NHL 10 is a solid hockey game, with it's gameplay improvements and new modes, but still feels the same.
Gameplay: The gameplay is just as solid as it was in 09. With the exceptions of the new modes such as Battle for the Cup, Playoff Mode and Be a GM mode (which are all worth buying the game for).
The on-ice game feels better than it ever was in the past. With the new realistic board-play, which really makes it the best hockey game on the market and ever before. And finally EA has decided to make Playoff hockey actually feel like Playoff hockey. With it's non-stop action from the crowd waving the towels, stories developing as you progress into the playoffs, such as Malkin not performing, and Ovechkin getting booed because of the injury he caused on Jordan Staal, (events that happened to me in the 1st round of the playoffs). That alone made me want to buy the game.
Graphics: Just the same as last year, with a few more players with their real life appearance opposed to a generic face. Also players making facial expressions when scoring, getting hit and when fighting.
Sound: New on-ice sound effects make it feel a little better than last year. Although, I think it's time EA moved past the Commentary of Gary Thorne and oh especially that annoying Bill Clement. Many of it is used from the past two years. Although, it is better than 09 for sure, as they point out If you have a good line matchup on the ice. And Gary Thorne actually tells you when a Player shoots the puck unlike last year.
New Modes: Battle for the Cup, takes two player compettiveness to a whole new level and is very fun. Playoff Mode, which I have not played because I preffer to play the season as well, let's you jump right into playoff action. And the new praised Be a GM mode I think is garbage. First of All it can get pretty boring, it also it pretty confusing because of the many things a GM has to take care of, but that can be actually good to some because of the many options you can take control of. Also the new praised trading for some reason is even worse than last year. Computer GM's are as retarded as ever, No Lie, I saw with my own eyes: PATRICK KANE picked off of waivers by the TORONTO MAPLE LEAFS, as soon as I saw that, I closed the Be a GM mode and deleted the file.
Ending: NHL 10 is with out a doubt the best Hockey game ever created. Although I see it dissapointing a lot of people. Including myself.