Ever since Sega's console- The Dreamcast began to go down the loo, Sega have been working on some top quality games such as Panzer Dragoon Orta and the popular "2K3" sports series. EA have always had the claim of Best Sports Games on most of the consoles, but now that Sega have dedicated themselves to games it seems the king may be knocked of his podium.

Sega usually add new and nifty features to their sport titles that set their games apart from EA's, and with 2K3 it's no different. There is an unbelievably high amount of realism, especially with the goalkeeper's momentum and physics and hey, it's the only online hockey game confirmed for the 2003 season!

The birth of the "2K3" series marks Sega's first sport related venture on Microsoft's Xbox and this title seems to have hit the bullseye. It's easy to spot that Sega's developers have put their heads down and really concentrated on the realism aspect of NHL 2K3. With the very minor amounts of hockey shown on Australia's free to air television stations it's a wonder why so many people enjoy these sorts of games. Sega have all corners covered, because they have made the game so it can be played arcade style without worrying about having to edit your lines or trade players. On the contrary if you are a Die-hard NHL fan then your appetite for a realistic simulation shall be fulfilled. You can sign free agents, fine-tune your 5-man power play line and much more.

On a similar note, your controls can also be fine tuned to suit your style and ability. If you want to go out and play some hockey you select the Basic controls, but if you want to select the right shot for the right situation, (for example a wrist-shot instead of a slap-shot) you would most likely choose the Intermediate or Advanced controls.

When playing everything feels just perfect. The AI is intelligent and receptive, and will notice you taking the wing then position themselves for a one-timer. Your team-mates give you a hand if you're being pinned to the boards or they'll make a lunge attempting to save a goal if your teams' goalie is on the floor.

The physics in this game feature a more realistic tone. Goalkeepers make lunging saves leaving their right flank open, players will twist and turn around others to protect their puck on breakaways. Players slide along the ice after being viciously checked and you need to side step over them to keep your balance.

From what I have said above, you have most likely gotten the idea that this is a game that heavily relies on its sim aspects. This is not the case as you can still play it arcade-style. Visual Concepts have understood that all players aren't going to be sim fanatics and want some fast and fun gameplay. VC added in some brutal body-checks and turbo boosts and even some fighting. Yet, I have not seen in one fight yet even with the fighting bar at the maximum. It's a bit of a disappointment because when friends come over if you want to have a bit of a fight you'll have to do it outside in your backyard.

One gripe that I had with the game was the fact that it was too ESPN oriented. On the main menu screen you see one minute Sega Sports logo and around two or 3 large ESPN ones. Come on Sega! Where's the passion? Though it's great for SEGA to have the ESPN licence as it has allowed them to add a great commentary soundtrack and improve the overall presentation.

If you ever wanted to show off to your mates how good you were, you'll love this. 2K3 features detailed statistics that track your performance through your whole career. While playing in-game you get a rundown of your teams' performance so far and you can also view an overview of your teams scoring shots to help you plan a new offensive line. Minor details like these make the game a joy to play.

Visually speaking, the game doesn't push the Xbox too hard but it does suffice and in my opinion there are three things that look exceptionally good. The animations which are spectacular and fluid, the replays which are shown from numerous camera angles and the ice which reflects all kinds of objects in the crowd. Negatively speaking, the faces look jagged and horrible but unless you are creating a custom skater you barely notice this.

There are two commentators who provide generally accurate comments, with some exciting ones thrown in that bring excitement to the game. The commentary is similar Dennis Commetti's style with lots of offbeat comments such as "Ring around a rosy, ring around the goalsie” and then the other commentator chips in with "Yeah sure Mike, whatever you say” Comments like these give you a laugh even if you are losing to Canada 11-0.

There is a wide array of modes, such as Season, Fantasy and even a Playoff mode. Season allows you to play a complete season of 82 games where you compete for Lord Stanley's Cup. Fantasy lets you select your dream team from a real version of the 2003 NHL draft. For lovers of the excitement and tension of the playoffs you can just skip straight to them and play them out. With so many amounts of modes and options to play around with, chances are you won't get bored of this game too fast.