There are lots of things to get excited about here. The new franchise mode goes beyond that of any other sports game. They have up to date details, and ongoing negotiations of the collective bargaining agreement between players and owners. This is absurdly sports-nerdy and terrific. They have also updated the shooting, using multiple button presses to perform different kinds of shots, eliminating the one-timer as the most effective method of scoring. This is a bit tricky at first, but once you get the hang of it, it adds a whole new layer to the game. The hitting is massive and destructive. Some people are claiming it’s a tad cartoonish at times, but I dunno if you remember that very same scene in Swingers had Gretzky writhing in a pool of blood on the ice, and we all loved that. 2K9 retains its goalie control as well, which was, and still is, the best thing to ever happen to a hockey game.
2K9 is the best sports game of the year so far not named Madden. It’s a game worth having, and will certainly satisfy your need for a little ice violence when you get tired of the gridiron.

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