Nhl 09

[hcky21rskor]

NHL 09 is going to be nasty. Graphically the game hasn't changed much from 08, but the graphics are good enough as is. This year they added a new game mode called, "Be a Pro." Here's a everything about it:

First off, the biggest feature in NHL 09 seems to be the brand-new Be a Pro mode. Inspired by the feature of the same name from last year's FIFA 08, this mode will let you strap on the stakes as an up-and-coming hockey player. After creating your player from scratch, you'll sign up with an AHL team (EA naturally has the full AHL license) and begin to find your way through your career as a hot minor-league prospect.

As with the Be a Pro mode in FIFA, when you're on the ice in NHL 09's Be a Pro mode, you'll be focused on your player alone, thanks to a third-person camera that will be focused tight (but not too tight) on your created player. According to producers, this close-up camera angle will give you more opportunities for shooting in a variety of different angles on the goalie, from up high to five hole, because the targets will be that much bigger on the screen.

One of the most intriguing aspects of Be a Pro mode in NHL 09 is the different types of roles you'll be able to serve when creating your player. Not only will you be able to play as a goalie, but you'll also be able to choose different types of roles as a regular skater, from a grinding, checking defenseman to a speedy, shot-taking sniper. As a result, when you're on the ice with your team, your coach will have different expectations of you depending on your role. It's these individual expectations that will form the basis for how your performance is judged in the game and how your player progresses as a result.

You'll be judged in three main categories: position, team play, and statistics. Given that your position on the ice is so crucial to the success of you as a player and your team as a whole, you'll always be judged by how closely you fit into your proper position based on your role. If you're not sure where you need to be during a certain point, a handy arrow will appear overheard to point in the direction you need to go if you're out of place. How often that arrow appears will be a measure of how often you're in the right (or wrong) spot on the ice, and you'll be judged accordingly.

Only thing I don't like is Dion Phaneuf is 09's cover boy.

[Cylon]

I really hope they improve on the hitting in the game. In NHL 08 many of the hits were ridiculous and very unrealistic. How many times during the course of a real NHL game do you see someone get absolutely crushed and thrown to the ice? Chances are not that often. However, in NHL 08, that occurred with almost every single hit based on my experiences.

I would also like them to improve on the gameplay along the boards. We need to be able to pin guys along the boards (something the @K series already has done), and fight for the puck along the corners.

I'm not impressed by the "Be A Pro" feature. It was only a matter of time before they implemented this feature into their NHL game since they have it with almost all of their other game franchises.

Gameplay first, which will ultimately hold my attention longer, then they can focus their efforts on the side features.

[hcky21rskor]

Originally Posted by Cylon

I would also like them to improve on the gameplay along the boards. We need to be able to pin guys along the boards (something the @K series already has done), and fight for the puck along the corners.

In the 360 you can pin people against the boards. When someone in near the boards you simply press "A" and you will tie the person up long enough for a teammate to skate over and take control of the puck.

Originally Posted by Cylon

I'm not impressed by the "Be A Pro" feature. It was only a matter of time before they implemented this feature into their NHL game since they have it with almost all of their other game franchises.

This is the first NHL game with this feature, and I've been waiting for it for a while. It's going to add so much more interest to the game.The depth they have went into is amazing, IMO, as well.

Originally Posted by Cylon

Gameplay first, which will ultimately hold my attention longer, then they can focus their efforts on the side features.

Graphically and gameplay wise, 08 wasn't bad. I'm sure they tweaked things a little bit to make 09 that much better, but I don't see them doing anything HUGE.

[Cylon]

I realize you could tie people up, but in the 2K franchise, while pinned up along the boards, you had the ability to elbow the defender, and kick the puck in either direction to your teammates. It was actually quite a cool feature.

Also, I would like to see a slight improve in the graphics (not the cut scene graphics, but the graphics of the actual gameplay itself).

Don't get me wrong, NHL 08 was/currently is the best NHL game out there (and the most realistic). If they make these additions rather than keeping them relatively the same, it could possible produce the most ultimate hockey game ever.

[hcky21rskor]

I'm sure they'll improve on the graphics and the gameplay a bit, but it's not going to be anything major.

The new screenshots at gamespot look pretty good. Looks like they've put a little more life into the fans, the ice looks better, and the players also look better to.