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How Metascores Are Calculated
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Afro Samurai
Stars indicate the most critically-acclaimed games. |
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 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]
All critic scores are converted to a 100-point scale. If a critic does not indicate a score, we assign a score based on the general impression given by the text of the review. Learn more... 100
Gamervision
With barely a visual hitch, exceptional presentation, engaging online, improved controls and an unmatched level of realism, there’s almost nothing to prevent a full recommendation to any fan of hockey or sports games in general. Even if you aren’t a fan of sports games, the game is so good it could turn you into one.
 100
Gaming Age
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.
100
GamePro
EA Sports has been doing fine work on this series for the last few years, but everything until now only seems like groundwork for this years version. Small problems aside this is the best game of hockey ever made.
93
WonderwallWeb
Another great version of ice hockey for the Xbox 360. The amount on offer and a great online community will keep you on this game for ages.
93
Game Chronicles
Competition has pushed EA this far and quite honestly they have just about buried 2K in the snow.
93
GameTrailers
There are some issues, but on the whole, playing NHL 09 feels incredibly realistic. It's a deep, challenging game, but it's so rewarding when everything finally clicks.
93
Team Xbox
You don’t even have to be a psychotic hockey fan to enjoy NHL 09; just a fan of sports in general and of solid Xbox 360 software. Of course pick this one up if you live and breathe the NHL hockey season, but NHL 09 is also worth a look by those that are still searching for that killer, HD-era sports application.
93
Game Informer
With its unparalleled controls, refined presentation, and unrivaled selection of game modes, NHL 09 is the best hockey game ever created.
93
Planet Xbox 360
NHL 09 is hands-down the best sports game yet.
92
Gamer 2.0
Otherwise, NHL 09 is easily in the running for the title of Best Hockey Game Ever, with some people leaning towards one of the great games of the past and others leaning towards the dearth of great modes in NHL 09.
92
NZGamer
It was one of the best, if not the gold standard for sports genre video games last year, and it looks set to re-claim that title yet again this year.
91
Gaming Nexus
Whether you’re a two-way center, fourth line brawler, or an offensive defenseman with a nose for the net, NHL 09 is the hockey game for you.
91
Da Gameboyz
I highly recommend NHL 09 for the Xbox 360 to any sports fan out there even if you are not familiar with the hockey at the NHL level.
90
XboxAddict
I can't suggest it enough that one needs to buy this title or in the very least give it a rental for the online play. Be a Pro mode is outstanding and the Online League action is just awesome.
90
GameSpot
The latest entry in EA's venerable hockey franchise is the best yet.
90
GameDaily
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.
90
GameSpy
The controls feel a bit antiquated now that we've been acclimated to the Skill Stick, but it's an excellent way to introduce your non-sports game loving friends to one of the best sports titles in years.
90
GameZone
NHL 09 is a great hockey title, offering some fantastic new features, a deep Be A Pro mode, and some awesome online features.
90
IGN
NHL 09 isn’t just a great hockey game, it’s one of the best sports games to be released in the last decade.
90
Official Xbox Magazine
We love it when a sports game comes together. With NHL 09, all the potential this series has teased us with for the past two seasons has finally gelled into actual, grade-A greatness.
90
DarkStation
If you have sat a few years out on the franchise or even if your a regular NHL fan, NHL 09 is a game that all sports fans need to check out.
90
Boomtown
EA have really thought about NHL 09 and with the introduction ‘Be a Pro’ this year, they have taken things further. The bar has well and truly been raised by EA and others will have to respond.
90
MS Xbox World
Most sports games are released every year, and you can usually expect just a few minor changes from the previous installment. NHL 09 has broken that trend and introduced many new features and tweaked existing elements to create a game far superior than last year's version.
90
Armchair Empire
At this point in time, EA Canada has the NHL franchise down to a science. But this year, rather than just spit out another instalment, they took the time to do some really interesting things while refining things like hitting and getting the control aspects almost perfect. NHL 09 is highly recommended.
90
Gamestyle
Arguably it represents the greatest sporting release of this current generation with only a few minor tweaks required next year.
89
Worth Playing
NHL 09 is as real of a hockey game as it can get. It looks great, sounds good (if repetitive), plays great and has an amazing set of features.
88
Cheat Code Central
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.
86
Games Master UK
Better controls, improved animations and full of cool new features. [Nov 2008, p.83]
85
PALGN
NHL 09 is an outstanding hockey game. EA has delivered two truly new features to the genre, in the form of the EA Sports Hockey League and the Be A Pro mode, which have well and truly moved the goal posts. Or net, in this instance. Grab your controller and become a hockey legend today.
84
Console Monster
Overall, NHL 09 is a worthy purchase for ice hockey fans and an improvement on previous NHL titles. Non-hockey fans may enjoy the game for a short period before switching back to familiar territory – possibly a rental for them.
83
1UP
2K Sports' "NHL 2K9" is not a bad game, especially if you'd rather get out there and play than spend time learning button combos. But even with its few warts, NHL 09 is simply too big, too adventurous, too pretty, and too danged consuming to be considered anything other than the best hockey videogame ever produced.
83
GameShark
NHL 09 is not a simulation of professional hockey. It’s a game. A fun game, no doubt, but it’s more like an entertaining movie based on a good book which was based on actual events.
80
Official Xbox Magazine UK
A great continuation of one of the greatest sports games on 360.
80
Video Game Talk
Gamers who enjoy solid hockey games will definitely want to pick up NHL 09.
80
DarkZero
In the end, probably the best remark I can make about the game is that it is one of more accessible available from the selection of EA Sports branded titles, and as a result of this, it’s probably one of the most fun to play.
80
LEVEL (Czech Republic)
Improved physics, Be-A-Pro mode, perfect multiplayer mode, overseas leagues and many more make NHL 09 the best choice for a ice-hockey game. Well, there is only one more on the market but who cares. [Oct 2008]
80
Xbox360Achievements
Once again this is the best ice hockey game around, with flawless presentation and a sublime playing experience.
80
X360 Magazine UK
The biggest surprise of EA’s 2009 American sports round-up, and the most likely to appeal to non-fans.
80
G4 TV
It’s almost a perfect game. Severe online connection bugs and freezing problems hamper the experience enough that we can’t give it a full five out of five.
80
Level7.nu
There are a lot of things to be annoyed by in NHL 09, but then again this is one fantastic hockey experience. The on- and offline Be A Pro mode takes the experience to a new level and adds an addictive formula to an otherwise great list of improvements in this title. Flaky AI, odd bug-generated goals and other flaws are unfortunate blemishes to an otherwise great hockey experience. Nevertheless, this is a must buy for hockey fans.
75
Game Revolution
For the players who aren’t scared away by NHL 09’s realistic difficulty, they're whole seasons ahead for training custom characters and learning the stingy A.I..
Simon A gave it a9: Sam Barber gave it a10: David gave it a10: Jamie C gave it a3: Jason L. gave it a10: Blue Falcon gave it a7: Blaise B. gave it a10: |
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