User Guide

ADVANCED CONTROLS
CHECKING
JD’s Tip
Checking
You’ll check on both ends of the ice, but good checking is
especially critical on defense. There are a few different ways to
check in NHL Rivals 2004.
Body Check To execute a body check, press
B
when you’re near
another player, and then push
L
in the direction of the player
you want to check. To increase the power of a body check, use a
speed burst before making contact.
Pinning To execute a pin, use
L
to wedge another player
against the boards. To break free from a pin, move
L
left and
right quickly, or set the puck free by moving
R
left and right
quickly.
Stick Check To stick check, skate up to the player with the puck,
and press
X
. This will pry the puck from another
player’s control.
Hook To hook, press and hold
X
to slow your
opponent down with your stick. This can be very
effective at separating an opposing player from
the biscuit.
Dive/Block Shot To block an incoming shot, press
Y
. Your player will dive in the way of the
puck (ouch!).
If one of your teammates is pinning an
opposing player to the boards, you can lend
a hand by skating in and using a stick check.
Your teammate will keep the opposing player in
place while you relieve him of the puck. Teamwork
in action.
Advanced Controls
We’ve covered enough of the game-control basics to get you on
the ice in NHL Rivals 2004, but two control features deserve in-
depth explanations: Pivot Control and Right Thumbstick Control.
Pivot Control
Pivot Control allows you, with the pull of l, to rotate your player
180 degrees. The player will continue to travel in the same
direction he was moving, but he’ll be facing the opposite direction.
It’s a simple tool, but knowing when and how to use it
separates the All-Stars from the junior leaguers.
Right Thumbstick Control
The
R
gives you advanced control over two important
functions—passing (with the puck) and switching players (without
the puck).
Passing Move
R
in the direction you want to send the puck.
This can be used for quick, no-look passing, clearing the
puck, or dumping it into the offensive zone. You also can
click and hold
R
and then move it in a direction to send a
saucer pass (see pg. 8).
Player Switching When you do not have possession of
the puck, you can use
R
to switch control to a specific
player. Simply move
R
in the direction of the player on
your team whom you want to control.
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