Concept:
NHL sim game. Some arcade-y features.
Keep:
- The mini rink mode. A smaller rink, three players for each team including a goalie. Prior to the game you get to pick whatever players you want for each team. The action is wide open and fast moving.
- Pond Hockey. Starting with a draft, you play four on four on a much bigger rink than the mini-rink. This game opens up a bit more and lets you develop some pretty passing plays.
Correct:
-The skating. The game sometimes feels like you are skating on melting ice. Even holding down the turbo button does little to improve the speed of the game. And, come to think of it, why even bother with turbo anymore. I spent the duration of my time with my finger on the turbo button
Conclusion:
Not much has changed since last year in NHL 2K9 that I can tell. The game has its moments but the magnetic puck and checking system feel outdated. Is this a sim or is this an arcade-y hockey riff? The game just seems unsure. There are mini-games to keep you engaged between periods, but the issue for 2K10 has always been on the ice. Play was sluggish on the build I played and maybe that will not be the case on the retail version.
Button schemes are similar to last years' release. Passing and shooting are mapped to the button pad, and since this is a game of one-timers, should be all you really need in a game. If you want something a little more complicated, you can dipsy-doodle on the right stick when you have the puck to deke defenders and goalies.
The scheme is, in some ways, metaphoric of the experience as a whole. Some elements of the game are fun and interesting and others less so. But the issue seems to be a lack of commitment. Choose one scheme or the other, but not both. Including a little bit of everything isn't a sign of flexibility; it's a sign of disunion.
NHL 2K10 drops comes to stores near you September 15 for the 360, Wii, PS2 and 3.
