NHL Rivals FAQ
For The Xbox platform
Written by bruinsrock92 or
[email protected]
Copyright Christopher Earle. All rights reserved.
Version 1.5
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Table of Contents
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1. Version History
2. Frequently asked questions
3. Controls
4. Your lesson in the game of hockey
5. Different modes and managers
6. Legal/Illegal information
7. Credits
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1. Version History
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April 8th, 2004 finished my guide's controls section. (I will update ASAP)
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April 27th, 2004 Version 1.10 Added more to my controls section, and decided my
categories for my finished guides. (In the Table of Contents) Will be updated
as soon as possible.
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April 29th, 2004 Version 1.20 Finished my controls section, and started my
"Your
lesson in the game of hockey." section will update ASAP.
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May 1st, 2004 version 1.30 Finished my your lesson in the game of hockey
section, and am halfway done with my different modes, and managers section.
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September 26th, 2004 version 1.35 Finished my NHL Rivals 2004 FAQ! Sort of did
a reformatting that helped the guide look fresh. Hope you like it. Remember, if
your stuck do not be afraid to email me about it.
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December 31st, 2004 version 1.40 added in one question I get asked a lot in
real
life but only once in a help e-mail. Happy New Year Every one!
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March 4th, 2005 version 1.5: Put in some line separators.
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2. Frequently asked questions
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In this section, I will put in all of the (hopefully many) questions I receive
form help e-mails, and also some questions I get asked in real life. If you get
stuck on one remote thing in the game, e-mail me. My e-mail address if you did
not already see is
[email protected]. I will answer your question
personally, and put it in my next update for this FAQ.
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Question: Who do you think is the best team in the NHL?
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Answer: I think that either the Colorado Avalanche, or the Detroit Red Wings
are the two best teams in the NHL.
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3. Controls
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First off I would like to give you the controls to the one and only Xbox
console.
=======================
=The directional pad. =
=The A button =
=The X button =
=The Y button =
=The B button =
=The right trigger =
=The left trigger =
=The right thumb stick=
=The left thumb stick =
=The black button =
=The white button =
=======================
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Controls with the puck
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Speed burst- R trigger
Pivot- L trigger
Shoot the puck- X
Clear/flip puck- Y
Deke/rolemove- B
Basic Pass- A
Pinpoint pass/Drop pass (click)- Right Thumb Stick
On the Fly coaching- D-pad down
Pause game- start button
Move- Left thumb stick
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Controls Without the puck
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Speed Burst- R trigger
Pivot- L trigger
Stick check- X
Dive/Block shot- Y
Body check/Role move- B
Switch player- A
Advanced switch player/switch to last defenseman- right thumb stick
On The Fly Coaching- D-pad down
Pause game- start button
Move- Left thumb stick
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Passing
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Good puck movement can be the difference between controlling the game, and
spending three periods with a confused look on your face.
There are four types of passes in NHL Rivals 2004- basic, saucer, pinpoint, and
drop. Here is how to use them.
Basic Pass- When you have the puck, select a direction with the l trigger and
press the A button. The puck will skim across the ice, to the nearest player in
that direction.
Saucer Pass- Aim with The l trigger and hold the A button. You will lift the
puck into the air, and send it arching toward the nearest player in that
direction. You also can perform a saucer pass by clicking, and holding the R
trigger, aiming it toward a teammate, and then releasing it.
Pinpoint Pass- Aim the R trigger in the direction of the player whom you want
to pass. The puck will travel in the direction you just selected.
Drop Pass- Click the R trigger to drop the puck directly behind you. This is a
great way to fake out a defender, or to get rid of the puck if you see heavy
coverage coming your way.
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Shooting the puck
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Your in position to score, all you have to do is deck/beat the goalie. Here is
what you have in your toolbox:
Wrist Shot- To execute a wrist shot, aim with the L trigger, and tap the X
button. This shot is quick, and accurate, but not as powerful as the slap shot.
Slap Shot- To pull off the slap shot, press, and hold the X button. You will se
your player indicator circle fills up. Release the button when the circle is
completely full. This charge-up time makes your shot more powerful, but it also
gives opposing players, an opening to steal the puck away from you. To cancel a
slap shot in mid-swing press the A button.
One-Timer- Timing is everything for this shot. When a pass is on route to a
player with a clear shot, press the X button just before the puck arrives. The
receiving player will attempt the one-timer as soon as the puck reaches him.
This shot lacks accuracy, but its split-second execution can spell doom for an
opposing net minder.
Wraparound Shot- This shot can be very tricky-but in a good way. When you are
behind the opposing net, skate close to it, and press the X Button. Your player
will reach around the front of the net to tuck in a shot. It is a great way to
catch the goalie out of position.
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Checking
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You will check on both ends of the ice, but good checking is especially
critical on defense. There are a few different ways to check a player, here
they are:
Body Check- To execute a body check, press the B button when you are near
another player, and then push the L trigger in the direction of the player you
want to check. To increase the power of a body check, use the speed burst just
before checking a player.
Pinning- To execute a pin, use the L trigger to wedge another player against
the boards. To break free from a pin, move left, and right quickly or set the
puck free by moving left or right quickly.
Stick Check- To stick check, skate up to the player with the puck, and press
the X button. This will pry the puck from that player's control.
Hook- To hook, press and hold the X button to slow your opponent down with your
stick. This can be very effective at separating an opposing player from the
puck.
Dive/Block shot- To block an incoming shot, press the Y button. Your player
will dive in the way of the puck.
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Advance Controls
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We have covered enough of the game control basics to get you on the ice in this
game, but two control features deserve in-depth explanations: Pivot Control and
Right Thumb Stick Control.
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Pivot Control
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Pivot Control allows you, with the pull of the L trigger, to rotate your player
180 degrees. The player will continue to travel in the same direction he was
moving, but he will be facing the opposite direction. It is a simple tool, but
using it at the right time, and place separates the all-stars from the rookies.
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Right Thumb Stick Control
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The right trigger gives you advanced control over two important functions.
passing (with the puck) and switching players (without the puck).
Passing- Move the R trigger in the direction you want to send the puck. This
can be used for quick, no looking pass, clearing the puck, or dumping it into
the offensive zone. You can also click, and hold the R trigger and then move it
into a direction to perform a saucer pass.
Player Switching- When you are on the defensive side of the puck, you can use
the R trigger to switch control to a specific player. Simply move the R trigger
in the direction of the player on the team that you desire to control.
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Controller Options
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When it comes to control, you can never ever be too picky. To adjust your
controller options press the Y button. On the assign controller screen just
before starting a game. You also can access these settings during a game by
selecting controllers from the pause menu, and then pressing the Y button.
Controller lock- set controller lock to your favorite position, and you will
always control the player in that position-no matter who has the puck. To call
for a pass, press the A button.
Shot aim- set this to manual if you want to aim your shots with the L trigger,
or leave it on auto to enable automatic shot aiming.
Aiming Control- set this to inverted if moving the L trigger down on a shot
should aim the puck toward the top of the net. Note that aiming control makes a
difference only if shot aim is set to manual.
Pivot Control- set pivot control to toggle if you want to spin 180 degrees with
one pull of the L trigger and then spin back by pulling again. Leave it set to
hold down, and you will keep your player moving in that same direction until
you release the L trigger.
Vibration- set this feature to off if your poor hands cannot take any more
abuse from the controller vibration on big hits.
Line Changes- set this to manual if you would like to control your lines with
the d-pad. Otherwise, leave it set to auto and line changes will happen
automatically.
All controller settings are saved to your user profile.
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Fighting and Fuses
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Fighting is a part of hockey, so you had better know how to recognize the signs
of a frustrated player, and how to handle yourself when someone decides to blow
a little steam off in your direction.
Fuse- The player fuse is what determines how much punishment a guy can absorb
before he decides to take things personally. Some players have short fuses,
which means they tend to drop the gloves more readily than their even-tempered
colleagues.
Your player's fuse is represented by a vertical bar on the ice next to his
name. When the bar is depleted, it is likely that the next bit of contact will
set it up, and fight time begins!
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Fight Controls
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Pre fight- When two players start to circle each other on the ice, it's just
about fight time. But, you can try to avoid the scrap by rapidly pressing the B
button. On the other hand, if you really jackhammer the A button, chances are
the fight will start.
In the fight- when the gloves are off, you are committed to the fight so you
better know how to defend yourself. Here's how:
Jab- the A button
Heavy Punch- the B button
Uppercut- the X button
Grab and Punch- the Y button
Bob and Weave- the L trigger
Duck- the L trigger
Block- the R trigger
User Profiles- You user profile is where your controller, and game play is
kept. Your profile will be saved to the Xbox hard disk.
You can create a new user profile by selecting user profiles from the options
menu. After you have created your profile your preferences will be saved to
that profile until you create, or select another one.
You can also delete your user profile from the user profiles menu. But, be
careful! If you do decide to delete your user profile, your information on that
user profile will be gone forever.
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To create a user profile
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1. From the main menu choose options.
2. Select user profiles.
3. Select new user profile from the menu.
4. Press the a button to create a new user profile
5. Use the virtual keyboard to give your beloved profile a name.
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To delete an existing user profile
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1. From the main menu choose options.
2. Select User profiles.
3. Select the user profile you want to delete.
4. Press the A button to delete that specific user profile.
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Face-Offs
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Hockey is one of the very few sports in which possession goes up for grabs
every time game play stops. Win the face-off, and you control the puck. Control
the puck, and you control the pace, tempo, and very likely, the outcome of the
game.
In NHL rivals 2004, think of face-offs as a rock, paper, and scissors game.
When the ref drops the puck, you may press one of the three buttons. (A
button=win clean, B button tie up stick, or X button body block) Your opponent
on the other hand has these same three options. Here is how the moves stack up.
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=B beats A=
=A beats X=
=X beats B=
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If both players press the same button, at the same time the puck will go to a
random player.
Player roles, and special moves- in hockey, players have certain niches, and
roles. In NHL Rivals 2004, there are four separate players roles-each of which
has at least one special move that gives him an edge in doing what he does
best. All special moves can be executed by holding, and then releasing the B
button.
The certain roles are as follows:
Enforcers- these are the big bruisers of the NHL. They might not be the most
agile skaters or gifted shooters, but they do a great job of clearing out
shooting lanes, and protecting their teammates.
Bump And Go- this move with the puck lets enforcers turn the tables on would be
defenders, knocking them out of the way while keeping control of the puck.
Can Opener- This move without the puck is a brutal hit that turns an
unsuspecting opponent's world upside down.
Agitators- these guys are the flies in the ointment who love to throw other
players off of their game. They are tough, and persistent and specialize in
getting in the way of opposing snipers.
Protect the Puck- this move with the puck helps agitators keep the biscuit away
from other opposing players.
Face Wash- this move without the puck lets an agitator literally grind his open
glove into the mug of the other guy.
Snipers- these guys excel at finding a happy home for the puck. (In the back of
the opponent's net) Snipers are not the most physical players in the game, but
their finesse and accuracy make them formidable threats to any goalie.
Spin Around- snipers can execute this move with the puck to evade opposing
players.
Stick clip- this move without the puck lets snipers disrupt the shots of
opposing players.
Balanced- these are the well-rounded players who make up the bulk of every
teams roster. Although they do not excel at any one skill, their versatility
makes them individual parts to every team.
Protect the Puck- balanced players can use this move with the puck to shield it
from stick checks while they have possession.
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4. Your lesson in the game of hockey
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On the fly coaching
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Control does not stop with the individual player. NHL Rivals 2004 gives you
command of your team's in-game strategy, including line changes, aggression
levels, and specific team plays. You can change in game strategies by using the
directional pad.
Team Plays- do you like to crash the net? Are you conservative about killing
penalties? Here is where you decide.
1. Select options from the main menu.
2. Select team manager.
3. Select team strategy
4. Select a team.
You also can adjust your team strategy by selecting team manager from the
league home menu, and then selecting team strategy. Additionally, you can make
in-game adjustments by selecting team options from the pause menu.
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BREAKOUT
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Wings Low- This is a conservative breakout play intended to get the puck safely
out of the defensive zone.
Wings Normal- This is a normal breakout play designed to get the puck out of
the zone more quickly than the wings low play.
Wings High- This is an aggressive breakout play designed to get the puck out of
the zone very quickly, and pressure the other team.
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DEFENSE
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Zone- This is a conservative defensive play in which each player is responsible
for covering a zone.
Combination- This is a normal defensive play that allows players to leave their
zones when the opponents are overloading other zones.
Box- This is an aggressive defensive play in which the defense wings, and
defensemen form a box. The center is allowed to move freely to help other
players in need.
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ATTACK
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Positional- This is a basic offensive play that keeps players in certain
positions in the zone. One forward remains high to help back check.
Triangle- This is a system that emphasizes cycling the three forwards, to keep
them open for a pass. It is a great choice for teams with speedy players.
Overload- This system is designed to keep the front of the net crowded. It
emphasizes rebounds, and physical play. This is a good choice for teams with
big forwards.
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FORECHECK
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1-2-2- This conservative fore-check has one player attacking the puck carrier.
Everything to the net- This is a moderately aggressive system in which one
player attacks the puck, and another is ready to assist.
2-1-2- This is an aggressive system in which two players attack the puck
carrier.
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POWER PLAY
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1-2-2- This is a basic system in which the puck is worked around the perimeter
of the offensive zone until there is an opportunity to attack.
2-1-2- This play has one player parked in front of the net while the other
players work the perimeter. The puck is moved around until the player in front
is open or a shot is taken, and a rebound is up for grabs.
Funnel- This play is designed to get traffic in front of the net. Shots are
taken from the outside with the intention of creating deflections, and
rebounds.
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PENALTY KILL
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Tight Box- This is a more conservative play, in which the players stay closer
together, and generally do not chase the puck.
Wide Box- This is a moderately aggressive penalty kill in which the team stays
in a box formation and moves in reaction to the puck.
2-2- This aggressive penalty kill allows the defenders to move freely about the
zone.
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Infractions and Penalties
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Hockey games can get a little wild but there are some rules, and regulations.
You can bend, and break them at your discretion, but you might earn a little
time in the penalty box for your troubles.
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INFRACTIONS
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Infractions are not as serious as penalties. Generally, they lead to a stoppage
in play, and the puck is brought back for a face off.
Icing- Icing is when a player sends the puck from the far side of the center
line past the opponent's goal line to either side of the goal itself. When
icing occurs, the subsequent face off takes place within the defending teams
defensive zone.
Offside- This infraction occurs when an attacking player enters the offensive
zone before the puck does. After an offside call, the puck is brought back
outside the blue line for a face-off.
Two-Line Pass- This occurs when a player passes the puck from one side of his
blue line to the far side of the red line. The puck will be brought back for a
face-off near the point of where the pass was sent.
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PENALTIES
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Penalties are what happen when you really break the rules. More serious than
infraction, these will land you're your player(s) in the penalty box.
Boarding- One player uses excessive force in checking another player into the
boards, on the perimeter of the rink.
Crosschecking- One player braces his stick in both hands, extends his arms, and
uses his stick to check another player...hard.
Fighting- Two players drop their gloves, and strike one another in an attempt
to inflict injury.
Hooking- One player uses his stick to restrain another player. Stick-to-stick
contact does not count as hooking.
Interference- One player attempts to restrain, check, or impede the actions of
a player who does not have possession of the puck.
Roughing- The result of an altercation that is not as serious as fighting.
Slashing- One player swings his stick at another player.
Tripping- One player uses his stick or any other part of his body to cause
another player to fall.
High Sticking- When one player intentionally lifts his stick in the air, and
hits an opposing player.
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5. Different modes, and managers.
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Season Mode- NHL Rivals 2004 gives you a chance to manage your favorite team
throughout a full NHL season. Conduct a fantasy draft, manage team rosters,
make trades, earn awards, and keep up on the latest news from around the
league,
and even create your own players.
To begin an NHL season
1. From the main menu select game modes.
2. Select Season Mode.
3. Adjust your season settings.
4. Select at least one team to control.
5. Press the start button to begin your season.
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League Home
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The league home menu gives you all of the tools you need to conduct a
successful NHL season, with your favorite team.
Schedule/Play- View the season schedule for all teams, and select games to play
or to simulate.
Team Manager- Manager your roster.
Statistics- View the accomplishments of players and teams from around your
league.
News- Get the latest on league standings, injuries, awards, and trades.
Game Settings- Adjust rules, game play, audio, and visual options for your
season.
Save- Save your season.
Exit- Exit out of your season mode.
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Team Manager
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You can draft, trade, and create players to construct the perfect team. Just
select Team Manager from the options menu or the League Home menu.
View/Edit rosters- Look at the lineup for every team, and move players from one
team to another. This is the quickest, and most direct way to move players from
team to team, but it is not as realistic as conducting trades.
Edit Lines- Decide, which players will skate on which lines for any team in the
NHL.
Team Strategy- Decide how each team will react to game situations, and scoring
opportunities.
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6. Legal/Illegal information
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This document is (c) copyright 2006 to Chris. This FAQ is the intellectual
property of me (BostonFuse51), and is solely intended for personal and private
usage. Any reproduction or distribution of this guide to make a profit is
strictly prohibited, and is punishable by law. If you wish to use this guide
for your website, please email me or im me about it. I'll be glad to look
over your website and consider you for permission to use the guide. I update
the guide to GameFaqs, and to use the guide you must take the update and post
it onto your website. If I give you permission and I see that anything has
been changed in the FAQ, I will immedietly request to take it down. If the
owners do not abide, law officials will be brought into the matter. Any
stealing of this guide without my written permission is punishable through
the law, and you will regret it.
Sites allowed to use this guide:
www.gamefaqs.com
www.neoseeker.com
www.ign.com
www.honestgamers.com
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7. Credits
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Me- I wrote this guide for the game NHL Rivals 2004, the first guide for the
game.
You- you read this guide for NHL Rivals 2004
To Midway Games- They made the game NHL Rivals 2004
To Microsoft- They Made the Xbox console. (My favorite system)
I hope you enjoyed this FAQ for NHL Rivals 2004. It is my third overall guide,
and I am very proud of it, and my work I did to create it.
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