NHL 2005

also for
GC,

EA SPORTS lights it up in the 13th season of world championship hockey with EA SPORTS NHL® 2005. Delivering top shelf gameplay that captures the speed...
See Full Description

 
7.3
good
 
CRITICS SCORE
6.8
(10 ratings)
GAMER SCORE
7.8
(405 ratings)

Game Overview

EA SPORTS lights it up in the 13th season of world championship hockey with EA SPORTS NHL® 2005. Delivering top shelf gameplay that captures the speed, finesse, and hard-hitting action of pro hockey, NHL 2005 challenges gamers of all skill levels to lace up their skates and create open ice. New EA SPORTS Open Ice Control allows players to execute offensive plays such as Give-and-Gos and breakaway passes or call for a defensive double team with the touch of a button. A completely overhauled skating engine captures both the explosive speed of offensive skating and the surgical precision of backwards defensive movement.

The Bottom Line

The decade-long obsession begun by EA's Genesis-era hockey titles continues with NHL 2005. This year's enhancements include smarter and less scripted player AI, context-sensitive control features based more on the personalities of each real player (enforcers will have the power to level players, whereas more technical pros will have use more of finesse), easier player control for skating backwards and gliding after a sprint, Open Ice Control for coordinating players into better passing positions, and improvements to the robust Dynasty mode.

Game Screenshots

Expert Reviews

GameSpot review logo
79/100
score

This is still a solid game of hockey, but it isn't the most realistic or best-playing NHL title out there, and as such, it shouldn't be your first choice for one.

IGN review logo
83/100
score

If you're more into the strategy of real hockey'the poke checks, the traps, the dumps, the dekes -- then you'll either have to try to design this game to fit your tastes (which can be frustrating) or go elsewhere.

Game Features

• Open Ice Control: Seamlessly switch between players with or without the puck, call for passes, set up a vicious one-timer, drive the net for a deflection, or call for a defensive double team on the fly with just the push of a button. • All-New Skating Engine: A new skating engine emphasizes gliding and accelerating, capturing the fast pace of hockey. A refined backwards skating system also allows for unprecedented defensive precision and control. • World Cup of Hockey: NHL 2005 features all the teams, all the venues, and all the action of this year's global tournament featuring the top eight hockey nations in the world. • Pick up and Play Action: Fast-paced gameplay captures the pacing and flow of pro hockey, providing seasoned players with deep, nuanced gameplay, while hockey rookies are able to quickly dive in with a rewarding, easy-to-learn experience. • Dynasty Mode™: Gamers take on the role of a GM managing every aspect of their team's operations, from setting ticket prices to calling up a prospect from the minors. A new PDA and email system streamlines communications and adds new depth to owner/GM relations. • Personality-Driven AI: All-new AI recreates the play styles and personalities of the biggest names in the game. • EA SPORTS™ Nation: Go online with the PlayStation2 computer entertainment system* and compete with the best players from around the country.
EA SPORTS™ lights it up in the 13th season of world championship hockey with EA SPORTS NHL 2005. Delivering top shelf gameplay that captures the speed, finesse, and hard-hitting action of pro hockey, NHL 2005 challenges gamers of all skill levels to lace up their skates and create open ice. New EA SPORTS Open Ice Control allows players to execute offensive plays such as Give-and-Go's and breakaway passes or call for a defensive double team with the touch of a button. A completely overhauled skating engine captures both the explosive speed of offensive skating and the surgical precision of backwards defensive movement.

ESRB Game Ratings

ESRB Rating of "E"
This game is Rated: Everyone
Content is most suitable for children ages 6 and up. This game may contain some cartoons or fantasy characters and potentially mild violence or language.
Content Descriptors:
Violence
 
Game Info
Platform:PC
Release Date:9/14/2004
Publisher:Electronic Arts
Developer:EA Canada
Genre:Sports
ESRB Rating:E
Gamesite:--
NHL 2005 for Windows
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