Metascore
69

Mixed or average reviews - based on 31 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 31
  2. Negative: 1 out of 31
Buy Now
Buy on
  1. If you love hockey you will love this, it's one of the best around.
  2. EA's game has grown into the role of the hockey simulation, while NHL 2K has become a better and better version of what hard core hockey fans see as a casual game - lots of scoring. This year is no different, and NHL 2K10 has made some of the most needed improvements while staying consistent to its identity - as a welcoming game that gives us the chance to play like the Ovechkins and Crosbys.
  3. Overall, with some great presentation and truly fun video game hockey, not to mention a laundry list of features and without doubt clear improvements over the past couple years of the franchise, NHL 2K10 is a worthy hockey title. It just isn't likely to be the most worthy hockey title this year.
  4. NHL 2K10 has the style, but unfortunately, the substance just isn’t as compelling on the Xbox 360/PS3. While the Wii has a shiny new control scheme and a drastic upgrade in content, the HD console versions are merely last year’s game with a new coat of paint. This is a game that plays it too straight and doesn’t take any risks. While it’s more polished than previous games in the series, it just isn’t bringing anything really new to the table this year.
  5. A very entertaining and long game, thanks to many modes and a good online side, but with not-so-stellar visuals.
  6. Pelit (Finland)
    78
    A decent hockey game, but there are not that many improvements compared to the last year’s edition. AI has been improved and some little details have been tweaked, but lack of significant innovations is too obvious. [Nov 2010]
  7. NHL 2K10 is another case of “two steps forward, one step back.” Big changes for the better in graphics and customization are offset by arcade style gameplay and the removal of all the classic teams from last year.
  8. NHL 2K10 has made some solid improvements over 2k9, but it's still a ways from all-star caliber.
  9. Solid and very playable hockey game that's a clear number two in its field.
User Score
7.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 17 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 12 out of 17
  2. Negative: 3 out of 17
  1. TuomasS
    Sep 28, 2009
    10
    Top game when you have right settings and sliders. Default setting are terrible and that the biggest reason for the bad reviews.
  2. Sep 8, 2018
    8
    Lately, I have been feeling nostalgic towards the NHL 2K series. It’s very much in large part due to the fact that EA has been dropping theLately, I have been feeling nostalgic towards the NHL 2K series. It’s very much in large part due to the fact that EA has been dropping the ball for the last 5-6 years. After they whipped out the competition, EA no longer had to try.

    During my Playstation 2 and 3 days, I would only buy 2 games per year. EA NHL and 2K NHL. I always prefer the gameplay of EA but then I preferred the franchise mode of 2K. There were three things that I really liked about 2K10 was 1, shareable rosters. Back in the day, I spent days crafting my roster and keeping it up to date and then sharing it online. My roster was given 4.5 stars and was one of the most downloaded rosters. The other feature that I loved was editable Entry Drafts. That way, every few years I could create the occasional franchise superstar. Basically “The Next Wayne Gretzky.” The third was the fact that I could control all 30 teams in the franchise mode. I would sim the seasons, draft for each teams needs, try to do fair trades that benefit both teams and sign free agents that benefitted each team.

    Unfortunately, the online features of the game are no longer active but I still had fun, creating draft classes and simming through the franchise mode. I stopped after 10 seasons because it stopped being fun but the nice thing is. When I feel like playing the game again, I won’t have to create the draft classes. They’re saved on the system and they’re right there.

    All in all, the game is pretty much what I remember. I never really liked playing the hockey games and always preferred to play the game as a franchise mode simulator. In that sense, the game has aged well. I definitely could see myself going back to this game once or twice per year. Definitely worth the $5 I spent on Amazon.
    Full Review »
  3. Nov 18, 2013
    9
    This game there are no glitch goals. I have played over 6000 games on NHL 2k10 and most are different and unique.
    Things that make this game
    This game there are no glitch goals. I have played over 6000 games on NHL 2k10 and most are different and unique.
    Things that make this game great:
    Real goal horns, jumbotrons/ lightbars, arena with retired jerseys/camp banners.
    Most goals are different, no same glitch goal everytime.
    The game callers Drew Remenda and Randy Hahn are excellent.
    Players look like there real life counterparts.
    Soundtrack
    Negatives:
    Sometimes not always a player will get stuck in a mid animation/move.
    Goalie mode aka crease view will not work properly in cross-crease/pass to a player in front of the net situations.
    Times where a goalie will play really good then let easy goals on the breakaways, or really close in

    Even with all these faults still one of my all time favorites and still play to this day!
    Full Review »