SpawnPoint

The release of EA Sports NHL 09 is still a few months away, but it cannot come fast enough. EA SPORTS has really been pushing the envelope with their NHL series since it made the jump up to the XBOX 360 and eventually the PS3. NHL 07 debuted the "Skill Stick" which might've changed hockey games forever and NHL 08 added on with the AHL, 60 fps, and a "light" version of online leagues. So what could they possibly add to NHL 09 to take the series even further down the road of innovation? 

For starters there have been new moves added to the game. Now you can perform stick lifts on defense, show off the skills of a guy like Sidney Crosby and perform one-handed dekes on offense, perform 360 degree poke checks if need be, and there's even a new checking system in place that can provide hundreds of different checking animations. You can also make people pay for hanging out in front of your goalie by giving them a few friendly "reminders" that they aren't allowed to be there with some quick nudges of the R-Stick.

NHL 09 does still feature its deep franchise mode for offline play, which includes the addition of the Russian Elite, German Elite, and Czech Elite leagues, but EA has expanded their online leagues to include full stat tracking, trades, and actual playoffs. There's also the ability to play Online Team Play games with full 6-on-6 team co-op play as well.

Last year we got the "Creation Zone" for our created players, this year we have "Be a Pro". Which essentially means that when you create a player, he starts out in the AHL and it's your job to work his way up to the NHL and eventually the Hall of Fame. The "Be a Pro" mode also features a nice over the shoulder camera with guides to show you where you are supposed to be and what you're supposed to do with the puck. The Performance Tracker will then give you feedback between shifts to let you know how you're doing.

Custom soundtracks also make their way into NHL 09 as well as some very exciting new pre-game introductions, a new fighting system, and new goalie animations. And the NHL 09 team didn't forget about the new EA Sports World website, either. You will now be able to upload your exciting replays and snapshots of your games directly to the EASW website for the ultimate in trash talk and bragging rights.

EA Sports NHL series gets better and better every year and are starting to be the frontrunners in features and innovation in the sports gaming world. NHL 09 will be no different.

. 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 will put 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 will know exactly where you need to improve to become the next NHL superstar.