NHL 09: Be a Pro
It’s been several years since I picked up a copy of EA Sport’s NHL series, the last one being NHL 2002 on the PC. Apparently I’ve really missed video game hocky because I can’t put NHL 09 down. For the most part it’s the same game I remember, though I’m still getting used to the skill-stick for deking and winding-up shots. But the new Be A Pro mode takes the game, and perhaps the entire sports genre, in a new and exciting direction.
Instead of controlling a whole franchise you’re tasked with creating and controlling a single player. This begins with a very in-depth character creation process that has you choosing everything from physical attributes to the sharpness of their skates. Once you’re finished tweaking your character you choose an AHL team to play for. From there you must work your way up to the NHL, your success based purely on your character’s performance on the ice. For instance, my character started on the Worcester Sharks. After about 60 hard-fought games in the AHL, my character was finally called up to the big leagues, joining the San Jose Sharks a few games before the playoffs. After each game your character is awarded XP based on their performance. XP can be used to upgrade your character’s offense, defense, and athelttic stats, similar to an RPG. Since you’re only controlling one player there are times when you have to take your turn sitting on the bench. But it’s not as boring as it may sound. If anything, it makes you value your ice time even more, especially if you’re on the third or second lines. Ultimately you’re playing to get your organization to the Stanley Cup finals. But you’re also competing against your own teammates. If they put up better stats, there’s a good chance you could lose your position on the first line, or even worse, dropped back down to the AHL. Overall, it’s a very interesting and unique dynamic.
Equally impressive is the way you can take screenshots/videos and upload them to the EA Sports World website, allowing you to create a scrapbook of highlights such as my first playoff goal; the screenshot above is my first NHL goal. Anyway, NHL 09 is a real treat whether you’re a huge hockey fan or not. The depth and RPG-like elements of Be a Pro is reason enough to check this game out.
i just noticed what your jersey said…that’s pretty sweet.