NHL '09

[Bob 0119]

I've been a little sketchy on EA Sports NHL franchise. I picked up '08 and wasn't really impressed.

Someone convinced me to give '09 a look and I gotta say, I'm really impressed.

The Be a Pro mode is awesome. So far it's all I've played. You can choose a current pro, or build your own, and start out with your favorite team's AHL affiliate.

The AHL rosters aren't perfect, but they are very close to accurate.

It took me a little while to get the hang of using the right stick to shoot, but now that I have, I kind of like it.

I started out with Hershey, as a center for their third line (I've since moved up to the top line). You get to see your player line up in the tunnel before the whole team skates out onto the ice, and you play only as your player, and only when your line is on the ice (you can shut off the line changes, but I kinda like 'em).

You can call for a pass if you're open, and call for a shot if the computer player has a lane. You can also not only fight, but you can instigate the fight (previous renditions left it up to the computer to start the fight)!

When you are not on the ice, you are watching the game from the bench (or the penalty box, if you got called).

The game seems to do a great job of making you feel like you are right in the thick of things. There is no better feeling than scoring your first goal, except for when you get the game winner on an overtime breakaway! When I got that, I was afraid I was going to wake up Mrs. Bob 0119 because I realized I'd been playing the game for 4 straight hours and it was now quarter to two in the morning (I paid for it at work the next morning, lemme tell ya)!

If you haven't played it, you should. I highly recommend a rental at least!

[ChocolateMilk]

thanks for the recommend. i've been looking for a new sports game to get, i was thinkin about NBA Live but I've been growing fond of hockey lately..