Let's play: NHL 2002

BBC Sport Online reviewer David Gibbon gets his hand on one of the first X-box games and says it's different - but not that different.

The world is waiting for Microsoft's Xbox to finally go on sale - and we've managed to get our hands on one of the first titles for the system.

Many gamers are expecting to see something quite extraordinary with the Xbox - but while this may happen several months down the line - the emerging crop of EA Sports titles are just enhanced versions of existing games.

NHL 2002 is the most complete PlayStation 2 ice hockey game ever.

  Championship Manager 01/02

Format: Xbox

Price: £44.99

Publisher: EA Sports

Genre: Ice hockey

Also Available: PS2 and PC

It features excellent animation and smooth flowing gameplay - though the AI can be a little questionable at times.

With the introduction of the Xbox, EA Sports have taken the PS2 version of the game and give it a makeover.

Graphically it can't be beaten, but apart from that it plays just like the other versions of the game.

Packed with options, players can choose career mode, season, play-offs, tournament or shoot-out.

Once you get down to play, you'll find NHL 2002 is a far more difficult game than before.

If it's played on anything other than the beginner modes, it's near impossible to win. This is the complete opposite to NHL 2001 which was far too easy in all modes.

Celebratory

The actual control system is first rate - with a much more varied range of shots.

For example, before taking a shot you can move the puck from the forehand to backhand, which is a great way of confusing the goalie.

After a goal has been scored - you can designate various celebratory animations to any of the buttons on the Xbox control pad. Clever, eh?

While NHL 2002 plays as superbly as the PS2 version - it's the graphical department that really makes this excel.

Although not the best looking sports game on the Xbox - when you compare this version to the PS2 it's easy to see why we're so enthusiastic.

Players' faces are animated to make a range of expressions - and none of the sharp curves found on the PS2 version are present.

  Gibbon's verdict

Graphics: 90%

Playability: 88%

Sound: 76%

Realism: 91%

Overall: 90%

Instead, the visuals are smooth and perfectly formed.

The camera angles are classy and - no matter how much action is happening on screen - you'll find the pace never slows.

If you are planning to buy an Xbox, you like ice hockey and you don't already own this on PS2 - then NHL 2002 can't be recommended enough.

It's by far the most realistic game of its genre available - and that is likely to remain for some time to come.