NHL 2K9 for PlayStation 3 Reviews by Gamers

Personally, I am very disapointed with this game. Normally I like to try and find the good in a game and primarily focus on that. With NHL 2k9, there really is not much good to focus on. The actual game play is weak to say the very least. Faceoffs and fights might as well not be incorporated into the game because it is next to impossible to win either. Also, when you try to check your opponenets (particulary AI opponents) they just skate right around and walk into the slot for a wide open shot. The graphics are decent, reminiscent of later PS2 games, but no where close to what next gen should be. The game looks like it was taken straight from the PS2 and reformatted to play in the PS3. The slogan of the game dealt with bringing the fun back; however, all it did for me was bring constant frustration.

I suppose if I had to find anything positive with the game it would be the entrance themes (for example: the Blackhawks theme on the game actually deals with the real life "Red Rising" theme), and for the most part the controls (aside from faceoffs and fights) are fairly easy to pick up. If you are just looking for an NHL game that you can pick up and play immediately with your friends or online, without having to learn the controls, this may be the game for you. If you are looking for depth and substance coupled with a realistic experience, you will probably be happier with EA Sport's NHL 09. Either way, my advice is to rent before buying. Give kudos to 2K for trying something new, but it just doesn't work on multiple levels.