NHL 09 game review

         Are you an avid hockey fan, or just a general sports fan looking for a game that can keep you entertained for hours?  If so, the new NHL 09 from EA sports studios is the game for you.  This new installment from the NHL series is jam packed with so many features that any gamer can find something about the game they enjoy.  NHL 09 puts you in more control of your team with the new defensive stick control that allows you to now control player’s stick on defense as well as offense to provide a more authentic hockey feel.  A player can also utilize the new stick maneuvers on offense by protecting the puck from defenders with one hand on the stick, and also finish the play in style by tucking the puck in the back of the net.  If all these crazy new stick controls do not really appeal to you, or if you are just looking to play a simple, but still exciting game, there is also the new feature that brings back the NHL 94 two button control layout.  A game that only requires the use of two buttons means that anybody in the house can jump into the game and have a great time!

         It takes more than new control feature to make a game great, and NHL 09 covers this with a whole slew of new features to “hook” you into the game.  The most anticipated is the “be a pro” mode that allows you to create yourself, which gets into every small detail including how you wear your equipment.  The player then joins his or her favorite NHL team, and is put on the AHL roster, which is their actual minor league affiliate.  The player then plays just as themselves, and has to work their way up to a roster spot in the NHL.  This is a challenging game type that has you play as if you were literally in the game.  Another great feature this game has to offer is the new online team play mode.  Now a player can create his or her own team, and have their friends join them to compete against other groups of players in a 5 versus 5 online hockey game.  This type of online hockey is the first of its kind, and is very fun as you can team up with your friends to try to dominate the league.  The Create-a-play mode has also been improved as you can now create a power play set up alongside of a break out play.  The instant replay mode has had the most improvement of an existing feature which now allows you to view and save clips of your favorite plays and post them for other players to view.

         With all of these new features added on to the existing modes from the previous games, what else can a gamer ask for?  The amazing graphics and game play coupled with the now basic game controls, this game is a must have for any household looking for a fun, fast, action packed game!