NHL 09 Hands-on (IGN)

[metallidevils]

IGN has posted their hands-on with NHL 09.

Quote:

"Last year brought the revolutionary right analog stick-controlled shooting mechanic. Now EA Sports Vancouver is putting that same thinking towards defense. Chasing after the puck, slamming a guy into the boards and swooping in with your stick to regain possession worked swimmingly in the early build I played."

[savoie2006]

[Flyermania]

Not-as-accurate passing is new and fantastic news! It sounds like pass accuracy will vary depending on the situation which is a good thing.

[bad_philanthropy]

Yeah not as accurate passing as well as learning the balance of not being able to just skate full out with the puck on your stick is amazing, the puts an even greater emphasis on skating. This game is going to make us change how we play hockey games all over again just like last year. This is going to be a steep learning curve but I for one cannot wait.

[Spanky]

Cool, I spotted a lot of throwback jerseys in the crowd on that defensive skill stick video:

-- Pittsburgh's power blue from the outdoor game and back/gold from the Mario era
-- Buffalo's original jersey
-- Vancouver's original (rink with stick in it logo) and the ugly black/gold V jersey
-- Toronto vintage Original 6
-- Islanders original
-- Flyers orange original
-- Oilers from Gretzky era (I think)
-- Atlanta Flames
-- Quebec Nordiques
-- Plus, Marty Turco was in a North Stars jersey, which is cool, since earlier versions of EA's game had the Wild using the North Stars throwbacks instead of the Stars (Doh!).

[Qb]

Quote:

Intercepting passes was also a rewarding experience on the off-chance I was able to position my stick in direct line with the puck. Aiding in this was the fact that passes are actually a little less accurate in this year's game. Based on the length of a pass and what's happening on the ice, the puck may not always find its target.

Hallelujah! If they also eliminated the automatic backwards skating, two of my biggest gameplay gripes will be cured...

[mdgoalie37]

If they take out edge clipping and have the guys actually get off the ice for line changes I will be happy.

[Money99]

Quote: Originally Posted by Flyermania

Not-as-accurate passing is new and fantastic news! It sounds like pass accuracy will vary depending on the situation which is a good thing.

My thoughts exactly.

Not only that, but with the promise that not every player can deke the same, hopefully each player will feel different as well.

I can't wait to hear what the E3 impressions are.