NHL 10 for Xbox 360 Reviews by Gamers

First of all I live in Hockey Town, MI. For years I have dreamed of a video game capturing the essence of hockey. Finally with NHL 10 those dreams have been realized. I had grown disenchanted with hockey games over the past few years as flat out most of the GM Modes simply did not work especially in the EA series of games. With 2010 however my complaints have gone away.

The actual game plays fantastic, the board play is very similar to what you see in a real hockey game. The overall speed of gameplay maybe a bit slower than in previous years but it feels right. Checking is done well not making the game a slugfest but still being physical. The old beef of the computer goalie stopping 75 shots a game seems to have been fixed. I play 8 minute periods and typically generate 30 - 35 shots a game which is on par for what a typical NHL game has. You have to work for goals and the teams strategy you play against will dictate how you score. Play a team that guards the points and those slot one timers will pop open. On the other hand play a team that collapsing down in front of the net and deflections seem to be the way to go. Very realistic.

I can't say enough about the GM mode. Generally this is what I love about sports games and this game hits a homerun.....er hat trick. It has a dynamic scouting system representing the around the world feel of hockey very well. The GM points are fun to accumalate and really help you build a franchise. Creating a team and using them as a franchise is very rewarding as well. My only one slight complaint is that you cannot edit the conferences. For instance I moved the Phoenix Coyotoyes back to Winnipeg back to Winnipeg and would have liked to edit the conferences but you can't. I was also disappointed that the old logos like the Jets and Hartford Whalers were not in the game. Contracts and salary cap works very well as well as trades although at times you can be bombarded with trade offers. This is a great game!