NHL 2K9

 Xbox 360
NHL 2K9 Image
Metascore
69

Mixed or average reviews - based on 33 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
6.7

Mixed or average reviews- based on 7 Ratings

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  • Summary: 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 depthFans 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]… Expand
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 33
  2. Mixed: 21 out of 33
  3. Negative: 1 out of 33
  1. Planet Xbox 360
    82
    The best online addition this year is the Team-Up feature, something all sports games should have going forward.
  2. GameZone
    80
    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.
  3. Console Monster
    78
    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.
  4. AceGamez
    70
    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.
    All this publication's reviews
  5. DailyGame
    69
    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.
  6. Worth Playing
    67
    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.
  7. Game Revolution
    42
    A misguided effort to streamline the experience and create gameplay where realism comes before responsiveness.

See all 33 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1 out of 3
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 3
  3. Negative: 1 out of 3
  1. GAhern
    Sep 12, 2008
    8
    Game play is getting better. Strong graphics (viewed on HD 1080i/p) Players seem a bit washed out, but each year the movements get more fluidGame play is getting better. Strong graphics (viewed on HD 1080i/p) Players seem a bit washed out, but each year the movements get more fluid and realistic. Love!!! Randy and Drew as play by play guys. Zamboni game is a novel touch! Audio is where the game suffers. The crowd/ background noise cuts in and out from the surround sound mode at different times and the board/ glass noise is way over done!
    New crowd animations and arena renderings are finally starting to catch up to the rest of the authenticity.
    No! you don't have crazy, wicked stick and player controls like EA, but the learning curve to pick up the controls and start playing successfully is about 10 seconds. Overall the best hockey game 2K has done to date    … Expand
  2. 2ksnipefest
    Sep 27, 2013
    7
    I play 2K8 Religiously. About 700 total games so far. Its so fun and enjoyable. Going from PS2-360 of coarse the graphics are better. That'sI play 2K8 Religiously. About 700 total games so far. Its so fun and enjoyable. Going from PS2-360 of coarse the graphics are better. That's about it. Messing with a steal of a $20 new game and making it junk is mind boggling. The controls were awesome for rookie-advanced players alike. 2K8 franchise is deep real deep. 2 way contracts/ players of the week/ practices/ opportunity knocks etc... 2k8 may or may not have been flawed in was definitely fun. My opinion that is the only thing that matters in judging a game.

    2k9 7
    2k8 10    … Expand
  4. DanielLindenbaum
    Sep 10, 2008
    2
    I bought this game without playing the demo.
    I own NHL 2k8 and i love that game so I thought this would be an upgrade...
    This is the worst    I bought this game without playing the demo.
    I own NHL 2k8 and i love that game so I thought this would be an upgrade...

    This is the worst sports game ever created
    The second I started playing the actual gameplay, it was not fun at all

    The menu's are horrible and you have 50% less options than last year. I kept looking for a button to go to advanced settings for each menu and found nothing
    The control scheme is horrible and it does not let you switch to 2k8 controls
    The players look bad
    The speed burst button is a waste of time as it does nothing. The gameplay feels sluggish and the hits are not better than last year.. they are worse.
    Also the AI keeps trying to do spin moves every shot they take. No excitement in this game, very boring and slow..even on the fast speed

    The only thing good about this is having updated music.
    I bought this game and played with the menu for 20 minutes, then played the game for 10 minutes
    Then I posted it on Ebay

    I will stay with my NHL2k8.. maybe I will rent NHL 09
    Thanks- Dissapointed Daniel    … Expand