by Robert Workman on Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Every year, 2K Sports and EA Sports are neck and neck when it comes to hockey. One year 2K dominates, and then EA comes rights back with its series. Now, the company that fell so far behind years ago once again takes the lead, as EA's NHL 09 is an unbeatable product. It's not quite perfect, but it's the best hockey game you can buy.
What makes NHL 09 a game winner is the combination of last year's refined control scheme and some great new features. You move your player with the left analog stick while controlling his arm motions with the right. To deke, simply tilt the stick left and right, keeping the puck away from your opponents. You can even perform one-handed dekes if you feel like stylishly sneaking the puck past an unsuspecting goalie.
As for shooting, it's awesome. You perform one-timers with the help of your pass button, wisely mapped on the right trigger. (This saves wear and tear on your thumb.) You can also flick a quick shot by tilting the right analog stick up, or warm yourself up for a slap shot by leaning back on it and pushing upward quickly. As for aiming, you do that with the left analog stick, looking for an open, unguarded spot in the net. In addition, defensive stick movements are available, letting you prep your players for a perfect body check or line up the stick across the ice to intercept a pass.
Overall, the offensive and defensive maneuvers play beautifully, with no ridiculous computer quirks that get in the way. Sure, the opposing team scores a near-end-of-game goal to tie it up every once in a while, but that happens in the real thing, too. You can't fault a win-hungry team. However, if these controls are too complicated, a classic control scheme is also available, letting you go back to the same two-button mode from EA's NHL 94 for the Sega Genesis.
Along with exhibition games, NHL 09 gives passionate hockey fans lots to do. The new Be a Pro mode lets you build your own skating legend from the ground up; It takes a while to get started, as you tweak your player's design and then work your way through several sessions in the AHL. You also can't skip ahead of the duller segments, such as sitting on the bench and watching others play. Nevertheless, it's richly rewarding. You'll receive criticism and praise from your coach, knowing what's working well and what you need to improve. Succeed, and you'll eke your way into the NHL, eventually earning your own player card. Fail, and you're trade bait. Dynasty Mode is also back, letting you take your hockey team to the Stanley Cup. Both of these are comprehensive and time consuming modes, but well worth the investment if you're an avid hockey fan.
On top of this, you can create customized plays. If you think you have an ingenious strategy for getting the puck past the goalie or into the waiting stick of one of your teammates, this is the place to draw it up. This is not only easy to use, but a vital tool that makes the game experience feel more like your own.
If you seek competition from others, look no further than the outstanding new Hockey League. You can take your built-from-the-ground-up pro online through Xbox Live or the PlayStation Network in full six-on-six multiplayer games. There are co-op sessions available if you feel like playing with your friends, and plenty of fresh meat to face off against. We took part in several sessions, all of which turned out to be a lot of fun and suffered from very little lag. Quick games are available, if you don't feel like taking part in something this huge. Really, though, that's like taking a small sample in a candy shop instead of buying a full bag.
There are also a few notable changes to the presentation. The running commentary, provided by Gary Thorne and Bill Clement is precise and smooth. The crowd noises, goal sirens and smaller hockey effects, sound authentic, too. As for visuals, there are occasional frame rate skips and "spooky face" moments. Past that, EA Canada did a stellar job recreating the sport. Players animate wonderfully, especially once you snap one in half with a bone-crunching check. The details on-ice continue to be on target, right down to the ice spray emerging from a quick slide of your skates. The crowd looks great as well, acting like true fans rather than static figures. The behind-the-player camera angles don't always work well, but that's a minor complaint.
NHL 09 is an immaculate sports experience, combining what worked so well last year with unbeatable new modes Even non-fans should lace up their skates and hit the ice.
NHL 09 PlayStation 3 Game Guide
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