They create a team with the goal of joining the NHL, and they start off picking the team, logo, etc., and then create seven players. When players win more, they get better equipment, like sticks for accuracy and power, goalie pads for better rebound control, and more. The tournament is to complete goals in the game to get experience points, which are like stat points. Also, the rosters are shortened to mainly starters and fan favorites (such as Tie Domi and Bob Probert), with far fewer free agents. Also, goalies can actually stick-handle the puck around, and take a shot on the other net, sometimes scoring. For example, players can check other players through the glass and into the stands, but won't stop play. The game is also meant to mainly be a hard-hitting, arcade-style game with wildly exaggerated player movements and actions. Another nuance to the game is the option to make players who lose fights leave the game. It can also be set to one goal, similar to overtime. As an example, if the mercy rule is set to five, as soon as a team leads the game by five goals, that team automatically wins. There is an option for a mercy rule that will end the game as soon as the team reaches the limit of goal differential. Prior to each period, substituting the players or simply leaving them in the game is an option. To begin the game, a center, a winger, a defenceman, and a goalie are picked for each team. Players have the option of playing three periods in one, two, or three minutes in length.

The Game Boy Advance version can be linked with up to three other systems for four-player play. It is the second game of the NHL Hitz series. The other was developed by Exient Entertainment and released on the Game Boy Advance. One version was developed by Black Box Games and released on the Xbox, PlayStation 2, GameCube in 2002. NHL Hitz 2003 is an ice hockey video game published by Midway Games.

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