NHL 09 First Look

sportdan30 · Post by **sportdan30** » Thu Aug 28, 2008 4:31 pm

Impressions from I'm guessing a European gamer where the demo has already shown up on PSN

Ok I've played maybe 10 games in both Be A Pro and in the Play Now mode. So far it plays a lot VERY similarly to NHL 08. Offense is still similar, you can still set the puck up in the zone, dekes are the same, the protect the puck move is kinda cool, and I managed to score using it, it's a nice addition, but besides that nothing much has changed on that side of the puck.

Defense, where we were supposed to see some big additions with pro stick defense and the lift the stick ability in the demo is a pretty big dissapointment. I was really looking forward to being able to freely swing my stick to break up offensive chances, but poke checking, and defense is still a mess frankly. They still haven't added skating animations while swinging your stick so your player still glides awkwardly sideways across the ice, you also can't really skate effectively in any direction while swinging your stick, making it pretty ineffective. Being able to lift the stick is nice, it helps when skating back on defense, and helps somewhat on D. Overall though, I still feel like I have very little control over the play when I don't have the puck. Basically, defense is still a pain.

The Be A Pro mode, is for the most part fun, obviously the demo didn't explore the mode in depth, but it's cool to play as only one player on the ice. One thing I particularly liked was the detailed description of how you did in the game, with some pointers from the coach on how you could improve. The mode is decent, but I'm not sure I'm a big fan of the camera, which makes it incredibly difficult to see where your teammates are positioned on the ice when you're trying to make a pass.

In conclusion, the game is still a purchase for me for sure, mainly for the Be A Pro though now. I was hoping for better defensive play, but the changes they've made, haven't drastically altered the defensive game for the better.

10spro · Post by **10spro** » Thu Aug 28, 2008 5:26 pm

Hey thanks for the heads up. Can't wait to download the demo.

Diablo25 · Post by **Diablo25** » Thu Aug 28, 2008 6:01 pm

Is the demo only on PSN or is it gonna be on XBL too?

Diablo25 · Post by **Diablo25** » Thu Aug 28, 2008 6:51 pm

Just an FYI...I got an email today with a code from Gamestop.com for free overnight shipping on NHL09. The code is NHL09 if anyone is interested. As you were

10spro · Post by **10spro** » Thu Aug 28, 2008 7:23 pm

Diablo25 wrote:Is the demo only on PSN or is it gonna be on XBL too?

Just like 2K9 I am sure it'll be there for Live but a week late. One thing I hate about the PS3 is how much longer it takes to download demos compared to the 360.

The game is as usual: Stunning. The demo starts with several drills for those that haven't played Hockey in awhile and it's a nice refresher.

The game seems a tad slower than last year which is fine for me, skating backwards or playing D still has that awkward feel, it's not as natural as 2K, but with the new lift the stick control, defending is more intuitive.

It seems harder to build up plays on the offensive zone and the CPU AI seems vastly improved. Passes still seems to be too tape to tape for my liking but a slide may fix this problem. There was some garbage goals which I like and I can't wait to try BAP mode later tonight.

I was surprised the demo was out, but what a nice treat.

grtwhtsk · Post by **grtwhtsk** » Thu Aug 28, 2008 8:35 pm

Thanks for the tip guys...downloading the demo now.

Diablo25 · Post by **Diablo25** » Thu Aug 28, 2008 8:58 pm

Demo is solid! I was worried I would hate the "Be A Pro" camera but I really like it. It looks like it is going to be a VERY cool mode. I'm guessing that is the camera you will be playing from in the online team feature? I hope it is at least an option. My anticipation for the game has not eased a bit after playing the demo

10spro · Post by **10spro** » Thu Aug 28, 2008 9:16 pm

Diablo25 wrote:Demo is solid! I was worried I would hate the "Be A Pro" camera but I really like it. It looks like it is going to be a VERY cool mode. I'm guessing that is the camera you will be playing from in the online team feature? I hope it is at least an option. My anticipation for the game has not eased a bit after playing the demo

Agree. The camera angle is awesome, I wouldn't mind it for single or online play at all. Love the BAP mode, it's all I've been playing mostly.

sportdan30 · Post by **sportdan30** » Thu Aug 28, 2008 9:42 pm

I'm very impressed with the demo. I've yet to play "Be A Pro" mode, but here are some quick impressions.

- Indeed, the game speed is slower which makes it easier to play defense.

- Because the speed is slower, I can now poke check with success

- The controls are quite responsive on offense.

- The CPU shot the puck wide of the net on at least three occasions during a five minute period.

- I only saw the puck hit the post once in two five minute periods.

- I was able to intercept passes on defense.

- Play can get a bit ugly sometimes in the defensive zone, which is very nice to see.

- Cut scenes are the weakest point of the game. On the PS3 at least, it chugs a bit during cut scenes.

- It feels a bit like '08, but with the ability to at least feel as though you're making a difference on defense, the game overall has a better feel to it.

MizzouRah · Post by **MizzouRah** » Thu Aug 28, 2008 9:47 pm

Well.. at first I didn't like reading those impressions you posted sportdan, but I liked your last post!

C'mon 360 demo!!!

10spro · Post by **10spro** » Thu Aug 28, 2008 11:25 pm

This is perhaps the smoothest game that I have played on the PS3. The goalie saves animation are great to watch and I love how the blue arrow guides you of your positional responsability when playing Be a Pro.

Zlax45 · Post by **Zlax45** » Fri Aug 29, 2008 12:00 am

When does this come out?

10spro · Post by **10spro** » Fri Aug 29, 2008 1:51 am

Zlax45 wrote:When does this come out?

9/9.

grtwhtsk · Post by **grtwhtsk** » Fri Aug 29, 2008 11:20 am

Having fun with the demo...thanks for letting me know it was up!

Post by **ScoopBrady** » Fri Aug 29, 2008 11:53 am

Be a Pro mode is simply awesome. The demo is giving me the impression that NHL 09 = MVP 2005. Basically it's a culmination of a three year process and the penultimate title of the series. Of course we never got to find out what MVP 2006 would have brought.

Leebo33 · Post by **Leebo33** » Fri Aug 29, 2008 5:04 pm

ScoopBrady wrote:Be a Pro mode is simply awesome.

I agree! Very good demo.

Jimmydeicide · Post by **Jimmydeicide** » Fri Aug 29, 2008 5:32 pm

Overall its a good demo it does feel different from 08 slightly, i do like that passes are deflected and stick puck collision seems better and results in scruffier gameplay.
I realy like the goalies the split save from the butterfly is awsome and the way they hug the post standing up on the wrap arounds now is great.
Checking is realy realy done well and you need a big body or some momentum to deliver a big hit.
Puck bounces of the boards a bit more now , at least around the net.

What i dont like still are cpu 1 timers first chance it gets , puck still seems to leave the ice after it hits the glass, not enough penalties especialy when and this leads into my biggest peeve, when your crashing the net for a rebound you hit instead of shoot the only way to avoid this is waiting to gain control first which makes the timing of it all a complete waste of time. This could be huge in OTP it will be a big brawl in front of the net constantly and if penalties are called for interference then ill get one everytime i go for a lose puck.

What concerns me the most is shot accuracy when turned down again will result in the quirky slapshots over the glass again and not just a miss.
Goalies still seem to let a lot of soft goals in.
Zero board play.

I realy like the game EA has , i just kinda get sick of it after a while now that its been 3 years of the same goals and commentry , dont know if there is enough to keep me going this time.

We'll see which game gets more play this year .

Diablo25 · Post by **Diablo25** » Sat Aug 30, 2008 10:09 am

I really like the BAP mode in the limited demo. I can't wait for the full version where there are line changes, etc. One thing that I find cool is the arrow during play that "tells" you where you should be. I'm a big hockey fan but I do not know the sport anywhere near as well as I do baseball so I like the little "reminders" to get my butt where I'm supposed to be

Its not like I am clueless...I know the rules of the game and the responsibilities of each position, but I don't know all the little nuances of the sport (as well as I would like) like I know in baseball. Sometimes my defense is like a Chinese fire drill due to my lack of "know how". Lets just say I often get the "Your Goalie Is Keeping You In It" update between periods

dbdynsty25 · Post by **dbdynsty25** » Sat Aug 30, 2008 12:52 pm

Yeah...having played both demos...09 is way ahead of 2k9 in my opinion. It just seems a ton more polished. Who knows tho...08 seemed more polished as well, but 2k8 was my game last year. I'll get both most likely.

Sudz · Post by **Sudz** » Sat Aug 30, 2008 3:45 pm

damn...

i'm in oregon right now...can't wait to get home and fire this up!

10spro · Post by **10spro** » Sat Aug 30, 2008 8:50 pm

Player faces are more accurate than 2K9. I do see more bounces along the board in this demo and that's encouraging. Love playind D so far, something I could not fathom saying in the past with EA. Must be the 'lift the stick' feature which I really dig. The fact that the gameplay speed has toned down a bit makes my games much more enjoyable to play, I do tend to have that split second decision on what I want to do, instead of just hoping that I pressed the right button.

Goalie saves animations are a treat to watch.

BAP is a blast, love that camera action.

Inuyasha · Post by **Inuyasha** » Sat Aug 30, 2008 8:52 pm

sounds good. I was going to wait until later in the year to get it but probably get it first day.

wco81 · Post by **wco81** » Sat Aug 30, 2008 11:53 pm

TRU 3 for 2.

RallyMonkey · Post by **RallyMonkey** » Sun Aug 31, 2008 9:27 am

I really like the BAP mode in the limited demo. I can't wait for the full version where there are line changes, etc. One thing that I find cool is the arrow during play that "tells" you where you should be. I'm a big hockey fan but I do not know the sport anywhere near as well as I do baseball so I like the little "reminders" to get my butt where I'm supposed to be Its not like I am clueless...I know the rules of the game and the responsibilities of each position, but I don't know all the little nuances of the sport (as well as I would like) like I know in baseball. Sometimes my defense is like a Chinese fire drill due to my lack of "know how". Lets just say I often get the "Your Goalie Is Keeping You In It" update between periods

It's interesting because as a long time player and coach i was a little nervous about this "arrow" but they have done some great research and from the demo it looks really well done. Most situations, if not all, thus far the arrow is quite accurate. Not to mention the positional shifting and passing of the puck from AI teammates is really solid. There was one point in the neutral zone where my center was caught in our zone, my RW was moving up the boards and i cut to the center of the ice for the pass. I cut in through the center circle and got the pass, took the puck into the zone on the right wall, the RW then filled in behind as the center and not only that, but my center, as he should, caught up with the play, and streaked for the left post assuming my position as a LW. It was pretty cool to watch it develop.

I am even more excited for this mode now.

Diablo25 · Post by **Diablo25** » Sun Aug 31, 2008 11:08 am

Glad to hear the arrow is fairly accurate. I can't wait to dive into the BAP mode on 9/9!

I did notice in the demo there is a lower BAP camera available. Its not bad...not as good as the "High" cam but its not bad.