Favoring an arcade approach over a simulation one, NHL 2K9 isn’t exactly the most realistic hockey title on the market. This may prove to be successful in other scenarios, but it plagues NHL 2K9 from excelling. It failed to improve in areas that it struggled in years prior. While many of the faults can be overlooked at times to enjoy the title, it’s still doesn’t help erase the fact that it’s main competitor, NHL 09, is league ahead in quality. Let’s examine where Visual Concepts went wrong with this year’s game.

Game modes alone, there are enough options for players to commit their time to but not many of them stand out. Many of the modes are indistinguishable to last year’s game modes with the exception of the Zamboni races that’ll show up as a mini-game between periods. The Zamboni races are a nice diversion, but you’ll quickly tire driving around the Zamboni and rather just get back to skating around the rink. There are also three vs. three games on a mini-rink, four-on-four games on a frozen pond, and the regular shootouts. They won’t hold your attention for too long as each has their downsides; pond hockey has invisible walls, three vs. three games don’t allow for much strategy and shootouts suffer from the same problems the gameplay has.
 

The franchise mode and season modes do return, but with very little improvement. Both are deep enough that’ll keep your interest for several weeks of time, but Visual Concepts needed tweak it a little to keep pace with what their rivals have done. But, at least you can expect to work diligently around the salary cap and contract negotiations to put together the best team you can to reach the Stanley Cup.

One reason why the franchise mode is a pain is that the menu navigation keeps players guessing on what to do next to find the information they seek. Sure the menus are sleek and clean, but this minimalist approach only goes so far when there are no indicators of what to do to get to the next menu. The crucial information, such as the waiver wire and other league news is hidden with the menus that it feels as if you are in National Treasure with Nicolas Cage trying to find treasure.

There’s also a new fighting system implemented though don’t expect to enjoy it as much as watching the real thing on television. There’s no power behind the punches and the balancing mechanic doesn’t simulate a real hockey fight as expected. I’m still waiting on the ability to pull jerseys over my opponent’s head, goalies to come out of their nets, and more havoc when it comes to fighting.

Another problem with NHL 2K9 is the computer AI. Not only do they rush the net on offense, but they usually fly in solo with one player and refuse to pass to their teammates. This makes it a lot easier to concentrate on the player who has the puck and make them commit a turnover. As for the defense portion, NHL 2K9 turns up the intensity as you’ll never rid yourself of a computer opponent lurking around you but this doesn’t necessarily mean it’s a good thing. With the computer opponents always hounding you on the defense, one guy will always attached to one of your player’s hips so if you can break away from them, you can easily get an advantage and score. On top of that, the goalies will be giving away goals as if they’re providing money to their favorite charity for letting the opponent score.

The last problem has to be the most apparent one, the graphics. They’ve been barely touched up from last year as you can easily tell from the jaggies. There’s also a lack of realism – a similar trait for the entire game – with the authenticity of the players. Their faces are ugly and their bodies resemble as if they are wearing full gear of a football player. The only upside of the graphics are the playoff beards that add some personality to the players. But this is hardly a reason to run out to your local electronics store to purchase NHL 2K9.

Even with all those negatives, there are a few bright spots for NHL 2K9 and the team at Visual Concepts. The controls have been updated to where they have eliminated the messy R1 and L1 passing/shooting controls of last year. This should be a joyous occasion for those who found it overly complicated and troubling. Players can now choose among three different control options: basic, pro-stick evolution and hybrid. The hybrid of course mixes the pro-stick evolution with the basic controls to allow a fluid transition from using the button controls and switching to full control with the right stick to deke your opponents. Oddly, even with the superb controls, NHL 2K9 still doesn’t feel right when skating on the ice. It’s a mixture of the speed and the response time from the game that ends up deterring this game from feeling as if it was a natural experience.

The multiplayer has been revamped and it shows significantly with full six-on-six possibilities. It’s more fun to play with five friends rather than with five computer AI. Allowing up to 11 other players to join in on the fun, NHL 2K9 guarantees the experience that every hockey fan has been wanting for a long time. Even better is that the online options run smoothly and are basically lag-free. If there’s one reason to pick up NHL 2K9, it’s for the tightly running online multiplayer and the chance to play with your friends.

Gameplay: 6.7
The streamlined controls help ease the pain, but the computer AI erases any entertainment value NHL 2K9 had.

Graphics: 5.9
Ugly is putting it nicely.

Sound: 5.7
The play-by-play commentary needs to a tremendous amount of work done.

Difficulty: Easy

Concept: 6.0
Zamboni mode is a unique addition, but not enough was done to make NHL 2K9 distinctive.

Multiplayer: 8.5
Six vs. six online matches are highly amusing. The lag-free online is possibly one of the best attributes of NHL 2K9.

Overall: 6.4
If you can overlook the disappointing realism and focus on the tight multiplayer, NHL 2K9 may be worth a rental. But even with that said, there are too many issues that hold back NHL 2K9 from being a worthy recommendation when there are so many quality sports titles that released this fall.