Every year, Electronic Arts and 2K Sports go toe-to-toe in the hockey arena, attempting to bring players the most refined video game hockey experience available. Last year's competitors, NHL 08 and NHL 2K8 came to a dead heat. The fact that EA could catch up after years of falling behind is remarkable, if NHL 09 is any indication -- it's not done yet. Its latest on-ice powerhouse looks to deliver all the power of a defenseman checking someone into a wall.
The biggest addition for this year is the Be a Pro mode, similar to the one introduced in its latest FIFA game. You begin by making a player from scratch, providing a number of skills and wisely choosing a position that you think will suit them best. From there, during each game, the third-person camera stays focused on you. No matter what happens on the ice – a fast break, a two-on-one shot for the goal, whatever – it always stays on you.
Be a Pro judges your overall play in three categories: position, team play and statistics. Position reminds you of where your stance should be on the ice, in case you wander out of a defensive perimeter. Light-up arrows point the way as to where you need to be to aid a defenseman or stop an incoming puck. Team Play judges how well you interact with your teammates, but you have to keep an eye on several things. If you call for the puck too often and miss, you'll catch heat for your bad performance. If you don't take shots when necessary, your offensive coach will provide tips to make you better. Finally, statistics track your numbers over the course of a season. Do well and you'll be on your way to an NHL legacy. Screw up and it's back to the minor-league AHL for you.
In NHL 08, the offensive Skill Stick gives you complete control over your player's scoring moves, from flinging slap shots to setting up crucial one-timers with a teammate. It's back again this year, along with a new Defensive Skill Stick. If you don't have the puck in play, you can still use the right analog stick to control your player's stick motions, setting up a block in an opponent's passing line that results in a steal or stopping a one-timer from successfully going off. Be careful with it, though – if your stick's in the wrong position, you'll inadvertently bounce the puck into your own goal.
There's one small addition for offensive players to take note of. Along with the specialized two-handed dekes that can help you in getting a goal, you can also perform one-handed dekes during a crucial breakaway. This allows you to keep the puck tapping in one hand, setting up for a push behind the goalie with another.
If the controls sound too technical, EA also offers an "old-school" option with classic gameplay. The two-button control method first introduced in the Sega Genesis classic NHL '94 will be available, with one button available for passes (or checks on defense) and another set to simply shoot the puck (or perform smaller checks).
Several other new features will debut in NHL 09 as well. The new Create-a-Play Breakout option lets you create "breakout" plays with your team, setting them up for a scoring opportunity by positioning players in just the right places. This mode will take some practice, but seasoned hockey pros should have no problem getting into it. Online play through Xbox Live and the PlayStation Network will also expand, going from 3-on-3 games to full 6-on-6 affairs. So, if you know five friends that don't mind doing some puck slapping with you, you can form a team and take on some worldwide competition. Online leagues and tournaments will also be on hand, although EA Sports has yet to reveal when they'll start. Our guess is October, when the new NHL season kicks off.
Most of the presentation looks like it'll be the same as last year, although EA has added a few subtle changes. The graphics show a little more realism, particularly with on-ice reflections and crowd reactions. Players appear more lifelike, especially after you score a goal and get the team together for a little cheer. Finally, the checks look even better, thanks to 300 new animations and an improved physics engine. You can practically feel your teeth rattle as you're thrown to the ice.
If you don't like hockey games, well, we've just wasted five minutes of your time. If you do, though, NHL 09 looks like it'll be even better than last year's on-ice endeavor. We can only wonder what 2K Sports has to counter it. We'll be back with a review in the months ahead.
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