The latest version of “Hitz” lacks punch

NHL Hitz Pro

Published by Midway

PlayStation2, Xbox, and GameCube

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NHL Hitz Pro

Published by Midway

PlayStation2, Xbox, and GameCube

Heated fistfights. People catching fire. Checking opponents through the glass. These are all things that we’ve come to expect from Midway’s “NHL Hitz” series, but the latest version has toned down the fantasy a little bit in an attempt to add validity to its historically over-the-top series. However, this move comes with a hefty price – most of the fun.

Like its brethren “MLB Slugfest,” “NFL Blitz” and “NBA Jam,” the “NHL Hitz” series made a few modifications to hockey in an attempt to create a unique sports experience. Six-on-six became 4-on-4, most penalties were a thing of the past, and checks sent your opponent sliding, supine, about the ice. “Hitz Pro” has done away with most of these childish tricks, leaving the finished product feeling more like hockey than a fighting game on ice.

But, oh, how I was disappointed.

Don’t get me wrong, this game is decent in its own right. The frame rate gets a little coarse at times, sometimes cutting to the bench to see the team in suspended animation for a moment. But the actual in-game presentation is astounding. The color commentary during the game – and the load screens – sounds great. The soundtrack doesn’t get on my nerves. The Franchise Mode is fun and lets you bring your own team into the major leagues. They’ve even included a “Hockey School” tutorial feature that lets actual NHL stars teach you the controls. All these things add up to a nice gaming experience.

But I expected a bloody pain pit on ice. And I’m still disappointed. If I had wanted a vanilla hockey game, I’d have played one. It felt like I was at a monster-truck rally and, much to my chagrin, they’re just driving Porsches around.

If you’re looking for a nice, violent, insane romp through the NHL, pick up an older version of “NHL Hitz.” If you’re too wimpy for that and would like something that’s just a slight bit – not too much – more intense than real hockey, then you might be able to enjoy “NHL Hitz Pro.”