NHL 2K9

Critic reviews

• GGameSpot

  Brett Todd · Sep 16, 2008

  6.0

  It's hard to categorize NHL 2K9 as anything but a disappointment. Even though it will give you a tough game on the ice, the gameplay isn't very realistic and is monotonously simple-minded in its approach to both offense and defense. Only the superb multiplayer makes it worth a look, so if you're not interested in online leagues and tournaments, you can sit this one out and see what next year brings.

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• GRGames Radar+

  Rich Grisham · Sep 12, 2008

  7.0

  All of this has us feeling fairly uninspired, yet our love for the series and appreciation for what’s gone into this season’s title means we’ll still skate our way to a Stanley Cup or two before we put 2K9 away for good. That may not be the best endorsement you’ve ever heard, but this sure ain’t the best hockey game we’ve ever played either.

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• IIGN

  Hilary Goldstein · Sep 09, 2008

  8.0

  NHL 2K9 does some good things. The controls have been fixed, it's fun, and there are some nice touches to the presentation. But the AI is very suspect and the emphasis on fun hurts the authenticity, which was once 2K's biggest selling point. Certainly there are merits to purchasing NHL 2K9, but there's no question it is inferior to its rival this year.

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• CCheatcc

  Pete Richards · Sep 08, 2008

  5.8

  Details such as these are creative and welcome additions to a sports game; 2K has done some outside of the box thinking to make their NHL title unique. It may be exactly what they need to distinguish themselves from their competitor, though, at this point, it probably won’t be enough to be the top choice amongst hockey fans.

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• GTGame Trailers

  Game Trailers · Jan 08, 2008

  7.0

  For a series that is long in the tooth, NHL 2K9 is a disappointment. Its presentation, play modes, and feature set lag behind the competition, making it a questionable purchase at best. It’s more user-friendly than NHL 09, but if you’re looking to drop some cash on a hockey game, EA’s franchise is hoisting the cup.
• PUPlayStation Universe

  PSU Admin · Sep 23, 2008

  8.0

  2K Sports has done a fantastic job delivering a title that both newcomers and vets can come together to enjoy. Despite this, they’ve still set themselves back a tad due to the excess of speed and lacklustre AI system. If the development team can utilize this season as a stepping-stone for the next, we could be looking at a reversal of fortunes in the near future.

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