Summary
- Release Year: 2008
- Genres: Sport
- Platforms: PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360
- Developers: EA Canada, HB Studios
- Publishers: EA Sports
NHL 09 (2008): A Deep Dive into the Last NHL Game on PC
Released in 2008, NHL 09 was the 17th installment in EA Sports’ NHL video game series. It was the last NHL game to be released on PC, and the last to be released on PlayStation 2.
NHL 09 introduced several new features to the series, including the Be a Pro mode, which allowed players to create their own player and take them through a career in the NHL. The game also featured a new physics engine that improved the realism of the gameplay.
Overall, NHL 09 was a solid hockey game with great gameplay and graphics. It was a must-play for fans of the sport.
Gameplay
NHL 09’s gameplay was fast-paced and exciting. The new physics engine made the game more realistic than ever before. Players could now feel the weight of their players as they skated and checked each other. The puck also moved more realistically, making it more challenging to control.
The Be a Pro mode was a great addition to the series. It allowed players to create their own player and take them through a career in the NHL. Players could choose their player’s position, team, and even their playing style. They could then play through a full season, trying to improve their player’s skills and lead their team to the Stanley Cup.
Graphics
NHL 09’s graphics were some of the best in the series at the time. The players and arenas were all rendered in great detail, and the game’s lighting effects were top-notch. The game also ran smoothly, even on older computers.
Modes
NHL 09 featured a variety of game modes, including:
- Exhibition: A single game between two teams.
- Season: A full 82-game season.
- Playoffs: The Stanley Cup playoffs.
- Be a Pro: A career mode where players create their own player and take them through a career in the NHL.
- Online: Play against other players online.
Reception
NHL 09 received generally positive reviews from critics. The game was praised for its gameplay, graphics, and Be a Pro mode. However, some critics found the game to be too similar to previous installments in the series.
Overall, NHL 09 was a solid hockey game that was well-received by critics and fans alike. It was the last NHL game to be released on PC, and it remains one of the best hockey games ever made.
Legacy
NHL 09 was the last NHL game to be released on PC, and it remains one of the most popular hockey games on the platform. The game’s Be a Pro mode was a major innovation in the series, and it has since become a staple of EA Sports’ hockey games.
NHL 09 is also remembered for its realistic gameplay and graphics. The game’s physics engine was a major improvement over previous installments in the series, and it made the game more challenging and rewarding to play.
Overall, NHL 09 was a landmark release in the NHL series. It was the last game to be released on PC, and it introduced several new features that have since become staples of the series. The game is still enjoyed by fans today, and it remains one of the best hockey games ever made.
Review Score
7.5/10
Art
Cover Art
Screenshots
