Score
Gameplay:	9
Graphics:	8
Sound:	9
FunFactor:	8
PlasmaFactor:	8
Overall:	8.4

NHL 09 Review
September 25, 2008 by Jereme Puik

It’s tough when you go into development with the sole mission to improve upon the previous year’s title which has won plenty of awards given its innovative nature. NHL 08 blew away the competition when it evolved the skill stick in such a way that hockey games will never be the same again. This year, instead of going back to the drawing board, EA Canada took what made NHL 08 so great and brought us a new look at the defensive side of the game. Now, instead of just using a plain old poke-check, players can lift the opposing players stick to cut off passes and it just goes to show that EA Canada still has a lot to surprise us with in their playbook.

We are then one, We are the Warriors!

Hockey season isn’t even underway and already we’re treated to a full fledged hockey experience with the releases of NHL 09 and NHL 2k9. NHL 09 chose Dion Phaneuf (Calgary Flames) as their cover guy and NHL 2k9 chose Rick Nash (Columbus Blue Jackets), which can only make one excited for the upcoming season. The first thing you’ll notice upon entering NHL 09 is its presentation has been given a bit of a tweak. It’s still over the top as it’s been the last couple of years, but it certainly makes it more pleasing to the eye. Players from different teams around the league populate the background during each menu screen.  EA fills the soundtrack up with mainstream artists with songs that would work well for arena music.

So, let’s move on from the smoke and mirrors and dive ourselves into the gameplay. As I mentioned earlier, the skill stick has been given some new additions. The defensive side of the game is the highlight and players will use their stick to lift the opposing players stick off the puck to take the puck away. Other updates have been made as well, giving the players a more realistic presence on the ice then the cartoonish feel of last year. New animations were given to mostly everyone on the ice, and the biggest change is the goalie that isn’t as weak as they were in NHL 08. Puck physics were given an overhaul and now the puck doesn’t fly half way across the arena every time it hits off someone’s stick or bounces off the post. With the new delay of game penalty added in, players will have to watch how hard they dump the puck in and watch what stick it flies off of.

One of the many highlights of the additions made to NHL 09 is Be A Pro mode. Be A Pro mode is as the title says. You have two decisions to make; either start from scratch and begin in the minors or start with your favorite player in the NHL and begin the current 2008-2009 season on opening day. Before you even begin the game, you are prompted to create your own character and what position you think you’ll be comfortable with. This character will be carried with you throughout every mode online and off.

Finally, Xbox Live carries online leagues along with the ever awesome 6 vs. 6 online players. In NHL 09, every player can take a position and compete against each other in fan-created teams or professional teams. As long as you connect to the EA servers at a good time, then you shouldn’t have a problem connecting to a game. Too many times, though, have I encountered countless disconnects and kick offs.

Graphics

The presentation has been pumped up and is as over the top as it can get this year. NHL 09’s new arena openers are quit the spectacle and easily lovable when you’re favorite team is walking down the runway into the open arena with the music muffled in the background. For me it was a thrill seeing my New Jersey Devils walking onto the ice in the glory of my HDTV. The 3 star awards at the end of each game were a nice touch, instead of just showing them through an in-game menu. Players continue to evolve and look more and more like their real life counterparts. Crowd animations are, unfortunately, the same and don’t really differ much other then the cheers original to each arena.

Sound

Just as if you’re in the arena, every ping off the post and skate on the ice is heard through the Dolby surround sound. The players on the ice and the calls for the puck are about as realistic as you can get. Last night for instance, I was watching a pre-season Devils game and afterwards played a dynasty game in NHL 09 and I couldn’t believe how comparable it was. Skating on the ice and picking up that hard slapshot into the goalie or even letting it go wide and hitting boards made it that much more fun. Gary Thorne and Bill Clement will be lending their voices for the play-by-play commentary, although their script hasn’t changed much, there will be a few lines here and there that are new.

Plasma Factor

For casual and hardcore fans, Be A Pro mode will be the one-way ticket to the lasting replayability of the game. Whether you want to start in the minors or play as your favorite player, Be A Pro mode is an exciting addition to the series. While I would also mention the online modes here, the servers still need work and EA needs a little something extra to keep players online without kicking them off in the middle of the night and other times of the day. Still, Be A Pro mode is quite the highlight for the game and should give NHL 2k9 something to think about if it wants to keep up.

Conclusion

Although you will find it difficult to score against the upgraded AI, it is worth it once you finally do pull it off. The game really pushes hard work and consistent planning and a strong fore-check or attack. There are plenty of offline modes to keep one busy and not have to worry about getting online, even though that’s where the real challenge is. IF you don’t mind the skimpy EA servers, then by all means head online to the ranked matches. 6 vs. 6 online are worth it when it works. All in all, NHL 09 is a fine addition to the series and it’s only a wonder as to where EA Sports will be going next.