NHL 09 (Xbox 360)

Pros: Be A Pro Feature
Online Play with 6-on-6
Deep Franchise Mode for Fans who like to Manage
Skill Stick with more features
Improved hockey techniques (screening goalie, penalties vary more, etc)
Game physics while on the ice (goalie saves).

Cons: GLITCHES, gameplay on ice still 90% smooth (same minor glitches that were very noticable after playing NHL 08 a million times)
Be A Pro doesnt allow you to switch play style or positions throughout player's career
Upgrading XP Be A Pro takes awhile

Summary: This is game has the most potential for being the best hockey game of all time. it has some definate improvements such as Be A Pro and online play modes. The graphics are pretty good as far as during ice time. Wide selection of jersies is finally back from older versions (not like in 08). To be honest, I bought the game a week ago and I play it for at least 2 hours every day.

I was a big fan of NHL 08 but some minor issues like put getting stuck ont he back of the net, bad/repetative penalty calls, and shots that clearly went in (even saw in instant replay) were saved by the goalie.

There are some drawbacks and problems that game developers continue to miss. Most issues with the game are minor (not being able to change position/play style if you want after starting Be A Pro career). They should start allowing skaters to alter colors of equipment. Gaining experience in the Be A Pro mode seems really really slow. There are a lot of achievements inside the game (not gamerscore achievements) that you can have your player get (career 50 assists, etc.). Scoring seems slightly harder on this years game being that the hockey techniques have been improved. You have to change your scoring method every once and awhile. Defense is a lot harder to play this year and the position arrow helps with where your skater should actually be so you are not caught out of position.

Overall, if you like hockey games and have played NHL 08, you'll like this version even more. Being a huge hockey fan myself, I feel all warm inside after seeing my Be A Pro walk thru the tunnel and onto the ice in Mellon Arena after all the hard work ti took to get him up to the Pros. if you have any doubts about this game compared to older versions, or even NHL 2k9, you need to seriously buy this. After you do, get a squad of your buddies together and play some 6 on 6 with each of your own created players.