NHL 2K9 (PLAYSTATION 3 PS3)

NHL 2K9 is 2K Sports' entry into the hockey game genre for the 2008-2009 season. The game is built on the same engine used by most previous 2K hockey games, and features include Season, Franchise, 2-on-2 Mini Rink, 4-on-4 Pond Hockey, and Shootout modes. Season mode lets you take basic control of an NHL team and guide them through a full 82-game schedule, as well as (if you're good enough) the playoffs. Franchise is like Season mode, but much more in-depth. In it, you guide a team through several hockey seasons and control options such as drafting, signing contracts, free agency, and hiring personnel. The 2-on-2 and 4-on-4 modes allow you and a friend to select a team of players (3 or 5, depending on the mode) and compete in a wide-open, arcade-style hockey game. The shootout works exactly like a shootout in real hockey: three skaters from each team take turns shooting at the goalie, and most goals are game-winners. In addition to the game modes, you also have the option to create your own player or team from scratch, as well as modify the existing roster (i.e., make trades, change a line combination) to your liking.