NHL 09 review
Do you like hockey? Well awesome, because this years iteration of EA's storied hockey franchise is better then many than other versions of years past. From a technical hockey standpoint, there are few games that can stack up in terms of content, authenticity and fun. With many additions and tweaks to the game it is definitely worth checking out. Some highlights of the new game include:
Be a Pro Mode - Essentially, this game mode builds upon the standard create-a-player mode and puts you in the skates of an up and coming player in your favourite teams system. The game gives you full creative choice of what your player will look like, whether you want to be a forward, defenceman or goalie, even attributing certains achievement points for progress of each position, and choosing the style of player you wish to be (i.e. Grinder, Playmaker, Sniper, etc..). Beginning on your desired club's AHL team, you will work your way up the lines until eventually you make it to the NHL. To do this you need to rack up decent stats and also perform well in the game. Since you are playing as a single player, you'll have to some have some hockey knowledge in reading the plays or picking up the point by covering your d-man in the defensive zone if your playing forward. The game gives you feedback after your shift which can be helpful to those who don't quite know what they are or aren't doing so well. However, there is a drop off in the fun after a while and the progress gets stale midway through your first season as after you've made it to the first line of your NHL club, especially a month or so into your first season, seems sort of weak? I'm just saying, I'd like to feel the struggle a little bit more.
EASHL - EA has finally made the right move in putting together a online hockey league, that is much akin to the Be a Pro mode. You can join up with a group of friends and make a team and ut yourselves into a league. It's decent fun if you've got enough friends on Live to do it, but whether or not you use it, you still can get alot out of 09 withouth even touching it.
The Rest - Graphically, this game is decent. The visuals are up to snuff with last years game with little texture improvements, and the physics have been improved. Unfortunately, they really need to work on the D who don't jump into the rush well enough or cover the offensive line,
All in all, this is the best NHL game I've ever played, but with some tiny areas left to improve on, I'm excited for next year's game for the first time in a very long time.
