[citation needed][2] The front cover features now retired NHL defenceman Scott Stevens of the New Jersey Devils.

[3][5][4] Jim Preston of NextGen's final issue called the PlayStation 2 version "the best 'wacky' sports game we've played in years.

"[22] The magazine similarly said of the Xbox version, "If you're up for a game of hockey where players quite literally catch on fire and suffer frequent flights through the glass, this is superb stuff.

"[29][b] GameZone gave the same console version 9.1 out of 10, calling it "a terrific blend of arcade-style gaming (as in with the players steaming and bursting into flame) and straight-ahead sports simulation.

If you're truly desperate for a franchise mode in a hockey game, or if you've always wanted to play the Redwings with a team of gladiators, Hitz 2002 may be worth a rental or two.