A hockey game so realistic and exciting it's almost like you're watching the actual thing.
THE GOOD
-Very realistic hockey action
-Solid controls
-Excellent multiplayer
-Be A Pro mode is addictive
-Superb graphics and sound
THE BAD
-Online connection issues
-Confusing menus
OVERVIEW
NHL 09 continues on the great success from the previous year with its new Be A Pro feature. This new feature lets you create yourself as you start in the AHL, gain experience and hopefully become a super star in the NHL. Now you have the chance to play on the same line scoring goals with Alexander Ovechkin. Or if defense is more your style then wouldn't it be cool to pair up with Nicklas Lidstrom? Or if you are goalie minded you could try winning the starting job over Martin Brodeur. All this is possible in NHL 09 if your performance is top notch.
GAMEPLAY
NHL 09 is a very realistic hockey game. More of an emphasis was put into the defense so you'll see games where the score isn't a blow out like 15 – 0. Instead you'll see games that are more like 1 – 0, 4 – 3, etc… Because the scores are more reasonable, there is lots of excitement when your team does score a goal because it's hard work just like in the NHL. The controls may seem complicated but once you get use to them it will feel natural. Skating is performed using the left stick and all your puck handling is done with the right stick. You don't have to worry about the annoying "speed burst" button, which is nice. For deking, all you have to do is more the right stick from side to side and you can even pull the puck back with the toe of the stick to unleash a wicked wrist shot. There are two types of shots you can perform which are the slap shot and wrist/snap shot. It's all intuitive too. For a slap shot just pull the right stick backwards and then forwards. It takes a little extra time so make sure you have clearance before attempting this shot. For a wrist/snap shot just push the right stick forward. Other offensive things you can do in NHL 09 are passing (RT), shielding the puck (A), loose puck deke (LB), and the nice vision control (LT – which turns the camera to aid in seeing where your teammates are in the offensive zone). The controls on defense have a few new features to help you put that "hot shot" player in his place. We have the body check (right stick), the poke check (RB and right stick for more control), the block pass (LB), the lift opponents stick (A), the hook/start a fight (Y) and the dive (LB + RB). As a fellow hockey player, I've noticed that the controls for this game are very good and feel more practical than other hockey games.
Alright, now let's get into each of the game modes. NHL 09 offers the same exhibition and league modes like before. Here you and your friends can customize the game or league with the option to use all the NHL, AHL, and worldwide hockey teams. Rosters are updated automatically by EA sports too. This is pretty much the same stuff you've seen before but the other mode that you'll really like is the Be A Pro feature. Here you have the option to play as an NHL (or AHL) superstar or create yourself and start off in the minors. The objective is to become the greatest NHL hockey player that ever played the game (or at least come close). If you really want a complete authentic feel you can keep line changes on and you'll actually come to and from the bench during the game. NHL 09 is also the first hockey game to implement a leveling system based on performance. Your Be A Pro character will earn a letter grade (which turns into experience points) in three different areas. There is a position score (based on whether you play your position or not), team play score (based on how many hits, turn-overs, take-aways, etc… you get) and a stats score (based on how many goals, assists, and plus/minus you get). This is really cool because there is an incentive to playing your position (so you won't find all five users in front of the net leaving the defense unattended) and the role playing aspect is nice because you can increase your players attributes.
All of the offline game types can also be played online. This includes the Be A Pro feature which also works the same way. Playing online with friends can be very addicting. There are options to create your own club team to invite people and play against fellow hockey teams from around the world. Your club team is ranked and placed into a division with other teams with the same skill level too. Unfortunately, there are a few setbacks in the form of connection issues. Sometimes you'll experience some bad lag and frame rate problems that can really be quite irritating. Another crumby thing EA did is that it stuck you with a labyrinth of menus. The first couple times navigating through them and you'll see how terrible they are but it's a good thing that there is a built in FAQ.
NHL 09 also offers a few other nice features. You have the ability to record videos and take pictures to show off your mad skills to entire world. You can even use the pictures you take to customize your own hockey card. Plus, you have the ability to change up the music by customizing your own playlists.
GRAPHICS & SOUND
The visuals are very good in NHL 09. The ice rinks look very sharp. Plus, the details in each of the player's faces are exceptional too. For example, if you're playing as the Pittsburgh Penguins and happen to get a close up of Sidney Crosby you'll be stunned on how closely the game resembles the real man. Also, there is a funny easter egg with the crowd watching the game in that they are all male. Apparently, females don't watch hockey.
The sounds effects rock. From the bone crushing hits to the scorching slappers at the point, you'll enjoy the sounds this game has to offer. The alternative music in NHL 09 is a good fit and sounds like hockey.
CONCLUSION
NHL 09 picks up where 08 left off and really stepped it up even more. The new Be A Pro mode is probably one of the best ideas for a sports game yet. I would recommend this game to anyone whether you are hockey fanatic or not. So, it's time to lace up those skates and light the lamp!