NHL Hitz 2002 (GameCube)

By JON MINIFIE

(Herald rating: * * * )

Although barely promoted in this part of the world, ice hockey is one of the fastest and most brutal sports around, so almost by default it's the perfect premise for a video game.

I've caught the odd Stanley Cup playoff match on ESPN 2 but never managed to keep up with the sheer velocity of the action, let alone the puck.

It's always a great show though, and there seems to be a good, old-fashioned brawl every few minutes — not that anyone seems to mind too much, the players stand around watching till it's over and the ref skates off to grab a coke.

NHL Hitz 2002 from developers Midway is even faster and more unruly than the real thing and with its unique three-a-side format, it's much easier to play.

The game plays lightning fast, which means the simple control system is essential. Midway has done a good job there and even if you're playing for the first time, you can get by on just a couple of buttons.

NHL Hitz 2002 is not a simulator. It scarcely makes any attempt to stick to reality but all the NHL teams and player rosters are intact and up-to-date.

With only three players a side, the pace is frantic but the highlight of the game is the bone-crunching hits. Cube owners looking for an action packed multiplayer game should look no further.

$129.95

jon@tenthplanet.co.nz