|
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
 |
|
| |
NHL 2K9 XBOX 360 REVIEW |
|
| |
Last year,
fans of NHL 2K8 was filled with discontentment,
largely because of the overwhelming complexity
of the controls that took away the fundamental
nature of the game, which is to have fun. This
year, NHL 2K9 brings back the “E” in Excitement
as Visual Concepts introduces an intuitive yet
easy-to-learn control scheme that gives the
franchise another breakaway towards a Stanley
Cup. So far, we have enjoyed the many subtle
amenities included in this year’s performance.
There are two significant changes that Visual
Concepts had made to turn the series around:
greater accessibility and a brand-new visual
system. In addition, the game has expanded its
features to incorporate Reel Maker 2K9, a
special option that allows players to develop
their own incredible highlight reels online
through Xbox Live, and the first-ever 12-console
play, which multiplayer enthusiasts will
certainly appreciate!
The one component that 2K loyalists would
certainly be grateful for this year’s NHL season
is the improved gameplay mechanics. Last year,
the sluggish and somewhat difficult controls put
the damper on fans and subsequently disconnected
players in pursuing that championship dream. In
NHL 2K9, the controls are much simpler and give
gamers two types of schemes to choose from: a
classic setting, which is a default layout fit
for beginners, and the new intuitive hybrid
setting that provides depth that many experts
are looking for. On the ice, the action is
relatively smooth. We are able to pull off a
number of great slapshots within 15 feet of the
net. The secret is to use athletes with a
preferred rating of 80 and above to knock in
those crucial goals. Anything below this skill
point, your player will miss a lot of easy
shots.
The stick handling portion of the game is great,
though it can be a struggle at times trying to
make an abrupt turn using the turbo button; but
fortunately, NHL 2K9 stabilizes it by having a
good grip in terms of maneuvering the puck; you
don’t lose the puck simply because of a tiny hip
check like in EA Sports’ NHL 09 where loose
pucks are rampant! This is one of the aspects
where 2K Sports shines when it comes to this
particular hockey trait; 2K Sports did a fine
job of toning down the unnecessary turnovers,
which keeps the game at an exciting pace.
Another trait that NHL 2K9 excels at is passing.
Passing is excellent in this game and you can
easily setup a teammate to rack up on those
cheap one-timers. Scoring, on the other hand,
might take a bit of work as you’ll encounter
casual “delays” in wrist shots; sometimes it may
take two poundings on the shot button for the
“stick” to respond. The same can be described
for signature moves; signature moves come with
fancy goalie dekes but orchestrating them can be
a hard task. |
|
| |
|
|
| |
 |
|
| |
PRODUCT
OVERALL RATING: 8.0 OUT OF 10 |
|
| |
Back in this year’s season
of NHL is fighting. It’s nice to know players
are treated to occasional fisticuffs that give
diversion to the gameplay besides the infinite
aspiration to score goals. Frustrated with the
“cold” scoreboards? No problem! You can take out
your aggression by bulldozing the opposing
frontlines, hence instigating the fight.
Fighting comes with a variety of punches…and a
balancing act. The objective is simple: the one
who falls first loses the match. This is one of
the enjoyable parts of NHL 2K9; without these
clashing of testosterones, it wouldn’t be
hockey! The “checking” system this year has been
given more muscle. So now you can deliver the
kind of hurt towards an unsuspecting puck
carrier. However, trying to check somebody on
the ice can be a challenge as the aiming system
is somewhat unsteady.
Graphically, the game is every bit as dramatic
as last year. What you don’t know this year is
that Visual Concepts has plugged in more than
1,400 new animations! Basically, you’re looking
at an all new pre-game intros, stunning replays,
spectacular crowd animations, and more! NHL 2K9
also contains several other key gameplay
enhancements that's going to amuse you, such as
hit-by-puck collisions, the ability to block
shots by players, and user-controlled Stanley
Cup celebrations just to name a few. We have
already mentioned the addition of Reel Maker 2K9
in this year’s NHL version, which give gamers
the ability to be the Steven Spielberg of their
own highlight reels to be shared and rated by
others. As an added replay value, Visual
Concepts has thrown in a nice Zamboni mini-game
during break periods. It’s a cool contest that
has you competing for best time in smoothing out
the ice using a Zamboni.
In the audio department, NHL 2K9 has gone with
Randy Hahn and Drew Remeda of the San Jose
sharks as the new colorful commentators. They
reprise their roles well by bringing in various
sport theatrics into the action, but be prepared
for some redundant commentaries, which can be
tiring to listen to. Big hits is a major part of
a hockey game and NHL 2K9 did a good job of
translating most of the brutal checks in a
dramatic fashion. In the background, the crowds
give convincing cheers, while the heavy dose of
punk rock music fills up the adrenaline charged
atmosphere. During a fight, you’ll hear some
decent punches as two player exchange random
blows. The sounds of hockey sticks slapping on
the ice is just right; but smashing the puck off
the goal post and into the net pretty much
completes the audio and visual experience.
NHL 2K9 returns this year with a bang! The
controls have been rebuilt from the ground up,
making it easy for players to find ways to
score. Many of the gameplay mechanics have been
revamped to include a stockpile of highlight
reel-worthy materials such as user-controlled
Stanley Cup celebrations and 12-player console
match! Though the design remains relatively the
same as last year, the all-new presentation
truly brings NHL to life. Thanks to the superb
camera perspectives, NHL 2K9 captures all the
memorable moments of the sports. With 1,400 new
animations and a more accessible gameplay, it
won’t be too hard to win back some fans of 2K
Sports. NHL 2K9 is not just a game; it’s a
higher NHL experience! The new pick-up-and play
controls should entice quite a few skeptics in
playing hockey again. |
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
