Brief synopsis of NHL 2K9
Hockey. On a field, it's pretty girly really, isn't it? Somehow, however, stick a pair of skates on a player, shove him onto the ice and covering him head to toe in masses of padding and it becomes a testosterone-fuelled man's game.
With NHL 2K9, 2K Sports has gone back to basics. Gone are control systems that are barely easier to master than that of the Starship Enterprise. In their place is an intuitive control scheme designed to make even total novices at home on the ice.
Also updated, of course, is the list of superstar moves, blocked shots, stick-handling moves and hit-by-puck collisions on offer. The skating engine has had its share of enhancements, as has the all important fight engine!
In keeping with the pick up and play approach, 2K Sports has thrown in a Zamboni (that's 'ice groomer' to non-Canadians) minigame, user-controlled Stanley Cup celebrations and play-off beards!
If that doesn't sound exciting enough, how about a soundtrack featuring the likes of Pennywise, Bad Religion, The Offspring, NOFX, The Ramones, Inner Circle, Mastodon, Operation Ivy and High on Fire? PS3/360 only: You'll also be able to grab bragging rights by posting your highlights online.
Go on, player - the status of toothless, tough-guy Canadian awaits!
