2K Sports NHL 2K9 Review

Is the fun really back?

Remember the days when 2K Sports had it's top over EA Sports NHL series well it's been two years when the roles have been reversed. NHL 2K9 tries to go back to the realism it use to have. This year 2K sports gave a slogan to it's game "bringing back the fun!". Although I never though their game was horrible, I personally think EA Sports were just a step ahead.

Let's start with past year biggest issue, the controls, 2K Sports have implemented three control sets, Basic (for the simple-minded), Pro Stick Evolution (similar to NHL 09's controls), and Hybrid, which is a combination of both. It's obvious this year the controls are way easier to picked up and remember, which is a big improvement to last year, with modifiers that could be modified by another button. Well none of those for 2K9. The left stick controls the skate/player movement while the right stick is your hockey stick. Move the right you stick to the right and your player with deke to the right, same thing happens on the left side.

After fixing the controls, the Pro Stick Evolution control scheme seem to give a lack in the AI of the gameplay. Personally I'm one of those that speed button needs to be removed from sports games, except arcade games, this feature seem to break the AI of the game and your often create yourself breakaway chances, too much though. You don't feel that you actually earned it after a while. The with the arrival of the Pro stick the goalies are easily fooled which creates score like 10-2, which isn't close to today's NHL matches.

This year we still have the superstars move, which are a good asset. Although most of them aren't very useful, either hard to control or you never have the chance to set it up while playing. But the idea is there, that's a good thing that 2K Sports does, is variety of content in their game. When you successfully achieve the deke you definitely feel rewarded.

The Hybrid controls are strong as well they may not be as advance as the Pro Stick Evolution, you can pull off pretty much the most important plays of the game. The Basic control scheme are great for new gamers, like kids easier to pick up and play. If you want to get most out of your game, choose the Pro Stick Evolution, once you master this controls the game is more enjoyable.

The AI is where it's losing points, the game doesn't feel like your going any further, the control are too easy to picked up but the AI doesn’t respond to the level the player gets at. This is certainly a thing where 2K must review for NHL 2K10. With the speed button the intelligence of the game seems corrupted. The computer often seems to go directly at the puck carrier leaving all your team mates open. Scoring is a problem for both developers what is sad in this is that in past game 2K sports had the ability to make 2-1, 3-2 which is more intense since you can often come back or protect the lead for the win. We hope to see those days back next year.

Graphic wise NHL 2K9 is still a good looking game, but their in behind from EA. They don’t seem to put as much details on the uniforms and faces as their competitor. Only a handful of players actually look like themselves which is a bummer to be honest. The Crowd looks realistic looks less copy pasted then other titles. 2K Sports have a great variety of cut-scenes like previous years, they run smoothly in game, some issues were known on the PlayStation, but don’t affect the Xbox 360. While the game is being played no choppy moments accured, smooth gaming from a to z!

NHL 2K9 does beat the competition on the presentation of the game, with the team introductions, the playoffs beard, and the controllable playoff celebration was a unique way and maybe push other games to do the same. The play by play isn't as strong as EA Sports but the duo Randy Hahn and Drew Remenda is still acceptable. They have a good variety of speech, and has more content while playing in the playoffs. So 2K is still able to be better in one thing.

The Online gaming is very strong as well believe it or not, they have brought the team up feature. Team up let's you play a hockey game with 12 console at once meaning 6 players on both sides which has never been seen before in online gaming. Both developers have brought this feature but this important to mention it. NHL 2K series still leads in league statistical system, they keep track of everything and with more details then their bitter rival EA. Winning is important on the online mode if you want to keep your grade high, every mistake will be affecting you. Play smart and you'll climb up in the standings.

The 2K Sports Soundtrack are featuring great bands like Pennywise, Bad Religion, The Offspring, NOFX, The Ramones, Inner Circle, Mastodon, Operation Ivy, High on Fire & more. Good variety of music for every type of person.

The content element doesn't only stops here. Included in this year game , the Reel Maker, where players will be able to save, edit, share and rate user-generated NHL 2K9 highlight reels online through Xbox Live and PlayStation Network. This means that youtube is pointless from now on to save with your camcorder people!