NHL 09

"If Sean Connery and Paul Newman had a baby, it would be NHL 09"

EA Sports hockey franchise gets better and better. Their newest installment is the best yet.

Gameplay: 10/10 (9.5/10 pre-patch)
I thought that NHL 08's gameplay was the best I've seen in a hockey game, but this even trumps that. It's hard to believe that the NHL franchise can continue to one up itself every year. The same basic skillstick set is there. Only slight modifications have been made to it (most notably the one had backhand). However, the area that is really ramped up is the defense. In this year's version your player can lift the stick and pivot on his poke check. Stick lifting is one of the key plays to prevent the opposition from getting too far in front of you. Pivoting on the poke check allows you to sweep the puck away on the other team's rush. Also the offensive and defensive in game controls have been improved. You can now adjust your forecheck in addition with setting how aggressive you wish your offense and defense to be. Defensemen can also be changed without having to swap the entire line out.

Sounds: 9.5/10
The on ice sounds are still very realistic. Nothing changed from 08 which is all for the better. My only complaint is the menu music which is all a matter of taste. The crowd sounds do need a bit of work too.

Graphics: 10/10
Not much different from last year, not much that has to be. Everything looks very clean and very realistic. As someone who goes to a lot of actual NHL games, I must say this game does very well graphics wise.

Dynasty/Be a Pro: 9/10
Dynasty mode is same old same old, but the big addition to this year's game is Be a Pro mode. Be a Pro mode lets you lock onto one player that you create and guide him through a NHL career starting from an AHL team. Each position has different expectations of how you should perform. Plus each position in and of itself has different styles that you can choose from (playmaker, dangler, sniper, offensive/defensive defensemen, and others). It's a fun mode that still needs a bit of tweaks as far as the coach setting the lines and getting moved up/down when you might or might not deserve it.

Online: 10/10
The online modes are great. EASHL is the big addition which is an extension of Be a Pro. If you can get yourself in a good league, then it can be fun. The regular game, team, and shootout modes are still there. I cannot account for any cheesing or other outside influences in this review, but I have found the online modes very addictive.

Overall: 10/10
If you don't have this game, either get it now or wait for NHL 10. EA has shown that it can do a hockey game better than anyone has before.

Reviewer's Score: 10/10, Originally Posted: 06/22/09

Game Release: NHL 09 (US, 09/09/08)