NHL 09 Preview
Tags: NHL 09, Videogames
Ok, I am a huge hockey videogame nerd and EA sports has really put out great hockey games the last 2 years. In fact, NHL 08 was truly awesome and ranks as my favorite game ever.
Unlike most videogames, all the controls for NHL 09 are done using the 2 sticks on the controller. This unique way of controlling your player allows the user to feel like they are actually doing stick-handling. Want to take a slapshot? Pull the right stick all the way back and push it ahead quickly. A wrister is taken by simply pushing the stick forward. This unique method of control pulls you deep into the game and gives you total control.
The latest version of the game features:
Defensive Skill Stick
NHL 08 gave you true offensive prowess with the Skill Stick, and this year we’re giving you the power to stop it. Block passing lanes with 360° control of your stick or kill an opponent’s one timer game by lifting their stick just before they receive a pass.
Be A Pro
NHL 09 will put you on the ice with a dynamic new 3rd person camera as you play the role of one player on a team. Our Performance Tracker will rate your play in over 50 categories, to make sure you know what parts of your game need to improve.
Be A Pro starts your career off in the ranks of the AHL and challenges you to become one of the best in the NHL. Your very own hockey card will mark your progress, from your rookie beginnings to a potentially legendary ending.
Create-A-Play Breakouts
The ice is your canvas and it’s up to you to paint a winning strategy in both online and offline play. Create breakout plays from your own zone or set up behind your net and tell your right winger to look for the flip dump from the defenseman
NHL 94 Controls
Hit, pass, shoot, and score using the simplified two-button control system featured in NHL 94. Now even players new to the game can challenge the best of the best.
One-handed Dekes
NHL 09 adds another weapon to you offensive arsenal – the one handed deke. When you are skating in on a breakaway tap the puck to one hand and tuck the puck behind a sprawling goalie for the ultimate finish.
Check Hard and Fight
An All-new physics-based checking and fighting engine featuring more than 300 new animations brings a higher-level of intensity to the game. Watch players reach for the ice to soften their fall or simply get laid out on their back when you catch them with their head down in open ice. Circle your opponent, grab his jersey and settle a mid-game score.
NHL 09 is coming out on September 9th for the Xbox 360, the PS3, the PC and the WII.
You can purchase it HERE
9 Comments, Comment or Ping
Gary Adlemann
I can’t wait for this game to come out! I still play the 08 version! Led the Bruins to 3 cups so far!
Do you think this version will be even better? How about what system are you getting it for?
Jul 3rd, 2008
Dan
I think I’m getting it for the PS3…unless the Wii version uses the controller in an innovative way.
Jul 3rd, 2008
Ron
Would High-sticking or slashing qualify? That would be a fun twist in the Wii version of the game. Head to head play would be awesome! My teen-age cousin might beat me by 6 goals, but he’d better keep his head up in the corners! Maybe the Wii-mote could hand out a gamer for butt-ending!
Jul 7th, 2008
Dan
Agreed. The Wii version could be AWESOME for fights.
Jul 7th, 2008
Dickie Dunn
It will be interesting to see if obstruction penalties are called religiously for the first 30 minutes, then totally forgotten about. Consistently inconsistent…My NHL.
Jul 7th, 2008
Clint
I’m still partial to NHL ‘94 on the Sega. Check out this article I found this morning – makes me feel a little long in the tooth:
http://sports.yahoo.com/nhl/blog/puck_daddy/post/The-few-the-proud-the-remaining-active-players?urn=nhl,92647
Jul 9th, 2008
Dan
Clint,
Try being alive when activision’s ice hockey for the Atari 2600 was state-of-the-art.
Phil Hartman LOVED it….
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lROb1vWNiig
Jul 9th, 2008
Dan
Dickie Dunn sent me this AWESOME link:
http://nhl94.com/
great memories.
Jul 10th, 2008
Geoff Courtnall
The one-hand flip!!!! Can’t wait!!
Jul 22nd, 2008
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