Email
Print
Video Game Review: NHL 2K9
ADVERTISEMENT
Published: September 26, 2008
Related Links
System: Nintendo Wii
Also available for: Microsoft Xbox 360, Sony PlayStations 2 and 3
Publisher: 2K Sports
Reviewer's rating: **½
ESRB rating: Everyone 10+
Game type: Sports
Kind of like: NHL 2K8.
Best features: Using the Wii remote as the means to shoot the puck is ultra cool, whether it's a slap shot, wrist shot or backhander. Using a target controlled with the Wii remote to pinpoint passes allows players to accurately direct passes rather than hoping a linemate is in the area. The ability to lock onto a linemate for a pass, or to make a chain pass to start a tic-tac-toe play between all three linemates, is a nifty feature. Rosters are pretty current, including the additions of Ryan Malone, Mark Recchi, Radim Vrbata and Olie Kolzig to the Lightning lineup.
Worst features: The graphics leave a lot to be desired, and it's pretty obvious they were sacrificed to make the control system work on the Wii. The puck can often be difficult to locate, especially when it's loose around the net. The mini-rink and pond hockey features add nothing to the game and could have been sacrificed for something else, such as a career mode.
The bottom line: Being the first licensed hockey game for the Wii, "NHL 2K9" will feed the appetite for hockey fans who own the system. And while the potential for greater things down the line exists, I frankly was expecting something better. I applaud 2K Sports for being the pioneer in developing a hockey game for NHL fans who own a Wii, but unless you are a true puck head, you might want to consider a saucer pass on this one and wait for future versions.
TBO.com - Tampa Bay Online ©2010 Media General Communications Holdings, LLC. A Media General company. | Member Agreement | Privacy Statement | Work With Us
| * To: | |
| Your Name: | |
| Your Email Address: | |
| Personal Message [optional]: | |
