NHL 09 on PS3

Extremely Enjoyable - Online Amazing

Cigol [Highly rated reviewer] , 30/09/2008

I'm no hockey fan myself but I've always been a fan of the EA Sports NHL series right back to its Megadrive/SNES heyday. Whilst the game hasn't changed fundamentally that's no bad thing and I find myself enjoying this new iteration quite a lot, especially online.

The controls are the first thing you'll notice, and the last thing. Using the analogue sticks to control the puck is not only intuitive but provides a greater deal of fidelity over it's speed and accuracy. The most important point to make about this system is that you won't need to learn a whole host of button combinations in order to play the game - in fact you will rarely ever need to use the face button's, period. This level of obfuscation is so effective that you never trip up trying to work out what to do and how (the bane of many sports titles).

Singleplayer mode comes complete with all the usual game modes and features; franchise, tournaments, shoot-outs, a fully-fledged 'BE A PRO' option (with authentic features like having to sit out line changes and penalties from the sidelines), not to mention very helpful tutorial/practice options. It's all there.

...but whilst those singleplayer features are great (and where I sink the most time) it's actually online where the game shines, possessing a host of features sports fans have long been clamouring for. The most prominent of which is the ability to play as an individual skater or goalie as part of a user-created & user-controlled team within a proper divisional structure. This dynamic is addictive as it adds a level of challenge and unpredictability that you just don't get against the AI. It's surely a hockey fans wet dream.

The graphics are more often than not amazing, with little details like rust and dirt on stadiums adding character, whilst eye-popping textures on players shirts will have you swearing they were real. It rarely disappoints in that regard.

Sounds are pretty much what you'd expect, but there's actually a lot of little details like player voices which not only intensify the atmosphere but relay important information like line changes and offsides (etc). Commentary on the other hand is pretty lame, and as there's no amazing 'Madden Trackback' replay feature I tend to just switch it off and listen to the rink itself.

Complaints? Well the EA Servers aren't particularly reliable before or during games so that can be an annoyance, especially in ranked matches or when you are struggling to get signed in. The soundtrack can't be customised and there are no PS3 specific trophies... But overall the game is an enjoyable sports title without equal and I highly recommend it.

*A note on playing the goalie; it's surprisingly a lot of fun, and I recommend you try it.

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Really Good

wychwoo from Chipping Norton , 18/10/2008

I understand ice hockey is not for everyone but this game might change a few peoples minds.

It has some super graphics and sounds along with enjoyable gameplay.

One negative is that the control system is a bit tricky and takes time to get used to.

I would suggest that people both fans of and not fans of NHL, give is a go.

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Transforms Blu ray to ultimate film!

bucks2hockey from Bourne End , 14/03/2009

Transoformers on blu ray is amazing, definately recommend it, cant wait for the sequel, story line is good, action is good, does hang a little bit but still a great film.

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Transforms Blu ray to ultimate film!

bucks2hockey from Bourne End , 14/03/2009

Transoformers on blu ray is amazing, definately recommend it, cant wait for the sequel, story line is good, action is good, does hang a little bit but still a great film.

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