NHL 09

 PlayStation 3
NHL 09 Image
Metascore
88

Generally favorable reviews - based on 25 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
7.8

Generally favorable reviews- based on 42 Ratings

Your Score
0 out of 10
Rate this:
  • 10
  • 9
  • 8
  • 7
  • 6
  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
  • 0
  • 0
  • 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]… Expand
Buy Now
Buy on

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 25 out of 25
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 25
  3. Negative: 0 out of 25
  1. Gaming Age
    100
    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.
  2. GameFocus
    95
    With NHL 09, you not only get the best hockey game but by-far the best sports game available on the market right now. The ‘Be a Pro’ mode is solid and the plethora of options make this a hard game not to play.
  3. HellBored
    91
    It is engrossing, and it is thorough. It has simple plug and play exhibition game mode for casual fans, and in depth stats, analysis, and career modes for the die hard. If you are a hockey fan or a sports game enthusiast, this is the game for you.
  4. GameDaily
    90
    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.
  5. Cheat Code Central
    88
    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.
  6. Pelit (Finland)
    84
    Be a Pro mode closes the gap between sport and roleplaying games. [Sept 2008]
    All this publication's reviews
  7. Game Revolution
    75
    If it’s hockey you’re looking for, get ready to lose a few teeth and go tough it out already.

See all 25 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4 out of 5
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 5
  3. Negative: 0 out of 5
  1. davidl
    Nov 12, 2008
    10
    In hockey it doesn't get much better then this. I've owned about 10 different NHL games in my lifetime all the way dating to NHL94. In hockey it doesn't get much better then this. I've owned about 10 different NHL games in my lifetime all the way dating to NHL94. there is a huge improvement over nhl08. the game isn't drastically different but there are so many fine tuned areas that needed adjustments in 08' and they hit it pretty dead on with 09'. they use the same gfx engine but cleaned it up and fixed the framerate issues that were seen in 08. online is fantastic, once in a while i run into lag but it gives you the option to only play people only in your region so that can help avoiding lag. generally after a while of playing iif you know what you are doing the games are fair online and there are no real exploits that i know of right now that work. there was one goal exploit but it was fixed within a month or so of release. ****10/10 in my book, a must buy.… Expand
  2. Tdaley
    Sep 15, 2008
    10
    OMG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! This is absolutely without question the greatest sports title ever produced to date. There isOMG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! This is absolutely without question the greatest sports title ever produced to date. There is absolutely nothing I can come up with to knock this game.
    It is perfect in every respect and the online gameplay is simply flawless. This game will make you forget you ever bought Madden, NCAA Football, or NBA LIVE.    … Expand
  4. OddyOh
    Sep 21, 2008
    8
    The best hockey game yet for PS3. However, I can't give it 10/10 due to the lack of Custom Arena Music, a feature they promised toThe best hockey game yet for PS3. However, I can't give it 10/10 due to the lack of Custom Arena Music, a feature they promised to deliver for 360 and PS3. Also, could use a patch for some other weird things here and there. But overall, yes, it's an awesome game. Be a Pro mode is excellent fun!… Expand
  5. peterG
    Mar 5, 2009
    8
    I'm glad that EA sports has finally decided to put some effort into their NHL games. For a while there, they never really added huge I'm glad that EA sports has finally decided to put some effort into their NHL games. For a while there, they never really added huge things to the gameplay until NHL08, which actually surprised me despite the fact that there wasn't very many game modes. this year, I was thinking that this game would be pretty much the same as 08, until I realised that there was be a pro, thats why I got this game. Although Be a pro mode to me was disappointing becaus they expect so much out of you even tohugh your linemates can't even do a freaken one timer.... However, there were some additions that I did like and the main thing being the online league.... that is awesome!!… Expand
  6. [Anonymous]
    Apr 8, 2009
    7
    Pros: game looks great, opponent AI is smart, good degree of control for team strategy, innovative player controls cons: teammate AI is Pros: game looks great, opponent AI is smart, good degree of control for team strategy, innovative player controls cons: teammate AI is horrible, framerate issues, no season/stanley cup mode, control takes a lot of getting used to and still doesn't always feel self-intuitive conclusion: the steep learning curve may be frustrating for many people. aside from that, its great if you want to put the time into learning to play, or for be a pro mode. if youre not interested in BAP, dynasty is good, but if you don't like the depth, the lack of other modes would make me encourage you to look elsewhere.… Expand

Awards & Rankings

8
#8 Best PS3 Game of 2008
100
#100 Most Discussed PS3 Game of 2008