The 18th version of EA Sports' popular NHL video game, NHL 10 is loaded with features sure to please both established fans of the series and its community, as well as those coming to it for the first time. Just a few of these features include extreme team customization of equipment and uniforms, monthly chances to win the EA Sports Hockey League Cup via the Seasons Mode, multiplayer support both online and locally, four game styles (casual, default, normal and hardcore) and the new first-person fighting feature that lets players start a fight with the tap of a face button.  The first-person fighting feature makes picking a fight as simple as pushing a face button. View larger. | Award Winning Action on the Ice On the heels of capturing 12 Sports Game of the Year awards, the platinum-selling franchise returns with NHL 10. Take to the ice as the deafening sound from a towel-waving crowd ignites an arena while the hope of an entire franchise and the dreams of thousands of fans rest upon your shoulders. Using a physical style or playing with finesses, prove you’re tough enough to battle the most skilled hockey players in the world in your pursuit of the ultimate prize—the Stanley Cup Championship. Inspire your teammates, carry a franchise, and make history with NHL 10. Key Game Features - New Battle for the Cup Mode — Experience the intensity of NHL playoff hockey. Play through injuries, intimidate rivals, and match lines as storylines carry across the entire series.
- Build a Stanley Cup Champion — All-new GM mode lets you scout amateurs, put players on the trading block, hire staff, and earn experience points to become a legendary GM.
- Battle on the Boards — Shield the puck with your body, kick-pass it to teammates, or pin your opponent against the boards with an all-new board play engine.
- All-New First-Person Fighting — Change the momentum by trading blows with an NHL enforcer. Tug an opponent’s jersey to gain an advantage—before or after the whistle.
- Become the Ultimate Pro — Improve your draft status by dominating the prospects game, then use new coaching tips, improved teammate AI, and detailed position instructions as you build the ultimate career.
- Capture Multiple Championships — The coveted EA Sports Hockey League Cup is always up for grabs as new seasons start on a monthly basis online.
- New Intimidation Tactics — Fore-check defenders, pressure the puck, and finish checks to force your opponent into mistakes, as players fatigue, bobble passes, and avoid collisions under threat of physical pressure.
- All-New Post-Whistle Action — The action never stops. Antagonize opposing players, finish checks, retaliate for late shots on goal, draw penalties, and pick fights—all after the referee blows the whistle.
- Multiplayer Support - Enjoy 2-7 player support locally and 2-12 player support online, with Xbox Achievements via Xbox LIVE.
| Additional Screenshots:  NHL playoff hockey. View larger. | | |  Exciting Season Mode. View larger. | |  Multiplayer options. View larger. | |  Realistic environments. View larger. | | |
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The Best Sports Video Game of All Time
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| Review Date: September 17, 2009 |
| Reviewer: J. Mitchell, New York, NY United States |
That title sounds like hyperbole, but it's true from my perspective. I love sports video games and hockey most of all, and I thought NHL 09 was the best hockey game ever...until NHL 10 came around. I have probably played hundreds of hours of NHL 09 over the past year, and this game does an excellent job of taking everything that was good about that game and making it even better. I don't see myself getting sick of it anytime soon.
As a caveat, I do not play online. This is a review based on my single-player experience, which is my preferred way to play.
While the changes in NHL 10 are in large part subtle refinements of NHL 09, this isn't just a roster update. The "Be a GM" mode - formerly franchise mode - has been completely overhauled to give you GM-specific challenges and rewards as you play through the seasons. A few other new game modes - single playoff and single season modes, basically - have been added as well.
The main improvements in my opinion are found in the on-ice gameplay, which has been enriched by the ability to control the aim on passes, board play, the new fighting engine, scuffles after the whistle, better goalie animations, and better AI. The game experience is completely customizable and there are slider pre-sets for arcade-like, simulation-like, and intermediate gameplay (intermediate is the default).
Professional reviews will be able to tell you a lot more about this game than I will, so let me just say that everything you love about NHL 09 has only been improved. It's rare to see an EA Sports development team that really delivers and works hard year-after-year, and this team does exactly that. You can tell that there is a real passion and desire among the developers to make the best hockey game possible. They did it last year, and they did it again.
I have not encountered the AI problems that the other reviewer did in playing this game in single-player mode. Perhaps I am just used to the way the game plays, or perhaps that reviewer needs to explore the create a play option to get better performance from his AI teammates.
If you like hockey, buy this game. If you love sports games (and don't HATE hockey), buy this game. I've been let down by EA Sports many, many times in the past (most recently with Madden 10). This game is nothing short of triumphant. |
a few upgrades of NHL 09
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| Review Date: September 15, 2009 |
| Reviewer: L. Bailey, St. Louis, MO |
nothing in this game has changed to much..only real different game play is fighting along the boards for the puck, (which you dont use to to much) and an actual fighting system which had many people scratching there heads in NHL 09 on how to fight. other then that gameplays seems about the same, i noticed shots from the point give more realistic chances for rebound goals then in 09.
another really great upgrade is the GM mode. wow...this almost gets complex. players have trade values, buyouts, teams have rumors of whos on the chopping block, you can put 3 players you want traded into the rumor mill, you can tell other teams what your looking for ex. offensive defense athelitic or draft picks.
its such an upgrade over last years, your general manager actually has a reputation,
anyway this is a good game, my review kinda rambled and went on longer then i wanted but if your a fan of the NHL EA series i would suggest buying this, no turn offs that i can see nothing drastic has changed. enjoy |
Exactly What I Was Hoping For
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| Review Date: November 13, 2009 |
| Reviewer: Arkane, MA, USA |
As every other review I've read has said, this is the most realistic sports sim. On a more personal note, I always liked a more rpg-like experience. Playing as GM, coach, and every player was the only choice before; I would use player lock on a position and create a player, but I would have to play every line. I would always ask why couldn't they have a game mode like Madden's Superstar mode. Now they do! Create a player, play as only him, get feedback from the coach on how you're playing, and move your way up to the first line. The coach feedback is perfect for beginning players, but before long you can predict exactly what he'll say. Three sub-scores determine your overall score:
Postition - a blue arrow will show you where you "should" be; this score is easy to get an A+, although more experienced players might disregard this.
Team Play - the big one that takes into account good/bad passes, good/bad shots, good/bad fights, turnovers, takeaways, hits, etc. Probably the best tracker of your play.
Stats - plus/minus, goals and assists. Get one goal and you're pretty much got an A.
This new game mode made my day. Actually, much more than a day. The replayability is almost limitless. The worst thing I can say about it is sometimes your AI teammates don't help you out as much as you'd like, but I suppose if they did you'd be undefeated so it's alright. |
NHL 10 gamer
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| Review Date: November 16, 2009 |
| Reviewer: Natalie Rasumoff, San Francisco, CA |
| Loved this game. Many new features and clear and sharp views. Plays like the real game. |
Great
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| Review Date: December 5, 2009 |
| Reviewer: sperrypt, Ohio |
The game is a stellar addition to the franchise, which I have been playing since 2007's entry. I have to say that the addition to the new modes and the upgrade in the physics engine make this game shine. If one is looking for a more realistic and enthrawling entry into the line up, they are best suited for this game.
Pros:
-Graphics are always increasing and making the game play that much more enjoyable
-Addition of hockey movements (grabbing the puck, swatting it, board fighting, and the first person fights are all great)
-Modes will keep the player coming back for different things even though they might have completed a season.
-Difficultites arent going to make a player become so frustrated with the play by how easy it is/difficult it is.
-Animations are top notch, making you get into the game at some points and just say wow at a play that was made or stopped.
Cons:
-If you are an achievement junkie (360 owners), then be prepared for some hard work because there are some fairly difficult ones online that require some playing and skill building to achieve
-Though free stick movement is nice, it can be a little fidgety (very minor) and cause some shots to be missed/ computer based players to not reach a pass made
-The computer can make some dumb mistakes, but is offset by their ability to make up for it when they make some outstanding plays. |
A Sport's Guys Review
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| Review Date: December 21, 2009 |
| Reviewer: B. Kulczycki, |
NHL 2010 is the best 2010 EA game I have played this year and possibly, my favorite all time. And, I'm not even a huge hockey fan! I wish other titles could learn from how much fun this game is...why?
1. Be a Pro Mode is Awesome and Fun!- You can choose which team you are drafted on, so you don't have to play for a team you don't like. You get EXP after each game, so you can upgrade your player how you like. You unlock new pieces of equipment, that you can earn (or buy) player boosts with! I love this feature of developing a player!
2. Presentation is GREAT! Graphics look great in HD and the menus are easy to navigate and look great!
3. There are plenty of fun ways to play: Seasons, Stanley Cup Finals, Play Offs, On-Line, Minor League, and more!
4. Bonuses are all unlockable-YOU DON'T HAVE TO BUY THEM! (I can't believe you can purchase player upgrades online for other EA games, you want more of my money!)
I could go on, but this is by far the best sports game I've played in a while. I wish every title could be as enjoyable as this one. Why can't Madden get a clue from great titles like this? |
Amazing graphics!
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| Review Date: January 9, 2010 |
| Reviewer: Stephanie Naughton, NJ, USA |
| Bought this game for my husband for Christmas (along with the XBOX 360 itself) and he is in love with this game! The graphics are amazing and there are so many different options that you can really make this game personable. Well worth the money. |
INCREDIBLE
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| Review Date: January 22, 2010 |
| Reviewer: David J. Riebe, Moosic PA USA |
| IF YOU PLAYED 09 AND THOUGHT IT WAS GREAT, WAIT TIL YOU PLAY 10. I CANNOT BELIEVE HOW MUCH BETTER IT IS, AND I THOUGHT 09 WAS THE ELITE. YOU WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED. |
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