- Title: NHL 09
- Platform: Xbox 360
- Publisher: EA Sports
- Developer: EA Canada
- ESRB Rating: “E” for Everyone
- Genre: NHL Hockey
- Pros: Great graphics and sound; Be a Pro mode; perfect controls
- Cons: Online experience isn’t as smooth as we’d like; casual fans may feel left out
New Modes
All of the modes you would expect in a sports game like this – play now, dynasty, tournament, create-a-play- are all included and pretty much how you would expect them to be. The big news in NHL 09 is the two new modes of play. First up is the EA Sports Hockey League. This is an online only mode where you and your friends create players, create a team right down to the logo and jerseys, and then play online with other teams in 6 on 6 matchups. Don’t worry, the CPU will fill in slots so you don’t have to get the whole gang together all the time. The EAHL is a surprisingly fun and satisfying way to play that really gives you a sense of pride and ownership that few other sports games can. Playing well with all of your friends is just plain fun. It isn’t as smooth of an experience as we’d like as there are connection problems (but what EA game doesn’t have connection problems …) and the menus aren’t as intuitive as they could be. All in all, though, it is a pretty spectacular mode if you are willing to really commit to it.
Gameplay
The core gameplay is pretty much like last year. You still deke and shoot with the right analog stick as well as check with the right stick when you don’t have the puck. The controls are surprisingly intuitive and just feel great. The A.I. is startlingly realistic here as well and forces you to play more conservatively and defensively-minded than most videogame hockey. It is easy to pick up and play, but harder to play at a high level than a lot of sports games, and if you are looking for big hits and high scores, NHL 09 might not be for you. It satisfies with the Be A Pro mode and the great controls and realism, but casual fans might end up frustrated.
Graphics and Sound
Graphically, NHL 09 is a great looking game. The players are realistically modeled, and the animation is very smooth. The ice and arenas also are very nice looking. It is also worth mentioning that in Be A Pro mode when you sit on the bench or in the penalty box, you actually sit there and watch the game from that viewpoint through your player’s eyes. You can select an option that would let you control a different player while you are on the bench, but I kind of think that takes you out of the spirit of the mode. That viewpoint from the bench is amazingly realistic and is a very fun way to watch the game. You aren’t bored sitting there while you aren’t playing since you are watching your teammates play. It is all very fun and just adds to the realism and fun of Be A Pro.The sound is also very good. Solid sounds out on the ice. Good crowd noise. Decent music. And good commentary from Gary Thorne and Bill Clement. No complaints here.
Bottom Line
