Nhl 09

*Dr. Doom* · 09-19-2008, 04:19 PM

I've been thinking about looking into NHL 09. I've never been much of a sports gamer, though I did enjoy them from time to time back in the day with my brother. I actually have pretty fond memories of NHL '94 on SNES. What really got me interested was the whole MMO mode or whatever you wanna call it. And it's also gotten outstanding reviews (especially for an annual sports game). I guess Hockey's also got a certain appeal to me itself otherwise I wouldn't really be considering it. If anyone's played it and/or has some advice on the subject, I'd appreciate it.

Peanut · 09-19-2008, 07:59 PM

The NHL 0-blank series has really picked up in the last two years, and people are finally beginning to notice it. Finally. I just really needed to express that sh*t like Madden gets so much attention in games, while EA's NHL has been quietly becoming the most full-featured and best playing sports game on the market.

I'll tell you that there isn't another sports game that plays as well, or as similarly to the sport it's trying to replicate, as the NHL series in the last couple year. It's fun as hell, even for people who don't really enjoy hockey as a sport. I really can't recommend it enough to people, to be honest. Not just because hockey is the greatest sport in the world, but because the game is just flat-out fun to play. And the new persistent MMO thing they've got going is completely mind-blowing. I suggest you check it out.

*Dr. Doom* · 09-19-2008, 09:59 PM

Thanks cheif. I suppose I really might as well have just started this thread out with "Hey, Peanut". But I'll definitely check it out as soon as I can find a used copy.

*Dr. Doom* · 09-21-2008, 12:53 AM

Now, considering I haven't played a Hockey game for like 15 years, I'm curious what the learning curve on this game is, considering it apparently does such a good job of emulating the game it's modeled after and I have no idea if that means it's gonna be way more complicatyed than I ever would have expected.

Peanut · 09-21-2008, 11:45 AM

You'll have to start on the easiest difficult. The AI actually does a good job at playing hockey the way it should be played, so unless you know how to properly play defense in hockey, i.e. not going for a check every time someone is carrying into your zone, you're going to be getting scored on a LOT. In NHL07, I would play on the hardest difficulty settings, and still win 10-0, but in NHL08 I'd be lucky to win on the hardest difficulty setting. I would even get a game where I'd be completely trounced on the middle difficulty settings. And in term of scoring, you're really going to have to work for that. Not just because the goalies are much tougher, but because opposing players won't just let you walk around them, or pass through them, on your way to the goal. You'll have to work the puck to the strength of the current players you have on the ice, as well as in line with the current offensive play they're operating with.

And considering that you don't use any of the face buttons, that'll be something you'll certainly need to come to grips with. Most people I've played the game with switch over to the regular button controls, but that's always going to put you at a huge disadvantage, plus, it just isn't as fun. And like any game, there are certain nuances you won't pick up on until you've played it for a bit.

You won't be able to pick it up and dominate, you may not even be able to be competitive at first, but the game is easy enough to learn, and once you've got the hang of the controls, you'll be fine.

09-19-2008, 04:19 PM	#1
Dr. Doom Allons-y! Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Castle Doom Posts: 4,535	Nhl 09 I've been thinking about looking into NHL 09. I've never been much of a sports gamer, though I did enjoy them from time to time back in the day with my brother. I actually have pretty fond memories of NHL '94 on SNES. What really got me interested was the whole MMO mode or whatever you wanna call it. And it's also gotten outstanding reviews (especially for an annual sports game). I guess Hockey's also got a certain appeal to me itself otherwise I wouldn't really be considering it. If anyone's played it and/or has some advice on the subject, I'd appreciate it. __________________ I love you, Pickle.

09-19-2008, 09:59 PM	#3
Dr. Doom Allons-y! Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Castle Doom Posts: 4,535	Thanks cheif. I suppose I really might as well have just started this thread out with "Hey, Peanut". But I'll definitely check it out as soon as I can find a used copy. __________________ I love you, Pickle.

09-21-2008, 12:53 AM	#4
Dr. Doom Allons-y! Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Castle Doom Posts: 4,535	Now, considering I haven't played a Hockey game for like 15 years, I'm curious what the learning curve on this game is, considering it apparently does such a good job of emulating the game it's modeled after and I have no idea if that means it's gonna be way more complicatyed than I ever would have expected. __________________ I love you, Pickle.

09-19-2008, 07:59 PM	#2
Peanut Second Gear Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: The New World Posts: 15,422	The NHL 0-blank series has really picked up in the last two years, and people are finally beginning to notice it. Finally. I just really needed to express that sh*t like Madden gets so much attention in games, while EA's NHL has been quietly becoming the most full-featured and best playing sports game on the market. I'll tell you that there isn't another sports game that plays as well, or as similarly to the sport it's trying to replicate, as the NHL series in the last couple year. It's fun as hell, even for people who don't really enjoy hockey as a sport. I really can't recommend it enough to people, to be honest. Not just because hockey is the greatest sport in the world, but because the game is just flat-out fun to play. And the new persistent MMO thing they've got going is completely mind-blowing. I suggest you check it out.

09-21-2008, 11:45 AM	#5
Peanut Second Gear Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: The New World Posts: 15,422	You'll have to start on the easiest difficult. The AI actually does a good job at playing hockey the way it should be played, so unless you know how to properly play defense in hockey, i.e. not going for a check every time someone is carrying into your zone, you're going to be getting scored on a LOT. In NHL07, I would play on the hardest difficulty settings, and still win 10-0, but in NHL08 I'd be lucky to win on the hardest difficulty setting. I would even get a game where I'd be completely trounced on the middle difficulty settings. And in term of scoring, you're really going to have to work for that. Not just because the goalies are much tougher, but because opposing players won't just let you walk around them, or pass through them, on your way to the goal. You'll have to work the puck to the strength of the current players you have on the ice, as well as in line with the current offensive play they're operating with. And considering that you don't use any of the face buttons, that'll be something you'll certainly need to come to grips with. Most people I've played the game with switch over to the regular button controls, but that's always going to put you at a huge disadvantage, plus, it just isn't as fun. And like any game, there are certain nuances you won't pick up on until you've played it for a bit. You won't be able to pick it up and dominate, you may not even be able to be competitive at first, but the game is easy enough to learn, and once you've got the hang of the controls, you'll be fine.