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How Metascores Are Calculated
76
Age of Booty
Stars indicate the most critically-acclaimed games. |
Fans asked and 2K Sports answered with easy-to-learn controls that still provide depth for the season veteran. With 2K Sports' classic default controls, a player’s first game will be as enjoyable as their one-thousandth, while the new and intuitive hybrid controls will provide the depth experienced vets are looking for. Enhanced Gameplay - An updated arsenal of highlight reel-worthy superstar moves, blocked shots, stick-handling moves, hit-by-puck collisions, and a greatly-enhanced skating engine make up for an exciting and all-new hockey experience complete with more than 1,400 new gameplay animations. All-New Presentation System – Pre-game intros, menus, new crowd animations, game summary replays, and brand new commentary featuring Randy Hahn and Drew Remenda of the San Jose Sharks bring a fresh new look and sound to NHL 2K9’s visual and audio experience. [2K Sports]
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... 82
Planet Xbox 360
The best online addition this year is the Team-Up feature, something all sports games should have going forward.
 81
WonderwallWeb
A great hockey game that is very easy to pick up and play.
80
GameZone
If the fun NHL 2K9's developers were trying to bring back lies somewhere around the gameplay of Ice Hockey for the NES (the king of pick-up-and-play sports), they surely missed the mark.
80
IGN
The controls have been fixed, it's fun, and there are some nice touches to the presentation. But the AI is very suspect and the emphasis on fun hurts the authenticity, which was once 2K's biggest selling point.
80
GameDaily
There are three excellent control options available for both old-school players and precision shooters. They work most of the time, although realism takes a back seat with the excessive checking and occasionally dumbfounded artificial intelligence.
79
Team Xbox
NHL 2K9 shows that Visual Concepts has pretty much done everything it can to the same core engine that was used when the 360 launched. NHL 2K9 is a good game, but it shows its age in a few too many areas to compete with what else is out there.
79
Xbox360Achievements
Controls are responsive and players did what they were told to do without a hitch. Lack of fighting direction hurts this score.
78
Console Monster
NHL 2k9 is nothing to be shunned as there is certainly enjoyment to be had, however, EA managed to step their game above the competition this year around with NHL 09.
78
GameFocus
A buy to whoever felt intimidated by NHL 09’s approach in terms of game modes and controls. For the hardcore hockey fan...it’s hard to recommend but it deserves a good look.
75
Gaming Age
Without the franchise problem, NHL 2k9 would be recommendation with no qualifications.
75
GameShark
What we have with NHL 2k9 is a top shelf hockey game that still needs some tweaking to perfect the on-ice experience. That said, the impact on the authenticity of the game of having such unparalleled realism in the realm of puck physics cannot be overstated.
74
Game Chronicles
I expect there are a lot of former 2K Hockey fans running to their local used game store to turn NHL 2K9 in for EA's NHL 09... well, in Canada anyway. 2K had such a great product. How could they have possibly made such a huge mess of such a great series?
72
Da Gameboyz
NHL 2K9 seems to take a step or two backwards in their endeavor to make some changes to the franchise.
70
Games Radar
The best decision the development team made was scrapping last year’s (too?) complicated control scheme for a streamlined series of options, including one that apes EA’s superb right stick/hockey stick mechanic.
70
Official Xbox Magazine
Yes, the graphics are sharply upgraded, the new 12-player online matches are wicked fun, the Franchise mode is deep and detailed, and the silly Zamboni mini-game somehow mesmerized us. But with NHL 09 turning in such an all-star performance (see review, left), this exercise in nostalgia is enjoyable…but unnecessary.
70
DarkStation
If your a big 2K hockey fan your probably still going to want to pick this up, but if your just looking for the best hockey title of the year, this one doesn’t take top billing.
70
X360 Magazine UK
Only slightly worse than EA's recent offering, but when there's a choice of two, why would anyone plump for second place? [Issue#38, p.102]
70
AceGamez
If you're looking for a full on sim of the sport then you might be better off with EA's latest iteration but if you're looking for a fast-paced, pick-up-and-play hockey game then this is right up your rink.
70
Gamer.nl
There is still much to improve about NHL 2K9 but for the average gamer this ice hockey game will be slightly better than NHL 09. Compare the games with FIFA and PES and you will know why you would choose for one of the two (at least with the older versions). Only when you play offline NHL's older brother 2K8 will be a cheaper and better choice.
69
DailyGame
With all that said, it's with heavy heart that we point anyone looking for a fun hockey game to NHL 09. We loathe to do this in light of NHL 2K9's impressive online features (tournaments and six-on-six with 11 other players), but the rest of the package just doesn't live up to expectations.
68
Xbox World 360 Magazine UK
Lacks the epic feel and skills of "NHL 09" but does offer lots of goals. [Christmas 2008, p.62]
68
Game Informer
Playing a mess like NHL 2K9, it’s hard to think that just a few years ago this was the hockey game of choice for serious puckheads. Now it would take several pucks to the head to even make me consider paying money for this experience.
67
1UP
When compared to EA's monster, 2K9 feels a bit like pond hockey. And while that isn't necessarily a bad thing for newcomers, who'll eat up the wild excitement of the game, those who know better may recoil in their chairs when they realize just how crazy it can be.
67
Worth Playing
Its mix of arcade and realism — combined with almost no challenge from the AI, unimpressive graphics, mediocre audio, and dated controls — drag down the title.
67
Gaming Nexus
NHL 2K9 is a significant upgrade from the 2K8 offering, but the complete rewrite has some noticeable flaws that demand attention in the 2K10 edition.
60
GameSpot
AI issues and the lack of any significant new features have NHL 2K9 skating backward this year.
60
Gamervision
I spent time with both hockey games this season, hoping that 2K could at least be considered a decent hockey simulation for those who still haven’t gone over to the EA side. Sadly, 2K can’t even hold its own against older versions of its own franchise, let alone a game as technically sound as NHL 09.
60
LEVEL (Czech Republic)
The NHL 2K series is better and better every year. If your fingers suffer for analog-stick-injuries there is no reason not to try this different approach to ice hockey game than you can see in EA game. [Oct 2008]
60
GameSpy
It's hard to really bash NHL 2K9 other than to say it's a little bit of hockey-lite. "NHL 09" offers more realism and gets our nod for overall long-term value.
58
Cheat Code Central
If you can stand the controls, 2K makes a decent outing, though hockey fans should definitely spend their time and money on EA’s simulation for a superior hockey experience.
50
MS Xbox World
2K’s take on the NHL franchise has always been poor in comparison to EA’s, and this edition is no exception. If you want to buy a hockey game it has to be NHL 09, the gameplay is untouchable and you’ll be playing it all year.
42
Game Revolution
A misguided effort to streamline the experience and create gameplay where realism comes before responsiveness.
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