2K is generally known for its realism, but the frequency and intensity of the checking in this game make it feel like NHL Hitz at times. The base control scheme doesn't feel great but fortunately there are alternatives. The presentation is noticeably poor, even for the era. I do enjoy this series on PS2, so while this isn't a bad game, it does feel like a step backwards.

If you bodycheck a guy and get a big hit, you can go into the replay mode and replay the hit so that the big hit sound effect loops and plays over itself.