Publisher: 2K Sports
Developer: Visual Concepts
System: Wii
Genre: Sports
Release date: Available now
Review by: Ed Humphries

With its unique ability to offer players more control of their onscreen avatars, thus further selling the illusion that they’re in the game, the Wii has been a prime destination for sports titles. This is the system which was arguably sold based on the strength of its packed-in, sports-themed minigame compilation Wii Sports, and with that thirst satisfied, gamers have looked to continually quench it with new experiences. One sport that has sat on the sidelines to date is ice hockey, which would seem to be a shoe-in for the Wiimote’s ability to properly mimic a hockey stick. Skating to the rescue is Visual Concepts’ new release, NHL 2K9, the first official hockey title for Nintendo’s juggernaut.

Fans of the NHL 2K series will find that this latest installment keeps the core gameplay intact while providing some new features and enhancements. The game includes many of the modes that contemporary gamers come to expect in a sports title, including Full Season and Franchise. In addition, there are separate Shootout and Practice options that players can use to hone their skills before attacking the AI or a live opponent. The game does not feature online multiplayer, but there is support for four-person local co-op play.

The Franchise and Season modes make up the bulk of the gameplay package, with users selecting their favorite team and following it through multiple seasons on the way to winning the Stanley Cup. In Franchise, you also take on the role of General Manager, which divides your time between the on-ice action and front-office activities such as roster changes, contract negotiations and free-agent signings.

For those gamers looking for smaller pick-up-and-play options besides the normal one-off exhibition games, NHL 2K9 offers Mini Rink and Pond Hockey modes. Mini Rink is as the name implies: a 2-on-2 contest played on a smaller surface. This features some quick, frenetic action as the real estate shrinks and the puck flies fast and furiously. Pond Hockey doubles the number of players of Mini Rink and relocates the action to the great outdoors. Normal hockey rules apply, but the change in scenery is nice.