NHL 2K9

 Wii
Metascore
65

Mixed or average reviews - based on 11 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1 out of 11
  2. Mixed: 10 out of 11
  3. Negative: 0 out of 11
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  1. GameFocus
    81
    Of course, NHL 2K9 isn’t a perfect game and isn’t the best looking game but it does capture what we want to see, a playable and fun sport game on a console that definitely needs more than mini-games and Mario games.
  2. Da Gameboyz
    70
    NHL 2K9 for the Wii disappoints in the graphical department as it cannot compete with its competitors in terms of visual appeal. However, the hands-on controls more than make up for this by adding a sense of actually being in the game and not just sitting on the couch playing the game
  3. Nintendo Power
    70
    Still, for Wii owners looking to lace up their skates, this is the only game in town and it's not half-bad. [Nov 2008, p.100]
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  5. Armchair Empire
    70
    As long as you know what level to put your expectations, there's a decent enough hockey game here.
  6. 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.
  7. IGN
    68
    2K has the right idea here, including motion shooting, IR passing, and motion-based goaltending, but the core game is just too much of a rushed effort, and the final product is a visually unpleasant, choppy, incomplete package.
  8. GamingExcellence
    61
    Overall, NHL 2K9 is a respectable first effort with on the Wii. Still, the subtraction of key features from other titles and atrocious graphical presentation hold it back from any sort of rookie-of-the-year consideration.
  9. GamesRadar+
    60
    It’s just too bad that it looks so darned ugly. The controls are a breath of fresh air, though, so long as you give them a chance (which we have a feeling too many people won’t).
  10. GameDaily
    60
    It's a decent puck slapper, but hardly a Stanley Cup contender.
  11. AceGamez
    60
    It has enough depth to satisfy staunch fans of the sport but doesn't quite deliver the depth and fluidity needed to have NHL fans salivating.
    All this publication's reviews
  12. GameSpot
    55
    NHL 2K9 on the Wii boasts some innovative controls but suffers from serious AI problems.

Awards & Rankings

91
#91 Best Wii Game of 2008
51
#51 Most Discussed Wii Game of 2008
88
#88 Most Shared Wii Game of 2008

User Reviews

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User Score
5.4

Mixed or average reviews- based on 20 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4 out of 20
  2. Mixed: 10 out of 20
  3. Negative: 6 out of 20
  1. JTrot
    Jan 11, 2009
    0
    Worst!!! Horrid game play. I challenge anyone to even see the net at the far end of the ice as the only view you get is basically behindWorst!!! Horrid game play. I challenge anyone to even see the net at the far end of the ice as the only view you get is basically behind your own goal. You will often accidentally hit the 1 button when you shoot which switches you to Goalie mode. Just horrid horrid gameplay. First game I bought and will trade in as soon as possible. Graphically it is a joke. Sure, pregame looks awesome but gets tiresome. No one can read the players team lists as the fonts are tiny. The fighting is terrible.... by the time you have mastered how to use both controllers to (a) stay on your skates and (b) actually throw a punch, you'll already be in the playoffs... impossible to learn to fight! I played Team Canada vs Team Belarus and they still beat me and I've owed every hockey sim EA Sports has put out. Wait for an EA SPORTS version.... this one get a game misconduct.… Full Review »
  2. JasonL
    Oct 1, 2008
    5
    Great idea, poor execution. While nobody expected jaw-dropping graphics the gameplay is not really that bad. The AI is still not up toGreat idea, poor execution. While nobody expected jaw-dropping graphics the gameplay is not really that bad. The AI is still not up to snuff, I often watch players bunch up and go offsides ahead of the play. The menu system is poor, profile management is poor (and save failure messages seem to be the norm), and where are the user stats? I swear I saw them once but I've been through the menu several times now and can't find them again. This game falls into one of these categories: it was obviously rushed out the door, it's still in beta or the testing team was on vacation. Maybe it's time to switch back to EA Sports.… Full Review »
  3. CK
    Sep 20, 2008
    7
    Overall, I find gameplay to be very enjoyable. The graphics are disappointing, as noted by others, and overall the whole game feels as if itOverall, I find gameplay to be very enjoyable. The graphics are disappointing, as noted by others, and overall the whole game feels as if it is more of a beta version than a finished product. However, it is very fun to play, the Wii Remote is used effectively, and passing is natural.… Full Review »
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