To list the options and modes NHL 09 offers both online and offline would take more than this review, such is the huge level of effort that's gone into this release. This edition covers not only the centrepiece North American league but also those from European countries and of course international teams, but alas no Fife Flyers.
The newest offline addition is the inclusion of the Be A Pro mode, which in effect is a career setting with your own created character. You can go through this mode as an already established ice hockey player, particularly if you do not wish to put the effort into rising through the ranks. Yet for the faithful pulling on the jersey and waiting to take to the ice is the only way to approach experience this mode. You start at the very bottom, the last row of an AFL team, which is affiliated to a professional NHL team. It's up to you to work through each season, meeting criteria and establishing yourself in this junior team before, hopefully, an NHL team takes notice and snaps you up.
This two-tier system works well, especially as your customisation includes the type of player you actually wish to be. Whether this is a goal machine, playmaker or defensive man, the goals you must achieve are clearly defined. For instance our chosen role of playmaker put more emphasis on assists than actually scoring, so while a season may have required ten goals, the number of assists were five times that number. Throughout NHL 09 we found scoring to be far easier, as assists were dependent on the AI of your teammates. Too often the opportunity you lay on isn’t exploited fully, making assists harder to come by.
Spectacularly the differences between colleagues were evident through a season, with Ling often refusing to pass or set you up, whilst other teammates preferred long-range shots. It all adds to the dramatic effect and immersive experience that the Be A Pro option offers. In saying this, the mode does lack the integration of television and media that we've seen from other EA releases that somehow capture the bling, excitement and demands of the professional league. Perhaps given the frequency of the schedule, with several games in a week, professional ice hockey players have little time for other things.
Also available amongst others are the default quick play option and the Dynasty mode. Be A Pro has superseded the latter, a few additional tactical options does not result in a separate identity. It should be a far more thorough managerial or owner experience and not clouded by other modes.
NHL 09 features a physicality that reflects the nature of the sport, with fighting, body checking and fatigue playing a prominent role. The fighting dynamic is very simplistic and disappointing with one button assigned for punching and another to block. It has been dumbed down to the point where it is no longer relevant, however the fatigue does play a major role, if you allow the setting to remain realistic. A tiring player is very evident and you can immediately leave the rink to replenish your health. Timing is a factor, as when deciding you have to rule out the possibility of the opposition gaining an immediate advantage and scoring. With your match rankings going towards your progression in Be A Pro, playing the team game is reflected and being greedy or staying out too long will be picked up by the coach, who will also enjoy any body checking you manage.
Like the latest instalment of FIFA, EA has revamped the online mode to dramatic effect. You can create your own club online, recruit other players and together take on other teams. More traditional options exist and there is a real attempt to foster a community, with chat and boards on offer. The online experience can however be temperamental due to the EA servers; at times they seem not to be available or struggling to maintain a fluid experience. For the majority of matches Gamestyle played online, things were positive and you certainly won’t lack opponents.
With NHL 09 featuring more options, moves and functions than before, the control system has had to adapt. Initially at times Gamestyle struggles with a new system, yet for all the hours of exposure the one here never felt fluid or comfortable. Using every button on the controller, including the right trigger to pass, the right stick to shoot, it just feels bizarre. Online, when you are not in possession of the puck the right trigger also allows you to change the player you control. That combination leads to some frustration and costly mistakes.
As an admission the development team has included the classic NHL 94 scheme, simple and effective it’s the ideal setting for those just starting out. Another criticism are the limited practice options, more work here would have helped the adjustment to the new controls.
Visually NHL 09 is excellent, even with your own customisation options ranging from visual to musical, the quality never dips. Sitting beside the rink in a first person setting really confirms this, including the audio and atmosphere it creates. The commentary may suffer from the problem of repetition yet Gamestyle was having so much fun it wasn’t detrimental.
Sporting titles that provide so much enjoyment and variety for all skills of players are a rarity. NHL 09 has its issues yet these fall by the wayside in comparison to what’s on offer. Arguably it represents the greatest sporting release of this current generation with only a few minor tweaks required next year.
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