The hottest game on the ice just got portable with the first version of Midway's hard-hitting hockey game for the Game Boy Advance.

I'm on Fire

NHL Hitz 20-03 lets you take control of your favorite NHL teams in a 3-on-3 (plus computer-controlled goalies) match-up. When a match begins you choose a center, winger and defenseman from your team's roster. Each player is rated in six categories, including Speed, Passing and Shooting.

The R Button activates a player's Turbo Boost. A good individual performance will fill the adrenaline meter. Once this meter is full, stand back and enjoy the pyrotechnics as the player literally catches fire, signifying a temporary stat boost.

Adroit dekes, powerful slap-shots and bone-jarring checks are all at your disposal in this arcade-style hockey game. Of course, it wouldn't be hockey nor Hitz if fisticuffs didn't transpire every now and then.

Chill, Dude

Nor would it be Hitz without a multiplayer mode. Brush up on your gloating, and be sure you have GBAs and Game Paks for every player and enough GBA Game Link cables to connect all systems.

You can choose from three difficulty settings and set offensive and defensive strategies.

Season Mode let you play a full season of 82 games. You can also choose an abbreviated schedule or skip right to the Playoffs. Arenas are all identical, but the appropriate team logos and uniforms represent the Home and Away teams.

Action is presented in an isometric side-view. The neatly done player animations reflect off the ice surface. Nifty special effects include a slap shot trailing fire. Each goal is marked by a raucous celebration and replay.

GOOOOOOOAL!

NHL Hitz 20-03 brings frantic arcade hockey to the Game Boy Advance complete with a Season Mode and multiplayer support. Expect to have a blast, and if you don?€?t watch out, you might learn a thing or two about puck strategy.