The only hockey game to exclusively feature the greatest player of all time, Gretzky NHL 2006, exclusively for the PlayStation2 computer entertainment system, returns to the ice this fall with all-new gameplay modes and features promising to deliver the most realistic and action-packed hockey game available. The title introduces an all-new Wayne vs. Wayne mode where gamers earn "99 Time" and can temporarily activate Gretzky to go six-on-five against opponents or alternately defend against him when an opponent activates 99 Time. Gretzky NHL 2006 also features Team Chemistry, a new gameplay system where players are rewarded with top-notch play from teammates for sharing the puck and playing tough defense.
General Information:
Developer: EA Sports
Publisher: EA Sports
Release Date: 02/05/2009
Rated: Everyone
Console Availability: ( Online Only!! )
Sony Playstation 3
Microsoft Xbox 360
Welcome to 3 on 3 NHL® Arcade
Introducing 3 on 3 NHL® Arcade - an all-new downloadable experience from EA SPORTS Freestyle™ - developed by the team that produced the critically acclaimed NHL 09. 3 on 3 NHL Arcade is a no rules, fast paced, hockey experience that gamers of all types can enjoy. This fresh take on the NHL Hockey franchise will be available as a download in February 2009 on Xbox LIVE Arcade and the Playstation Network for 800 MS Points and $9.99, respectively.
"Available through a simple digital download, 3 on 3 NHL Arcade is perfect for sports fans who want to experience the thrill of NHL hockey at a great value without worrying about the rules of the sport," said Dave McCarthy, vice president, EA SPORTS. "Accessibility is really important. We have worked to make sure that come February, 3 on 3 NHL Arcade is a lot of fun for players of all skill levels."
With fast paced action, crushing hits and loads of room to experiment, 3 on 3 NHL Arcade will have gamers from all walks of life excited about hockey. With no rules to hinder the action, deliver devastating checks that send your opponent over the boards and watch as he has to skate back onto the ice. If the goalie comes out of his crease to play the puck, check him. Exaggerated player-looks take center stage with 40 of the top NHL stars, representing every team, skating around the miniature rink. With game-changing power-ups falling on the ice throughout each session, serious is not the name of this game. Fly down the ice with a super-speed skater, and beat a giant sprawling goalie with a trick move for that highlight reel finish.
With two control schemes to choose from, players can pick between button controls that allow gamers of all skill levels to pass, shoot, hit and break out the all-new trick moves with ease, or the more advanced Skill Stick controls from NHL 09. 3 on 3 NHL Arcade also brings the online experience players have come to expect from EA SPORTS. In addition to standard ranked matches, 3 on 3 NHL Arcade allows the ability for three players on one console to play three other players on another console anywhere in the world.
all information about this game comes from easports.com/nhl09/arcade.jsp
Let’s Play
Play and complete an online game.
Team Player
Play and complete a quick ranked game with 3 users on your side.
Jack of all trades.
Score with 5 different powerups in one game.
Brick Wall
Win a game without being scored on.
Race to Victory
Win a game to at least 15 goals.
Score Big
Score at least 10 goals in one game.
Big Player
Score two goals with a Big Player powerup in one game.
Super Speed
Score two goals with a Super Speed powerup in one game.
Super Shot
Score two goals with the Super Shot powerup in one game.
Ice Man
Score two goals while an opponent is frozen in one game.
Double Up
Score two goals using the Double Score powerup in one game.
Over and Out.
Hit a player over the boards.
Trickster
Score a goal using a trick move.
EA SPORTS Community Manager "Sk88z" sat down with NHL Producer Matt Mahar to find out the details of the upcoming 3 on 3 NHL® Arcade title.
Sk88z: Why is EA coming out with a 3 vs 3 game?
Matt: EA is coming out with a 3 on 3 Arcade game for numerous reasons, one being that there are no options out there for consumers to play an Arcade style hockey game. There are Street versions of sports games, but Hockey has never been one of them and the NHL dev team felt that we could fill this void with a top quality product and give the users a game to enjoy. Another reason for the arcade version is, we want to turn people on about hockey, we truly believe it is the best sport on earth and want to show people the sport. So we built arcade to attract people to play a hockey game, when they might not usually play a hockey game. Also, it acts as a great creative outlet for our development team which has worked very hard on EA SPORTSTM NHL® 08 and EA SPORTSTM NHL® 09 products.
Sk88z: Where is the game being developed and by which game team?
Matt: 3 on 3 NHL® Arcade is being developed by the same team that brought you NHL® 08, winner of 7 sports game of the year awards, and NHL® 09, both of which are top quality products for the sports gaming as well as gaming industry overall.
Sk88z: Can you tell us what some of the features are in the game?
Matt: 3 on 3 NHL® Arcade gives a complete package with Online and Offline play, as well as Powerups, 40 NHL® superstars, Stat tracking, and Leaderboards. As far as game modes are concerned we have Play Now and Online Play. To give you a clear understanding of both of these let's run through them:
Play Now supports 3 v 3. This is great for local play with your friends and is a great time.
Online play is truly full, we have Play a Friend, Quick Ranked games, which can support up to 3 v 3, and unranked games as well. Create and Custom game modes are also in the game and allow the user to customize their online experience.
Powerups are something brand new to EA SportsTM NHL® games. We have a total of 8 powerups. The way these work is to hit your opponent and a powerup will fall out of the player and onto the ice. This powerup can then be skated over by the hitting team. The powerups then apply to the user that skated over the icon. These powerups are hilarious and really create a game within game. Do you get the powerup? Do you take the puck? It's really challenging to the user to make the right decision. When playing against your friends or playing online, powerups add a fun and challenging element to the game while keeping it competitive and authentic to hockey. The overall feel of the game is fast with amped up hitting and very distinct player types. For the Arcade player types, we categorized the players into three groups; Strong - big, able to withstand hits. Fast - fast on the ice and very agile, but can't with stand the hits like a Strong. All-Around - good at everything, but not as fast and strong as others. These player types add a layer of strategy to the game that can't be forgotten about. Users will have to choose wisely and find the best combination of players to beat their opponent.
Sk88z: What stands out as the coolest thing about the game?
Matt: There are so many cool things in 3 on 3 NHL® Arcade. Be it hitting guys out of the rink, performing a trick move from behind the net, or spinning away from a hit attempt that its hard to nail down one cool thing. But I like the addition of Powerups to the game. They truly add to the game overall, adding an element of strategy to gameplay. Do you go get the double Score powerup or do I stay with the puck carrier? The decision is up to you, but you have to make the right decision or it could cause you a goal, our worse, 2!
Sk88z: When can we expect to see this on PSN and XBLN?
Matt: 3 on 3 NHL Arcade will be out in early February 2009. It will be released on Xbox Live Arcade and the Sony Network Store.
Sk88z: What are the control set ups for Arcade?
Matt: For arcade we have two control setups: we have the Skill Stick, which is for all the veterans out there, and we have Button Controls for the first timers. We put shoot/check and pass/change player on the buttons so that anyone can pick up and play this game. In addition to shoot/check and pass/change player on the buttons, we added in Spin Move and Trick shots. I am really excited about having these in the game because they give the user two more offensive weapons while in the ice. With spin move you can get away from hits and skate into open ice. This helps to limit the number of powerups your opponent will get and will get you into open areas to make plays. Second, are Trick Moves, in line with the new break away contest the NHL introduced last year, we put in some moves that will give the user some creative freedom. Trick moves allow you to flip the puck up and bat it out the air, do spinning toe drag shots, and pick the puck up on your stick and score from behind the net. These are really great moves that will influence the outcome of every game.
As I mentioned above we have Skill Stick in the game with all its glory. In addition to the familiar Skill Stick moves we have added Trick Shots to it. These are done using the right stick and a modifier. The outcome of this addition is a new mechanic that Skill Stick users will have fun with and will allow them to score some amazing goals.
With Button Controls and Skill Stick we have something for everyone. With the addition of Spin Moves and Trick Shots to Button Controls and the Skill Stick the result is an electrifying game that looks as good as it feels and is easy to use.
Podcast between Matt Mahar and EA SPORTS World (Thompson Bros)
