Looking at the new lineup of sports games every year has become a matter of evaluation by degrees. Franchises from each major publisher have evolved to the point where total newcomers can expect to be fairly impressed, and returning gamers always have to wonder, "Is the upgrade worth it?" It's time for hockey fans to open their wallets, because EA has made sure the answer is "yes," with a fully (sometimes subtly) revamped NHL 2004. Blame it on Sega's stunning release from last year, which must have lit a fire under EA to reclaim the top spot. They haven't quite done it, but NHL 2004 is still a very fine hockey simulation.

Legacy arcade elements have lurked in EA's hockey games for years, but this year it's sim life all the way. There's not an off-color mode to be found -- no pond hockey or big head play -- or even much in the way of collectible trinkets. The focus is on pure hockey, whether through a one-off exhibition, high-pressure playoffs, or full season and dynasty play. Dynasty mode has you create a general manager and work a demoralized fire-sale team up to all-star status, earning experience points to trade for upgrades. This is a huge mode, with enough options to get lost for a real-time season -- trades, hiring and firing, and managing morale are all aspects of the deep system. Of course, as GM you still have the ability to get out on the ice and play some games.

A very well-considered controller layout makes living on the ice an attractive proposition. A shoots and X rocks the new saucer pass, which lobs the puck off the ice and over defending sticks. It's not an easy skill to master, but this pass is an important addition to the offensive game. Manual dekeing returns via the right stick, but you can also check with that control now, which is a welcome bonus. Fully working the right stick takes some training, but it's worth it -- the flexibility in weaving the puck and checking in all directions really rounds out both ends of the game. And once that's down, using L to modify passes and shots into fakeouts opens up the strategy further.

Stricter physics means it's now harder to stop.
EA is much stricter about replicating the physics of skating, so building speed and managing inertia become integral parts of the experience. This extends to the movement of the puck as well, which contributes to the high level of skill needed to pass effectively. Losing the puck altogether is common, and passes longer than a few yards can go out of control, even with the automatic pass and shot aiming turned on. This is great for the truly hardcore, but it makes for a less approachable game. The rewards for learning the proper skills are great, however, and if you came to EA's series in the 16-bit days, this is impressive stuff.