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Share the agony and ecstasy of Habs fandom and read live blogs from every game with Gazette columnist Mike Boone.
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Wow! Makes me want to dig up my old playstation. Alas, who has time with kids and all. Still, I wouldn't mind picking up the game for a keepsake.
On a different note, anyone know whether or not the all-time greats, such as Harvey, and Richard etc, are entitled to royalties from EA Sports? I would imagine their estate, or next of kin, or whatever legal terminology one would use, would have justification for such a case.
I wouldn't think so -- I know EA works out deals with the NHL and the NHLPA, not with individual players. Not sure how it works with former players, but I can't imagine EA sending money to Lafleur, Roy, Geoffrion's estate, etc... How would they even work out how much to give them? I can't imagine the centennial tribute having much of an impact on sales outside of Quebec.
1. www.flickeringpictures.com - not a hockey site, but still kinda neat
2. Josh Gorges on Montreal's attack: "They're comin', they're comin' and they keep comin'. Just line after line, wave after wave..."
I don't know. I think there are more Habs fans outside of Quebec, than we like to think and, provided they have a gaming console of some kind, would probably be interested in this. I know I'll be keeping an eye out.
The host's jacket is the very, very best. (NB: These guys don't get to talking about the centennial canadiens team until the 9:00 minute mark. ... and they look amazing!)
Hey Kevin (Mio), there's a link problem with the Facebook option. When I try and post this article on FB it brings me to the 'Laraque remembers the Rocket' post.
I walked away from console-type gaming years ago, preferring to go the PC gaming route instead. But now...holy smoke has this got the juices flowing. I can't see myself slapping down $350+ just so I can play a video game, but I was wondering....NHL 09 will also be available as a PC game. Does anyone here have any first-hand knowledge as to how these kind of games perform on a PC? I am really curious. I know I have to play this game in some way, shape, or form.
Stay away from the PC version. They have had minimal updates in the last few years and it in no way compares to the 360 or PS3 versions. They are essentially different games. Current Gen versions (PC and PS2) are made at EA Montreal and the next gen versions (360 and PS3) at EA Vancouver. I bought the 360 two years ago just for NHL 07 (the first next-gen hockey game). I have never regretted it and I highly recommend the 360.
I've never played an NHL game on PC that stacked up to its console counterpart, and NHL'08's PC incarnation was apparently a shadow of what it was on 360, stacking up better with the PS2 version. That doesn't necessarily mean this'll hold true for '09, but I find sports games in general are better on consoles.
1. www.flickeringpictures.com - not a hockey site, but still kinda neat
2. Josh Gorges on Montreal's attack: "They're comin', they're comin' and they keep comin'. Just line after line, wave after wave..."
Thanks for the information, guys. Not what I wanted to hear, but pretty much what I expected to hear. Damn!
Good morning,
Its about time they've brought in the classic teams into '08, its been a long-time coming. The top 5 things to make NHL Video Games Better
1. Instant Replays should include more hits!
2. Classic Teams/Players (like soccer and Basketball)
3. More Team Jerseys (the last version only had the RBK
4. Integrate an arcade style mode (2x2, 3x3, 3x1 hog)with special dekes and craziness similar to NHL hits or OPEN ICE.
5. New referees for the game, the same old mug gets old after a while.
A few more for the wishlist:
1. Ragdoll physics for hits.
2. Injuries should be triggered by things other than hipchecks, like other strong hits, slap shots, etc.
3. Players should reach their potential more quickly.
4. Stronger goaltending AI vs. one-timers.
5. Less idiotic announcer comments! (I’m done with hearing about lasers, light beams and cannonades from the point.)
1. www.flickeringpictures.com - not a hockey site, but still kinda neat
2. Josh Gorges on Montreal's attack: "They're comin', they're comin' and they keep comin'. Just line after line, wave after wave..."
Some of the things on your wishlist are actually in 09. They changed the entire hitting engine, and added about 200 animations of hits. They also added different ways to get hurt.
Nice!
1. www.flickeringpictures.com - not a hockey site, but still kinda neat
2. Josh Gorges on Montreal's attack: "They're comin', they're comin' and they keep comin'. Just line after line, wave after wave..."
Love it!!! I normally just hope for a little recognition and respect for the greatest organization in sports history, but this is amazing!!!! Can't wait to play it.
I would have put Lafleur on the cover, personally...
Habs legends invade NHL09 .. by Manny Almela .. Canadiens.com ..... http://canadiens.nhl.com/team/app/?service=page&page=NewsPage&articleid=...
Interesting that the only player on the Leafs' roster in this game with an all-important Wrist Shot Accuracy stat higher than 80 is... Mats Sundin. Not sure why he's still there -- I guess they had to give people in the Toronto market a reason to buy the game. The rest of the team's stats are rubbish.
1. www.flickeringpictures.com - not a hockey site, but still kinda neat
2. Josh Gorges on Montreal's attack: "They're comin', they're comin' and they keep comin'. Just line after line, wave after wave..."
It's really a shame that hockey has yet to come to the Wii in full force (yes I know, NHL2K9 will be the first this fall) because as a Nintendo loyalist and prospective Wii buyer, being able to play this game would probably put me over the top in my desire to buy one/get one for Christmas. I loves my Nintendo hockey, and I'm just not wanting to venture out and try new things in video game land. :)
-----
Go Habs Go!
As you mentioned, only NHL2K9 will be available for the Wii. To give you an idea of their hot new feature this year that differentiates it from NHL 09... it's a zamboni mini-game. Yep. You play a game in between periods with the zamboni. No stick-lifting, no improved physics, no online leagues, etc.
If you're interested in getting the best hockey game for a console then grab a 360 or a PS3; the Wii is a good console for playing games that get you physically involved, but not for hockey. I suspect that given how much development effort they put into the 360/PS3 game they won't have a Wii version coming any time soon. Its online abilities lag behind the other two and obviously the graphics ability isn't up to snuff.
/\\ike
GO HABS GO!
Trust me, NHL '08 for XBox 360 was the best hockey video game I've ever played, and I was playing NHL '93 back on the Sega Genesis. Awesome game, and '09 promises to be much, much better. A video game/hockey fan's gotta play it.
1. www.flickeringpictures.com - not a hockey site, but still kinda neat
2. Josh Gorges on Montreal's attack: "They're comin', they're comin' and they keep comin'. Just line after line, wave after wave..."
Price the makes the "best value" list amoung some of the NHL's greatest... coming in at #29
http://tsn.ca/columnists/scott_cullen/?id=246911&lid=headline&lpos=topSt...
I thought it was odd -- and more than a little disappointing -- that he wasn't even in NHL '08 until the roster updates. Not even in Hamilton.
1. www.flickeringpictures.com - not a hockey site, but still kinda neat
2. Josh Gorges on Montreal's attack: "They're comin', they're comin' and they keep comin'. Just line after line, wave after wave..."
1917-18 Malone Paces Canadiens In NHL Launch
http://wwwrealitycheckeyesontheprize.blogspot.com/2008/08/1917-18-malone...
I've always wanted EA to do a "Classic NHL" game, featuring rosters from the 50's, 60's and 70's. Great Habs players shouldn't be forgotten, and neither should Orr, Hull (Bobby), and Howe. It would be a blast for us old timers. Oh yeah, bring back the center line for this game, too. One last word: imagine recreating the Robinson- Schultz fights?
Gilbert
2008/09 is the season of the Habs
EA Sports and their Crystal Ball .. by Alanah McGinley .. Canucks and Beyond ..... http://www.kuklaskorner.com/index.php/CandB/comments/ea_sports_and_their...
NHL 09 Media Blowout .. RotoTimes.com .. for Taking one for the team ..... http://takingonefortheteam.blogspot.com/
I can't freaking wait for this game.
It's got an online mode called the EAHL (Electronic Arts Hockey League) where you can make a team with your friends and challenge other teams to games.
Apparently the best team will be awarded a trophy at the real-life All-Star Game.
See the video at this link for a better explanation.
http://xbox360.ign.com/dor/objects/14230950/nhl-09/videos/nhl09_commenta...
They should put koivu on the cover, it looks sweet... too bad phaneufs got it
i think he is on the cover for the xbox
Koivu is a photoshop cutout.... Phaneuf is on the real packaging
Players win games, teams win championships.
- Bill Taylor