Games

Best of 2009 | 08 |07 | 06 | 05
Advanced Search

Stars indicate the most critically-acclaimed games.

NHL 09

EMAIL PRINTxbox360

8.9 User Score:

Generally favorable reviews

Based on 41 critic reviews
How did we calculate this?

Based on 41 votes
Read user comments
Rate this game >

Game Info

Publisher: Electronic Arts

Developer: EA Canada

Genre(s): Hockey, Sports

Players: 12

ESRB Rating: E10+ (Everyone 10 and Older)

Release Date: September 9, 2008

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 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]

Also On Metacritic

GAMES: NHL 07 NHL 08

Cheat Codes & Hints: Cheat Code Central

Also On The Web: Official Website

What The Critics Said

All critic scores are converted to a 100-point scale. If a critic does not indicate a score, we assign a score based on the general impression given by the text of the review. Learn more...

100

Gamervision

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.

Read Full Review >

100

Gaming Age

EA didn't just make their game look, sound, and play superbly, but they even brought their "A" game when it comes to features as well.

Read Full Review >

100

GamePro

EA Sports has been doing fine work on this series for the last few years, but everything until now only seems like groundwork for this years version. Small problems aside this is the best game of hockey ever made.

Read Full Review >

WonderwallWeb

Another great version of ice hockey for the Xbox 360. The amount on offer and a great online community will keep you on this game for ages.

Read Full Review >

Game Chronicles

Competition has pushed EA this far and quite honestly they have just about buried 2K in the snow.

Read Full Review >

GameTrailers

There are some issues, but on the whole, playing NHL 09 feels incredibly realistic. It's a deep, challenging game, but it's so rewarding when everything finally clicks.

Read Full Review >

Team Xbox

You don’t even have to be a psychotic hockey fan to enjoy NHL 09; just a fan of sports in general and of solid Xbox 360 software. Of course pick this one up if you live and breathe the NHL hockey season, but NHL 09 is also worth a look by those that are still searching for that killer, HD-era sports application.

Read Full Review >

Game Informer

With its unparalleled controls, refined presentation, and unrivaled selection of game modes, NHL 09 is the best hockey game ever created.

Read Full Review >

Planet Xbox 360

NHL 09 is hands-down the best sports game yet.

Read Full Review >

Gamer 2.0

Otherwise, NHL 09 is easily in the running for the title of Best Hockey Game Ever, with some people leaning towards one of the great games of the past and others leaning towards the dearth of great modes in NHL 09.

Read Full Review >

NZGamer

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.

Read Full Review >

Gaming Nexus

Whether you’re a two-way center, fourth line brawler, or an offensive defenseman with a nose for the net, NHL 09 is the hockey game for you.

Read Full Review >

Da Gameboyz

I highly recommend NHL 09 for the Xbox 360 to any sports fan out there even if you are not familiar with the hockey at the NHL level.

Read Full Review >

XboxAddict

I can't suggest it enough that one needs to buy this title or in the very least give it a rental for the online play. Be a Pro mode is outstanding and the Online League action is just awesome.

Read Full Review >

GameSpot

The latest entry in EA's venerable hockey franchise is the best yet.

Read Full Review >

GameDaily

Last year's race between 2K Sports and EA Sports' hockey franchises was almost a dead heat. This year, EA's NHL 09 takes Lord Stanley's Cup, thanks to a combination of what worked well last year and some sweet new features.

Read Full Review >

GameSpy

The controls feel a bit antiquated now that we've been acclimated to the Skill Stick, but it's an excellent way to introduce your non-sports game loving friends to one of the best sports titles in years.

Read Full Review >

GameZone

NHL 09 is a great hockey title, offering some fantastic new features, a deep Be A Pro mode, and some awesome online features.

Read Full Review >

IGN

NHL 09 isn’t just a great hockey game, it’s one of the best sports games to be released in the last decade.

Read Full Review >

Official Xbox Magazine

We love it when a sports game comes together. With NHL 09, all the potential this series has teased us with for the past two seasons has finally gelled into actual, grade-A greatness.

Read Full Review >

DarkStation

If you have sat a few years out on the franchise or even if your a regular NHL fan, NHL 09 is a game that all sports fans need to check out.

Read Full Review >

Boomtown

EA have really thought about NHL 09 and with the introduction ‘Be a Pro’ this year, they have taken things further. The bar has well and truly been raised by EA and others will have to respond.

Read Full Review >

MS Xbox World

Most sports games are released every year, and you can usually expect just a few minor changes from the previous installment. NHL 09 has broken that trend and introduced many new features and tweaked existing elements to create a game far superior than last year's version.

Read Full Review >

Armchair Empire

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.

Read Full Review >

Gamestyle

Arguably it represents the greatest sporting release of this current generation with only a few minor tweaks required next year.

Read Full Review >

Worth Playing

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.

Read Full Review >

Cheat Code Central

With its beautiful presentation, broadcast-like feel, smooth control scheme, and innovative new online functions, NHL 09 is not only the best hockey title on the market, it may very well be the best of all-time.

Read Full Review >

Games Master UK

Better controls, improved animations and full of cool new features. [Nov 2008, p.83]

PALGN

NHL 09 is an outstanding hockey game. EA has delivered two truly new features to the genre, in the form of the EA Sports Hockey League and the Be A Pro mode, which have well and truly moved the goal posts. Or net, in this instance. Grab your controller and become a hockey legend today.

Read Full Review >

Console Monster

Overall, NHL 09 is a worthy purchase for ice hockey fans and an improvement on previous NHL titles. Non-hockey fans may enjoy the game for a short period before switching back to familiar territory – possibly a rental for them.

Read Full Review >

1UP

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.

Read Full Review >

GameShark

NHL 09 is not a simulation of professional hockey. It’s a game. A fun game, no doubt, but it’s more like an entertaining movie based on a good book which was based on actual events.

Read Full Review >

Official Xbox Magazine UK

A great continuation of one of the greatest sports games on 360.

Read Full Review >

Video Game Talk

Gamers who enjoy solid hockey games will definitely want to pick up NHL 09.

Read Full Review >

DarkZero

In the end, probably the best remark I can make about the game is that it is one of more accessible available from the selection of EA Sports branded titles, and as a result of this, it’s probably one of the most fun to play.

Read Full Review >

LEVEL (Czech Republic)

Improved physics, Be-A-Pro mode, perfect multiplayer mode, overseas leagues and many more make NHL 09 the best choice for a ice-hockey game. Well, there is only one more on the market but who cares. [Oct 2008]

Xbox360Achievements

Once again this is the best ice hockey game around, with flawless presentation and a sublime playing experience.

Read Full Review >

X360 Magazine UK

The biggest surprise of EA’s 2009 American sports round-up, and the most likely to appeal to non-fans.

Read Full Review >

G4 TV

It’s almost a perfect game. Severe online connection bugs and freezing problems hamper the experience enough that we can’t give it a full five out of five.

Read Full Review >

Level7.nu

There are a lot of things to be annoyed by in NHL 09, but then again this is one fantastic hockey experience. The on- and offline Be A Pro mode takes the experience to a new level and adds an addictive formula to an otherwise great list of improvements in this title. Flaky AI, odd bug-generated goals and other flaws are unfortunate blemishes to an otherwise great hockey experience. Nevertheless, this is a must buy for hockey fans.

Read Full Review >

Game Revolution

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..

Read Full Review >

What Our Users Said

The average user rating for this game is 8.9 (out of 10) based on 41 User Votes

Note: User votes are NOT included in the Metascore calculation.

Dan gave it a7:
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.

Richard V. gave it a6:
Too many games nowadays are rated based on pre-release review of written features. Then you have the post-release reviews that don't investigate the inner workings of a product. The fact is, the EASHL (MMO) feature of NHL09 is unsecured, imbalanced, unmoderated, unpoliced, unsupported and most importantly, unfinished. With all kinds of exploits that do not get addressed and the fact you cannot play a club game with 9 or more players (as they get dropped by the server), it's really hard to figure how this game gets an 89 rating. Quite bizzare.

Simon A gave it a9:
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!

Sam Barber gave it a10:
This game is more like NHL 08.5. Dynasty mode is the same. But Be A Pro is different and somewhat fun. The EASHL is where NHL 09 seperates this game from the pack though. It's really fun to play with your friends and work together. Honestly buy the game if your at all into sports.

David gave it a10:
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.

Jamie C gave it a3:
Best sports game of all time? Do people play these games before they review them? This game is plagued by the same horrible AI and one sided reffing that every single hockey game ever created has had. 3/4 through a franchise season with penaltys on the max setting and my team has had ONE powerplay, in 64 games .... yet every time i touch the poke check button, a cpu player goes down, to the tune of 102 powerplays against...... how does that work? i guess when you program your entire defense scheme around interfering with the intended passing target rather then design an actual defensive scheme, it may be too much to ask for a game that has some close resemblance to balance. is it so hard to hire beta testers? EA has put a nice LOOKING game, but again, the gameplay is overcomplicated, "realistic", garbage. beta testers -what?

Jason L. gave it a10:
Undeniably the greatest sports vidoegame I have ever played. Controls great, looks great, great A.I., amazing depth. No other sports game comes close to replicating its real life counterpart the way NHL09 does. A must buy!

Games

Sony

Microsoft

Nintendo

Other Platforms

Upcoming &Recent Releases

NHL 09

Game Info

Summary

Also On Metacritic

What The Critics Said

What Our Users Said

Upcoming &
Recent Releases