NHL Hitz 2003

This article is about the second game in the series. For information on the first game, see NHL Hitz 20-02.

NHL Hitz 20-03
Developer(s)	Black Box Games
Publisher(s)	Midway Games
Designer(s)	Daniel Rosado (supervisor)
Series	NHL Hitz
Platform(s)	Xbox, PS2, Gamecube, GBA
Release	2002
Genre(s)	NHL Hockey
Mode(s)	Multiplayer

NHL Hitz 20-03 is a hockey video game developed by Midway Sports Home Entertainment Inc. The game was released on Xbox, PlayStation 2, Nintendo GameCube, and also on the Game Boy Advance. The Game Boy Advance version has the possibility of being linked with up to 3 other systems for 4 player link up play.

Thanks in large part to its fast-paced, 3-on-3 style of hockey that is rare in other NHL titles, Hitz 20-03 has experienced a steady increase in underground popularity over the years despite being over 5 years old.

Gameplay

Players have the option of playing three periods in one, two, or three minutes in length. To begin the game, players pick a center, a winger, one defenseman, and a goalie. Prior to each period, players can choose to keep the same players from the previous period or make substitutions.

There is an option for a mercy rule that will end the game as soon as the team reaches the limit of goal differential. As an example, you have the mercy rule set to 5: as soon as you lead the game by 4 goals, you automatically win. You can also set it to one goal, like overtime. Another nuance to the game is the option to make players who lose fights leave the game.

The game is also meant to mainly be hard-hitting arcade-style game with wildly exaggerated player movements and actions. For example, you can routinely check people through the glass and into the stands, but won't stop play. Also, goalies can actually stick-handle the puck around, and take a shot on the other net, sometimes scoring.

Also, the rosters are shortened to mainly starters and fan favorites (such as Tie Domi and Bob Probert), with a lot less free agents.

There are also many mini-games to play.

Franchise Mode

The tournament is to complete goals in the game to get experience points, which are like stat points. When you win more, you get better equipment, like sticks for accuracy and power, goalie pads for better rebound control, and more. You create a team with the goal of joining the NHL. You start off picking the team, logo, etc, then make 7 players. As you progress, beating teams, the teams will get harder, but at the same time, you will improve too. When you start winning games, 3 more players will eventually ask to join the team, and you can customize them. There are 8 rounds, with 5-6 teams in each one around the globe, then in the last few, you'll face NHL teams, and players, and will be awarded with the trophy. You are faced with a worldwide quest, taking on teams internationally, in places such as Brooklyn, Maui, Monte Carlo, Stockholm, and Montego Bay.

Season

Like most other NHL games, a season mode is available. If the player-controlled team qualifies for them, a full playoff schedule will begin. This time, however, there are more individual awards made by the creators. There are also end-of-season awards created by the makers of the game, such as trophies for the player who wins the most fights or delivered the most hits.

A franchise mode is also available, allowing the player to create their own custom team and improve the abilities of that team through a series of objectives during games that must be completed (for example, blocking 2 shots in a game, etc.).

Popularity

NHL Hitz 20-03's popularity has steadily increased despite being over 5 years old. Due to its 'pick up and play' controls and fluid graphics, many gamers and bars have formed private leagues years since the games release. Uniform league rules include a 4 goal mercy rule which allows for a more fast-paced and frantic gameplay. With its increasing popularity amongst hardcore gamers and casual gamers, the game has become increasingly difficult to obtain. Used copies of the game found on eBay are becoming increasingly difficult to find and have been steadily increasing in value.

Because of its overwhelming cult status with gamers & NHL fans, Microsoft has made Hitz 20-03 backwards compatible with the Xbox 360.

External links

• NHL Hitz 20-03 at MobyGames