Difficulty:

Just Right

Time Spent:

20 to 40 Hours

The Bottom Line:

"Worth the wait"

Sure NHL 94 was cool at the time..but I honestly wouldn't touch that game today, or 5 years ago for that matter. So to the point at hand, NHL 09.

This game adds some huge improvements in longevity with the new Be A Pro game play, customization and online options. The best option integrated into the game is the Be A Pro / Online Team Play. This to me is the best feature of any sports game in a while. Every goal scored feels earned. The fact that you are playing as yourself with stats you have to personally buy and build up makes it more of an "in the game" experience. The amount of customization is pretty good too. With the ability to add custom soundtracks into not just the menus but actual game play situations is a great addition, considering in years past the poor choice of music. Another key addition in the online play is all of the options available. Team play, One vs One, Shootout all return but new additions of the EASHL, Play a friend and online community are huge. Although there still are some server problems the online team play and EASHL modes are some of the most addicting gaming you'll experience.


Grades

Graphics: 9.0 (Not much changed from last year, which isn't necessarily a bad thing.)

Sound: 9.5 (Game sounds seem spot on, the addition of custom soundtracks makes it that much better.)

Gameplay: 9.0 (Similar controls to last year, but some new defensive additions. Sometimes they don't feel as smooth, but after playing some games it gets better.)

Playability: 10 (The game can be played over and over again, every game feels like a different game especially online.)

Overall: 9.5 (NHL 08 was gonna be hard to top, but they did it. Can not wait for NHL 10..as weird as that sounds.)