EA Sports: NHL 09 - 10/10
NHL 09 was one of my most anticipated game releases of this year. I wasn't expecting much of an upgrade from NHL 08. I was mistaken. The new features blew my mind!
The most amazing and revolutionary feature of this game is the new "Be a Pro" mode. You create a character and begin your climb towards NHL stardom. You control just the one created player. This adds an RPG element to the game. You start off in your favourite NHL team's relative minor league team. You have to prove yourself to your coach and GM to get a call up to play in the NHL. The new mode is incredibly addictive and each goal scored gives you an amazing sense of achievement. The camera angle is changed from the typical "broadcast" type angle to a rink level perspective. You feel like you are part of the game.
Be a pro pre-game and camera angle
As you progress you reach certain milestones. These include number of goals scored, assists made or checks delivered just to name a few. As you become more of a superstar you unlock virtual Upper Deck collector cards with a picture of your pro's ugly mug on it. I enjoy this feature as I used to collect Upper Deck cards as a kid.
An example of a real Upper Deck card
You want more control over the picture displayed on your cards? No problem! NHL 09 features a new media management centre. Within this mode you can save videos of your highlights. You can edit these highlights down and change camera angle, zoom, speed, pretty much anything. The media management feature also allows you to take still photos that you can put on the cards you earn. With NHL 09's media feature you can always remember that miracle goal you scored in overtime that put up that W versus your rival team.
Your created pro can be taken online to compete against others. Although I haven’t tried this feature, the game boasts the ability to match you against players of a similar skill level. Some cards can also only be unlocked by completing online objectives. There is so much to unlock and/or achieve within this title that the replayability level is through the roof.
The graphics are similar to the 08 instalment, but a little smoother. The soundtrack has undergone a transformation and includes some killer tracks. My personal favourite is Millencolin's entry. The rosters are current but can be edited if you wish in order to create your dream team.
Dynasty Mode has also made a return in NHL 09. This gives you the position of your team's general manager. You negotiate the contracts, make the trades and play the games. These are just a few of the responsibilities offered by Dynasty Mode. You have total control.
The classic exhibition mode is still available and you can still duke it out with your mates. The retro jerseys have also made a return, which I was pretty stoked about.
All in all, this is the most involving and intense sports game I have played since the old skool NBA Jam. If you are a fan of any of the EA sports titles I suggest you go and buy this now! You won't be disappointed.
Submitted by kormac
28/09/2008
512
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