online at the same time. The game can use maps created by users to download onto a hard drive as well as a Dreamcast VMU. All versions of the game are similar in quality and gameplay although the online systems feature a mode to customize the players' own truck and use it online. The game is still online-capable on all systems except for PlayStation 2. This was Terminal Reality's only video game to be released for the Dreamcast.

<i>Batman: Vengeance</i> 2001 video game

Batman: Vengeance is a 2001 action-adventure video game based on the fictional superhero of the same name. It was released for PlayStation 2, Game Boy Advance, GameCube, Xbox and Microsoft Windows. The game was developed and published by Ubi Soft in conjunction with Warner Bros. and DC Comics.

<i>Dave Mirra Freestyle BMX 2</i> 2001 video game

Dave Mirra Freestyle BMX 2 is a sports video game developed by Z-Axis and Full Fat and published by Acclaim Entertainment under their Acclaim Max Sports label. It was released for the PlayStation 2 in August 2001, and in the following months it was ported to the GameCube, Game Boy Advance, and Xbox video game systems. Both the GameCube and Xbox ports featured two extra levels that were not present in the PS2 version.

<i>4x4 Evo 2</i> 2001 video game

4x4 Evo 2, also known as 4x4 Evolution 2, is a racing video game developed by Terminal Reality for the PlayStation 2, Xbox, GameCube and Microsoft Windows. It is the sequel to 4x4 Evolution and features more trucks, and more racing tracks than the original game.

<i>Star Wars: Starfighter</i> 2001 action video game

Star Wars: Starfighter is a 2001 action video game, developed and published by LucasArts, that takes place right before the Battle of Naboo. The player unites alongside three starfighter pilots and is allowed to take control of several different spacecraft to help stop the invasion that threatens Naboo.

<i>ESPN MLS ExtraTime 2002</i> 2001 video game

ESPN MLS ExtraTime is a sports video game released in 2001-2002 by Konami. It is available for PlayStation 2, Xbox, and GameCube. Clint Mathis is on the cover. The original ExtraTime was released for PS2 seven months after ESPN MLS GameNight on the PlayStation, with the GameCube and Xbox versions released in 2002 afterward as ESPN MLS ExtraTime 2002. MLS ExtraTime was the last in the series as the MLS sold its video game license to EA Sports' FIFA series.

<i>NHL 2001</i> 2000 video game

NHL 2001 is a video game released by Electronic Arts in 2000. It is the successor to NHL 2000. An add-on featuring Elitserien and SM-Liiga was released on the PC version on March 8, 2001, that added Swedish and Finnish hockey leagues and teams to the game. It is the tenth installment of the NHL series, the final to be released on PlayStation, and the first to be released on PlayStation 2.

<i>Arctic Thunder</i> 2000 video game

Arctic Thunder is a snowmobile racing game developed by Midway Games. It was released as an arcade game, as well as on the Sony PlayStation 2 and Xbox consoles, and was a launch title for the latter. In the arcade version of the game, jets blow cold or hot winds, depending on the setting, in the player's face during gameplay. Arctic Thunder is part of Midway's Thunder series, which also included Hydro Thunder, 4 Wheel Thunder, Offroad Thunder, and Hydro Thunder Hurricane. The Xbox version of this game is not compatible with the Xbox 360. A Dreamcast port was also planned but was cancelled due to sagging sales of the console.

<i>NASCAR Heat 2002</i> 2001 video game

NASCAR Heat 2002, sometimes mislabeled as NASCAR Heat, is a NASCAR video game produced by Infogrames for the Xbox, PlayStation 2, and Game Boy Advance consoles. It is the successor to the 2000 game NASCAR Heat, and the predecessor to NASCAR: Dirt to Daytona. NASCAR Heat 2002 can have up to 24 (PS2) or 43 racers on one of 19 official NASCAR tracks, and the game was released in June 2001 for PlayStation 2. A port for the Xbox was released in November 2001. Developed by Crawfish Interactive, a distinct version for Game Boy Advance was released in May 2002.

<i>NFL GameDay 2001</i> 2000 video game

NFL GameDay 2001 is a video game developed and published by 989 Sports and Sony Computer Entertainment America for the PlayStation and the PlayStation 2 in 2000. On the cover is Marshall Faulk.

<i>High Heat Major League Baseball 2002</i> 2001 video game

High Heat Major League Baseball 2002, also known as High Heat Baseball 2002, is a video game released in 2001, and is the fourth game in the High Heat Major League Baseball video game series. Then-Montreal Expos right fielder Vladimir Guerrero is featured on the cover. The game was released in March 2001 for Microsoft Windows, PlayStation, and PlayStation 2, followed by a Game Boy Advance port in September 2001. A Game Boy Color version was also in development but was cancelled.

<i>Le Mans 24 Hours</i> (video game) 1999 video game

Le Mans 24 Hours is a video game released for the PlayStation, Game Boy Color, Dreamcast, PlayStation 2, and Microsoft Windows. The Dreamcast version was ported and published by Sega in Japan on 15 March 2001, while the PlayStation 2 version was ported and published by the same company on 13 June. Based on the famous 24 hours of Le Mans race in France, the player is invited to race the entire 24-hour endurance course or take part in a simpler arcade mode. The game also featured tracks such as Bugatti Circuit, Brno Circuit, Road Atlanta, Suzuka Circuit, Donington Park and Circuit de Catalunya, as well as a weather and night system.

<i>FIFA 2001</i> 2000 video game

FIFA 2001 is a football simulation video game and the sequel to FIFA 2000. It was succeeded by FIFA Football 2002. It features Paul Scholes on the UK cover and Ben Olsen on the North American cover. The game's Spanish cover features Gaizka Mendieta on it. It was released on 31 October 2000 for Microsoft Windows and PlayStation, and on 24 November 2000 for PlayStation 2 as a launch title in Europe. The PlayStation 2 version was originally slated for release in the U.S. on 7 November, before it was delayed to 28 November. A Game Boy Color version was planned but cancelled.

<i>Real Pool</i> 2000 video game

Real Pool, known in Japan as EX Billiards, and in Europe as International Cue Club, is a video game developed by Astroll for the PlayStation 2. This is a retooling of a Microsoft Windows and Mac OS game, also called Real Pool, which was published by WizardWorks in August 1998.

<i>MX 2002 featuring Ricky Carmichael</i> 2001 video game

MX 2002 featuring Ricky Carmichael is a video game developed by Pacific Coast Power & Light and published by THQ for the PlayStation 2, Xbox and Game Boy Advance in 2001. It is the third motocross racing game published by THQ to be endorsed by professional motorcross racer Ricky Carmichael, after Championship Motocross featuring Ricky Carmichael and its sequel, Championship Motocross 2001 Featuring Ricky Carmichael, as well as the first game in THQ's MX trilogy, a follow-up series to the Championship Motorcross duology that would eventually become part of its MX vs. ATV crossover racing franchise. A sequel, MX Superfly, was released in 2002 and also endorsed by Carmichael.

References

  1. IGN staff (September 18, 2001). "NHL 2002 Ships". IGN . Ziff Davis. Archived from the original on February 5, 2024. Retrieved February 5, 2024.
  2. IGN staff (September 25, 2001). "Five New PS2 Titles Ship". IGN. Ziff Davis. Archived from the original on March 23, 2023. Retrieved February 5, 2024.
  3. 1 2 Craig Harris (March 18, 2002). "NHL 2002 (GBA)". IGN. Ziff Davis. Archived from the original on October 19, 2021. Retrieved February 5, 2024.
  4. 1 2 "NHL 2002 critic reviews (GBA)". Metacritic . Fandom. Archived from the original on October 20, 2021. Retrieved February 5, 2024.
  5. 1 2 "NHL 2002 critic reviews (PC)". Metacritic. Fandom. Archived from the original on July 29, 2023. Retrieved February 5, 2024.
  6. 1 2 "NHL 2002 critic reviews (PS2)". Metacritic. Fandom. Archived from the original on August 7, 2023. Retrieved February 5, 2024.
  7. 1 2 "NHL 2002 critic reviews (Xbox)". Metacritic. Fandom. Archived from the original on July 29, 2023. Retrieved February 5, 2024.
  8. Gord Goble (December 2001). "NHL 2002" (PDF). Computer Gaming World . No. 209. Ziff Davis. p. 126. Archived (PDF) from the original on September 18, 2023. Retrieved February 5, 2024.
  9. Dan Leahy; Kraig Kujawa; Greg Sewart (December 2001). "NHL 2002 (PS2)" (PDF). Electronic Gaming Monthly . No. 149. Ziff Davis. p. 244. Archived (PDF) from the original on July 2, 2023. Retrieved February 5, 2024.
  10. Jason MacIsaac (September 18, 2001). "NHL 2002 (PC)". The Electric Playground . Greedy Productions Inc. Archived from the original on June 22, 2002. Retrieved February 5, 2024.
  11. Todd Mowatt (September 19, 2001). "NHL 2002 (PS2)". The Electric Playground. Greedy Productions Ltd. Archived from the original on June 22, 2002. Retrieved February 5, 2024.
  12. Todd Mowatt (December 21, 2001). "NHL 2002 (Xbox)". The Electric Playground. Greedy Productions Ltd. Archived from the original on June 22, 2002. Retrieved February 5, 2024.
  13. Tom Bramwell (April 12, 2002). "NHL 2002 (Xbox)". Eurogamer . Gamer Network. Archived from the original on April 29, 2002. Retrieved February 5, 2024.
  14. Andrew Reiner (November 2001). "NHL 2002 (PS2)". Game Informer . No. 103. FuncoLand. p. 104. Archived from the original on April 10, 2005. Retrieved June 22, 2015.
  15. "NHL 2002 (Xbox)". Game Informer. No. 104. FuncoLand. December 2001. p. 109.
  16. G-Wok (October 2001). "NHL 2002 Review (PS2)". GameRevolution . CraveOnline. Archived from the original on June 22, 2015. Retrieved October 17, 2021.
  17. G-Wok (December 2001). "NHL 2002 - Xbox Review". GameRevolution. CraveOnline. Archived from the original on February 16, 2004. Retrieved October 17, 2021.
  18. Michael E. Ryan (September 19, 2001). "NHL 2002 Review (PC)". GameSpot . Fandom. Archived from the original on October 4, 2001. Retrieved February 5, 2024.
  19. Shane Satterfield (September 25, 2001). "NHL 2002 Review (PS2)". GameSpot. Fandom. Archived from the original on December 17, 2001. Retrieved February 5, 2024.
  20. Shane Satterfield (December 17, 2001). "NHL 2002 Review (Xbox)". GameSpot. Fandom. Archived from the original on March 7, 2005. Retrieved February 5, 2024.
  21. Ralph "Gizzo" Sparkes (October 20, 2001). "NHL Hockey 2002 [sic] (PS2)". GameSpy . IGN Entertainment. Archived from the original on December 28, 2004. Retrieved June 22, 2015.
  22. Tal Blevins (September 18, 2001). "NHL 2002 (PC)". IGN. Ziff Davis. Archived from the original on October 19, 2021. Retrieved February 5, 2024.
  23. David Zdyrko (September 24, 2001). "NHL 2002 (PS2)". IGN. Ziff Davis. Archived from the original on October 28, 2022. Retrieved February 5, 2024.
  24. Aaron Boulding (December 11, 2001). "NHL 2002 (Xbox)". IGN. Ziff Davis. Archived from the original on October 19, 2021. Retrieved February 5, 2024.
  25. 1 2 Jim Preston (December 2001). "NHL 2002 (PS2)". NextGen . No. 84. Imagine Media. p. 108. Retrieved October 17, 2021.
  26. 1 2 "NHL 2002 (Xbox)". NextGen. No. 85. Imagine Media. January 2002. p. 28. Retrieved October 17, 2021.
  27. Mike Orlando (March 21, 2002). "NHL 2002 GBA". Nintendo World Report. NINWR, LLC. Archived from the original on September 1, 2023. Retrieved February 5, 2024.
  28. Todd Zuniga (November 2001). "NHL 2002". Official U.S. PlayStation Magazine . No. 50. Ziff Davis. p. 160. Retrieved February 5, 2024.
  29. "NHL 2002". Official Xbox Magazine . Imagine Media. January 2002.
  30. Jim Preston (December 2001). "NHL 2002". PC Gamer . Vol. 8, no. 12. Imagine Media. Archived from the original on January 17, 2002. Retrieved June 22, 2015.
  31. David Gibbon (March 12, 2002). "Let's play: NHL 2002 (Xbox)". BBC Sport . BBC. Archived from the original on June 10, 2016. Retrieved June 22, 2015.
  32. Ryan Boyce (September 22, 2001). "NHL 2002 (PC)". Maxim . MaximNet, Inc. Archived from the original on December 29, 2001. Retrieved June 22, 2015.
  33. "NHL 2002 (PS2)". Famitsu (in Japanese). Enterbrain. Archived from the original on October 19, 2021. Retrieved February 5, 2024.
  34. Kevin Krause (October 7, 2001). "NHL 2002 Review - PlayStation 2". GameZone. Archived from the original on October 5, 2008. Retrieved June 22, 2015.
  35. Kevin "BIFF" Giacobbi (October 11, 2001). "NHL 2002 Review on PC". GameZone. Archived from the original on April 26, 2005. Retrieved June 22, 2015.
  36. Allen, Christopher. "NHL 2002 (PC) - Review". AllGame . All Media Network. Archived from the original on November 16, 2014. Retrieved June 22, 2015.
  37. William Abner (November 6, 2001). "NHL 2002". Computer Games Magazine . theGlobe.com. Archived from the original on April 21, 2002. Retrieved October 17, 2021.
  38. Air Hendrix (September 27, 2001). "NHL 2002 Review for PS2 on GamePro.com". GamePro . IDG. Archived from the original on February 14, 2005. Retrieved June 22, 2015.
  39. Air Hendrix (December 6, 2001). "NHL 2002 Review for Xbox on GamePro.com". GamePro. IDG. Archived from the original on February 9, 2005. Retrieved June 22, 2015.
  40. Air Hendrix (June 10, 2002). "NHL 2002 Review for Game Boy Advance on GamePro.com". GamePro . IDG. Archived from the original on December 13, 2004. Retrieved June 22, 2015.
  41. CGM staff (March 2002). "11th Annual Computer Games Awards". Computer Games Magazine. No. 136. theGlobe.com. pp. 50–56.
  42. GameSpot staff (2002). "The Best and Worst of 2001 (Best Sports, Traditional Game Nominees)". GameSpot. CNET. Archived from the original on June 9, 2002. Retrieved October 17, 2021.
  43. "5th Annual Interactive Achievement Awards: Winners". Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences . Archived from the original on June 3, 2004. Retrieved February 5, 2024.
  44. EP staff (2002). "Blister Awards 2001 (PC Games 2)". The Electric Playground. Greedy Productions Ltd. Archived from the original on July 13, 2003. Retrieved February 6, 2024.
  45. EP staff (2002). "Blister Awards 2001 (Special Awards)". The Electric Playground. Greedy Productions Ltd. Archived from the original on July 13, 2003. Retrieved February 6, 2024.