XBLRadio: NHL 2K9 Review

XBLRadio writes: "It’s been a number of years since I’ve picked up and played a hockey game from 2K; my last jaunt was with the ESPN-branded NHL 2K3 on the first Xbox. The thing I remember most about the game was how impossible it was for me to score. Every shot I hit would go straight into the goalie’s glove, and I just wasn’t any good. Fast forward six years to NHL 2K9: my very first quick game was a shutout win 6-0.

That surprising score really sums up what 2K Sports has aimed to do with this iteration of the franchise; accessibility is the game’s guiding principle. The home screen is a quick game menu, allowing players to rapidly choose a team and jump right into the action. Of course, most users will want a little more depth out of the title, which is why the game throws in all of the expected play modes: season, franchise, tutorials, mini-rink, pond hockey, and shootout. Getting familiar with the "classic" control scheme is pretty easy, making 2K9 a great choice for the novice sports gamer. Play speed, difficulty, and certain balance mechanics are all available in the in-game options menu, allowing users to fine tune their experience on the fly."