NHL 09

 Xbox 360
NHL 09 Image
Metascore
88

Generally favorable reviews - based on 41 Critics What's this?

User Score
8.4

Generally favorable reviews- based on 62 Ratings

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  • Summary: NHL 09 builds on the momentum of last year, with innovative controls, added depth and new features designed to help newcomers jump into the series. The Skill Stick System evolves to bring an unparalleled level of control to the defensive side of the puck. The all new Defensive Skill StickNHL 09 builds on the momentum of last year, with innovative controls, added depth and new features designed to help newcomers jump into the series. The Skill Stick System evolves to bring an unparalleled level of control to the defensive side of the puck. The all new Defensive Skill Stick gives you the ability to sweep your stick to block passing lanes and lift an opponent's stick to prevent one-timers. Take your game online with 6 vs.6 team play, where 12 people can play together on 12 different consoles around the world. With new teams from the Russian, Czech Republic and German Elite leagues, NHL 09 connects hockey fans around the globe like never before. Players new to the series can now shoot, pass and check with ease. NHL 09 features Be A Pro, a game mode that puts you on the ice with a dynamic new 3rd person camera that allows you to play the role of one player. With a performance tracker grading your progress in more than 50 categories, you know exactly where you need to improve to become the next NHL superstar. [Electronic Arts]… Collapse
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 41 out of 41
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 41
  3. Negative: 0 out of 41
  1. Gamervision
    100
    With barely a visual hitch, exceptional presentation, engaging online, improved controls and an unmatched level of realism, there’s almost nothing to prevent a full recommendation to any fan of hockey or sports games in general. Even if you aren’t a fan of sports games, the game is so good it could turn you into one.
  2. Planet Xbox 360
    93
    NHL 09 is hands-down the best sports game yet.
  3. NZGamer
    92
    It was one of the best, if not the gold standard for sports genre video games last year, and it looks set to re-claim that title yet again this year.
  4. Armchair Empire
    90
    At this point in time, EA Canada has the NHL franchise down to a science. But this year, rather than just spit out another instalment, they took the time to do some really interesting things while refining things like hitting and getting the control aspects almost perfect. NHL 09 is highly recommended.
  5. Worth Playing
    89
    NHL 09 is as real of a hockey game as it can get. It looks great, sounds good (if repetitive), plays great and has an amazing set of features.
  6. 1UP
    83
    2K Sports' "NHL 2K9" is not a bad game, especially if you'd rather get out there and play than spend time learning button combos. But even with its few warts, NHL 09 is simply too big, too adventurous, too pretty, and too danged consuming to be considered anything other than the best hockey videogame ever produced.
  7. Game Revolution
    75
    For the players who aren’t scared away by NHL 09’s realistic difficulty, they're whole seasons ahead for training custom characters and learning the stingy A.I..

See all 41 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 13 out of 18
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 18
  3. Negative: 2 out of 18
  1. David
    Sep 25, 2008
    10
    The game is near flawless! The Be A Pro mode is a lot of fun for skates with the exception of having to sit out and rest during games and the The game is near flawless! The Be A Pro mode is a lot of fun for skates with the exception of having to sit out and rest during games and the sometimes confusing camera. They just need to make it fun to play goalie.… Expand
  2. JesseMartineau
    Nov 22, 2008
    10
    Best hockey ever - I didnt think that it was possible to improve upon NHL08 But the BE A PRO mode is better then I thought it could be - I amBest hockey ever - I didnt think that it was possible to improve upon NHL08 But the BE A PRO mode is better then I thought it could be - I am in my 3rd Pro Season and still love it - The gamplay IE - Shots - hits - Poke checks - are just getting better and better - cant wait for 2010… Expand
  4. JasonBourne272
    May 30, 2013
    10
    This is the best NHL game ever since they brought out the new shooting configuration with the right stick has made this game the bomb. AlsoThis is the best NHL game ever since they brought out the new shooting configuration with the right stick has made this game the bomb. Also love the way to be the goalie and customize his pads and how so many goalie companies sponsored this game like vaughn and rbk, so sick… Expand
  5. SimonA
    Oct 21, 2008
    9
    I've played the NHL series since good ol' 97 and was amazed with last years game, but this years game takes it all to another I've played the NHL series since good ol' 97 and was amazed with last years game, but this years game takes it all to another level. The AI, the graphics, the controls.. they've laid it all out beautifully. There are a few problems. I love the Be A Pro mode, but the offline AI is a little shaky, especially when your team fails to score again and again unless you do. And some of the computer one timers just inside the blue line drive me insane. Overall this game is the best hockey game ever made, and when you start playing well it works well. Give the dynasty and shot and see how you do! Go Leafs Go!… Expand
  6. TheChaser1985
    Mar 19, 2011
    8
    I haven't really played a hockey game since ESPN National hockey night in like 94. I have played arcade style games though. This game reallyI haven't really played a hockey game since ESPN National hockey night in like 94. I have played arcade style games though. This game really plays well. The mechanics and controls are near perfect. The graphics are pretty good. The game does have some glitches and it lacks the features that a lot of other Ea Sports games have.… Expand
  7. Dan
    Jul 26, 2009
    7
    This is an AWESOME game!!! Why did I give it a 7? Because it has absolutely unforgivable flaws. The first and most annoying is if you pass This is an AWESOME game!!! Why did I give it a 7? Because it has absolutely unforgivable flaws. The first and most annoying is if you pass for a one-timer and the puck gets deflected or your guy misses it, the man that was supposed to receive the puck is stuck for about 2 seconds. There are a lot of other mini-flaws that could easily be patched. The other one that I didn't notice until recently is in multiplayer online games (with more than 1 on your xbox/ps3) the color indicators for the players are not a standard 4 color set, they are random which means you might get a team with a red and an orange, or possibly blue and purple- which makes it incredibly hard to distinguish who is who.… Expand
  8. GaborA.
    Sep 10, 2008
    3
    If Call of Duty 5 comes out and its the same exact game as Call of Duty 4 including the graphics then it will be widely discredited. Well NHL If Call of Duty 5 comes out and its the same exact game as Call of Duty 4 including the graphics then it will be widely discredited. Well NHL 09 is identical to NHL 08, it costs 60 bucks, and critics are creaming their pants over it. Controls, graphics, commentary, AI(though they claim its better its not reall), every glitches(pass back to point when someone in center is wide open). Its all the same. But wait. Be A Pro Mode! Are you a loser who can't play real sports and make real friends? Spend 12 hours a day playing NHL 09's equivalent of World of Warcraft and make the perfect character. For anyone just looking to play it up with friends or online expect to play the same game as last year.… Expand

See all 18 User Reviews

Awards & Rankings

13
#13 Best Xbox 360 Game of 2008
66
#66 Most Discussed Xbox 360 Game of 2008
40
#40 Most Shared Xbox 360 Game of 2008