Game Review: NHL 2K9

Jeb Haught - Charleston Daily Mail

NHL 2K9 - ***

2K Sports. Sony PlayStation 3. $59.99

ESRB Rating: E

Ever since the 1990s, EA Sports and 2K Sports have been bitter rivals when it comes to making sports games. While the National Football League sold their rights to the highest bidder, the National Hockey League still lets more than one company make official NHL games.

Strangely enough, 2K Sports latest, uh, goal was to make "NHL 2K9" more accessible to a larger audience. While they were successful, the move also conceded the hockey simulation title to EA.

That's not to say that the game is a dumbed-down version of hockey; it's just easier to control and not quite as authentic as previous incarnations.

Think over-the-top hockey like that found in the 1977 movie "Slap Shot," and you get the idea. In fact, the in-game officials miss more fouls in one game than you usually see in an entire season.

It also seems like the speed of the game has been increased, as it's too easy to break away and attack a rival goalie one on one. Rather than wait for defenders and play the passing game, players can rely on the ability to score nearly every time they get the puck. This might satisfy newcomers, but knowledgeable hockey fans will find it too simplistic.

Not everything has been diluted in a bad way, however, as the controls are not nearly as intricate as before. Players won't have to press several buttons at once just to achieve a single move.

Also, controlling the player with the left analog while directing the hockey stick with the right has a natural feel. In addition, there are three control schemes to choose from so everyone should be able to find one that makes them happy.

"NHL 2K9" is still a solid hockey title. It's just more suited for sports admirers than diehard fanatics.

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