by Robert Workman on Friday, September 12, 2008
A few years ago, Visual Concepts and 2K Sports had the best hockey game on the market. In 2008, however, the tables turned, and EA Sports' NHL 09 is superior. That's not to say that this year's 2K release, NHL 2K9, is a failure. It's moderately entertaining as far as hockey games go, but it's not as satisfying as the competition.
First, the game isn't nearly as realistic. You still play six-on-six games, with five players and their supportive goalie taking the ice to stop the other team from scoring. However, at times during each period, the goalies act stupid, letting the puck sail right past them. (You can try to fix this with the manual goalie control, if you're up for it.) There's also a ridiculous amount of body checks. Even the poke checks have thunderous force behind them, sending players sliding across the ice.
Past that, the game plays similar to previous versions. Three control options are available, allowing anyone to get into the game. Basic reverts back to the control scheme first introduced in the series, Pro Stick Evolution brings back the multi-button set-up from last year's release and Hybrid combines the two into a fascinating concept. In the latter two options, you shoot by flicking the right analog stick. NHL 09 does the same thing, but it's more accurate. You'll grumble under your breath after the perfect shot strays past the goal or, if you're really off the mark, into the crowd. Two-button Basic works the best, even though it lacks innovation.
Other than that, the game plays smoothly. You'll have no problem activating turbo and gliding around the ice, pulling off ferocious body checks and going after the puck. There's also a new in-game fighting system. You not only have to balance your weak and strong punches, but you must also tap the left and right triggers to maintain your strength. If you don't, you'll drop like a brick on the ice. In addition, there is customizable Stanley Cup celebration animations, if you manage to get that far in Franchise mode.
Modes from previous games return, including Franchise Mode and several mini-games, but there are some interesting tweaks to the formula. For instance, in the middle of a playoff run, you can grow a playoff beard, letting your key players become all scruffy to show their loyalty to the team. As far as the mini-games, you can hit the pond and engage in three-on-three multiplayer shootouts or try out the new Zamboni driving mini-game.
NHL 2K9 supports up to 12 players in online action through the PlayStation Network and Xbox Live. Team-Up play works very well, with little-to-no lag or slowdown; there is excessive checking during some sessions, however. You're also able to create a hockey avatar and enlist in weekly Team 2K-hosted tournaments; winners earn a spot on the roster for next year's hockey game. There are also online league options available, with room for up to 30 people.
NHL 2K9 has an excellent presentation. Visual Concepts does terrific work with its hockey engine, particularly with the player details. Those playoff beards are nice-looking up close and player animations look outstanding; watching a player crumple on the ice after a severe hit is a pleasurable sight. There are moments when facial and uniform glitches pop up, and occasional bits of slowdown occur after a goal. Aside from that, NHL 2K9 looks great..
Drew Remenda and Randy Hahn provide the play-by-play commentary, and it's even better than NHL 09's. These two have no problem keeping up with the constantly moving action and even bring up smaller details like playoff performance and stats. The sound effects are near perfect, right down to the "clang" a puck makes coming off the post and the "thud" of a powerhouse check. The game also has a good soundtrack, featuring selections from Bad Religion and Pennywise.
Although we prefer NHL 09, NHL 2K9 is a great runner-up, thanks to its mostly enjoyable gameplay, its stacked extras and its rock-solid presentation. For next year, though, Visual Concepts will need to raise its game to beat EA.
NHL 2K9 PlayStation 3 Game Guide
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