NHL 2002 is basically a straight port from the Playstation 2 version. There is a bit more detail in the graphics, but that mainly consists of reflections on the ice and in the player’s visors. The character models look good, although there is little resemblance to the actual NHL players. The pre-game intros are beautiful. However, they are still ported and they could be a lot more detailed. Hopefully next year’s version will be built from the ground with the Xbox in mind, till then though, this will have to do.

The audio really sets NHL 2002 apart from all previous incarnations and all sports games in general. The soundtrack includes hit songs from Sum 41 and Barenaked Ladies, two all-Canadian bands may I add. The music is played before the game and before every face off, just like at a hockey game. I would love to see this type of thing introduced into more sports games, the more realistic the better. Sound effects match up just as well. Ranging from the sounds of the stick on the puck to the puck on the post, all of the sound effects seem very authentic.

NHL 2002 mainly keeps the same gameplay that has been working for years. Yet, they did try to improve the longevity of the game with the introduction of the NHL cards. Similar to the Madden cards found in the football franchise, you will gain points for certain feats, these points can then be spent on cards that grand you special abilities. I didn’t find them all that enjoyable, but it is a pretty cool way to get new goal celebrations. Another improvement in 2002 is an addition of the random replays. After a big hit, huge save, or cool shot, there will be a three-angle replay shown while the game pauses itself. They are fairly quick and sometimes are fun to watch, but at times they occur way too often and tend to slow down the game. The last addition is the installment of the breakaway cam. When you cross the blue line without a defender in front of you, the camera shifts to a new angle. This gives you a clearer look at the goal, and the heartbeat sound, similar to that in Max Payne, is cool to listen to. All in all, the additions in this year’s NHL game actually make the game better for a change.

Returning in NHL 2002 is the annual play-modes: “Play Now”, Shootout, Career, Playoffs, Tournament, and Season. Also, this is the first year that the Create-A-Player feature has been added. Sadly, it has nothing that you would expect it to have. There is quite a lack of things to personalize your player with, which is somewhat of a disappointment. NHL 2002 features four-player multiplayer as well. Once again, just the standard, run-of-the-mill stuff. Though, I doubt you will be able to put down NHL 2002 anytime soon. All sports games have an endless amount of replay value, and this is only multiplied with the addition of the NHL cards and Create-A-Player.