As long as I’ve played with computers and consoles I’ve also been interested in hockey games. I have a long history with them, starting from Intellivision’s NHL Hockey, to C64 games such as Super Star Ice Hockey and International Hockey, to PC classics like Face off!, along with Brett Hull and Wayne Gretzky brand games to the newest EA Sports and 2K games. EA dominated the hockey genre from 1994 to 2002 with no real competition. Then 2K launched their own series, which was supreme compared to EA. Then, around 2007 or 2008, EA introduced the great Skill Stick –feature and stole the crown back again. As of this moment, EA Sports NHL Hockey 09 is the best hockey game. Ever.
The reason why 09 is the best, is not because of graphics or game play, which are great by the way, but because of the online experience. Finally something new, something really addictive! EASHL, the online hockey league, is just pure genius. It introduces clan-like team play completely new to hockey games. It’s just as fun as playing counter-strike clan matches, and it works just as good. Basically anyone can start a team and recruit players to join it. Then you play matches against other teams, and climb up the EASHL ladder. The league is divided into divisions, which hold 100 teams each. Every team plays in the same league. You start from the bottom naturally. Also, as your player gains experience, it also gains points that you can use to upgrade the abilities such as speed & accuracy. If you haven’t done so already, check out some reviews to learn more.
I have to admit that I wasn’t originally very interested in the whole online team play idea. I had played 1 vs 1 online games for many years and I thought they were as good as online hockey could ever be. The first time I tried the team play, it really didn’t feel that special. I played with some random players from around the world, a single game and no EASHL league. It was somewhat laggy and not very interesting at all. I almost left it there. I’m glad I didn’t.
One day reading through one of my regular bulletin boards (not specific to games/ps3) I noticed that someone had started EASHL team with PS3 platform and was looking for players. I joined the advertised irc-channel and later the team. We actually use irc to communicate and coordinate when to play. We also chat during the matches. We could use headsets but for now irc has proven to be enough for us. We play just to have fun, so it’s not as professional as some other teams (which I hear even practice between games).
The whole experience is all about the community, the team. Just as in counter-strike, when you learn to know the people you play with, the whole experience changes. You don’t just play, you spend time with other people, talk and laugh. You have a role and place in the team. Playing as a team differs a lot from playing solo. You have to consider the other people, especially when you have some connection to them, even though it’s only through irc.
I almost had lost all hope for hockey games before NHL 09. Now I just wait next year, and hope that 2K comes up with something even more fun.
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