EA Sports, a segment of Electronic Arts Canada specialising in sports video games, is set to release the NHL 08 & NHL 09 video games.
NHL 08 was released in September 2007, followed by NHL 09 in Sept. 2008. EA Sports publishes games in series, each characterized by the year of release.
The NHL series debuted in 1991 as a collection of professional hockey video games, with NHL hockey serving as the first instalment. Every year, fresh features are added to the series.
Key Takeaways
- NHL 09 introduced the Be A Pro mode, allowing players to control a single athlete, while NHL 08 lacked this feature.
- NHL 09 improved upon the Skill Stick system, providing more intuitive controls than NHL 08.
- NHL 09 featured enhanced online gameplay options, such as the EA Sports Hockey League, which is not present in NHL 08.
NHL 08 vs NHL 09
NHL 08 was released in 2007 and was the first game in the series to feature the “Skill Stick” control system, which allowed players to perform a variety of dekes and manoeuvres using the right analogue stick. NHL 09 was released in 2008 and introduced several new features and improvements over its predecessor. The game included a revamped “Be a Pro” mode.
Among the most notable characteristics of the NHL 08 game is indeed the Skill Stick System, which also allows gamers to get more control over the puck while also allowing them to discharge the puck & control a player around with a defender before retrieving the puck to perform a ‘decoy’ or deke.
The NHL 09 has many of the same functionalities as its forerunner, the NHL 08, but with a few current models added.
The defender skill stick, this same lift-stick option played inside the enhanced user mode, and the dump and chase are all unique additions to this game.
The NHL 09 also showcases a return to an NHL 94 control system, an old classic of controls designed specifically for novice gamers.
Then an analogue thumbstick, the old controls used face buttons to complete most match functions, such as passing and shoot.
The NHL 09 also includes an ‘alternative jerseys’ function, a confirmation code, and extended rosters, such as the O2 Extraliga.
Comparison Table
| Parameters of Comparison | NHL 08 | NHL 09 |
|---|---|---|
| Year of release | 2007 | 2008 |
| Controlling options | Analog stick for Controlling, Passing, and Shooting. | Old style controlling option. |
| Features | The features are limited as compared to NH 08. | Many features are included in NH 09, like skill stick or lift-skill option. |
| Controlling mode | Only one mode of control is available. | Users can Switch to the old type of controlling mode. |
| Alternate Jersey | NH 08 does not contain an alternate jersey feature. | NH 09 contains an alternate jersey feature. |
What is NHL 08?
NHL 08 is a video game released in the United States on September 11, September 12, and September 1, 2007. The Skill Stick System is included in NHL 08, and EA believes it will help players better manage the puck.
A way for releasing the puck and controlling your playmaker around the defender, then retrieving the puck to do face-to-face dekes, is also available.
NHL 08 also contains “Goalie Mode,” which allows players to control their goalie from a third-person perspective.
Another new feature is the option to create custom plays, which allows you to put a squad in training mode and work on customizing a space.
In multiplayer games, a controller rumble feature offers new interaction, allowing players to converse with one another.
Participants might, like the pros, call for the puck by tapping the ice with their sticks.
A Dynasty Mode allows fans to design their ideal team and fight for the Stanley Cup. However, no fantasy draught is available for current-generation games, which are only available on PC and Sony PlayStation.
The configurable aspects of a game, mainly the Build function, have been updated. The colour picker in the Build function is similar to the one in All-Pro Football 2K8 from 2K Athletics.
What is NHL 09?
NHL 09 is the eighteenth instalment in the EA Sports NHL video game franchise. NHL 09 was published on September 10, 2008, for PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 in America, September 25, 2008, in Australia, & September 26, 2008, in Europe.
This was released on October 22, 2008, in North America & October 30, 2008, in Australia for Microsoft Windows. NHL 09 was published in America on only November 4, 2008, for the PlayStation 2 platform.
From the prior year’s game edition, NHL 09 featured many unique features. Their defensive ability stick, dump-and-chase, & lift stick options all appealed to the advanced user audience.
On the other hand, the ability to play with the NHL ’94 control system makes the sport accessible even to the most inexperienced players.
The alternative jersey with such a passcode has returned in this year’s game version. Some extended rosters are also present, such as the O2 Extraliga and the other is the Russian Superleague.
Players can build their character to utilize in online games. Players can form online teams with their friends or search for players to compete with. A 6-on-6 online team option is now available.
Players can level up their characters, compete in tournaments, and win prizes at the end of the regular season. In coincide with NHL revisions, contracts have been revised, as also slapping shot power & accuracy.
Main Differences Between NHL 08 and NHL 09
- The year of release of both of these versions is different from each other. NHL 08 was released in 2007 whereas NHL 08 was released in 2008.
- In NHL 09, old and contemporary controls are accessible, whereas NHL 08 solely supports the old controls class.
- The options Analogue stick for Controlling, Passing and Shooting in NHL 09 with the old controls, whereas NHL only supports old type controlling.
- There are many features which are only included in NHL 09. The features are skill stick or lift-skill options. NHL 08 does not contain any such features.
- An alternate jersey is only available in NHL 09, not in NHL 08.
- https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007%2Fs11115-012-0209-4
- https://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/2e01/27d42f15f36b3d1f33fcf2d574acd2b7940a.pdf
Last Updated : 13 July, 2023
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Emma Smith holds an MA degree in English from Irvine Valley College. She has been a Journalist since 2002, writing articles on the English language, Sports, and Law. Read more about me on her bio page.
It’s evident that NHL 09 has significantly expanded on the features of NHL 08. I’ll definitely choose NHL 09 to experience the enhanced gameplay.
The details provided here are invaluable for someone who is interested in deciding which game to play. It helps to be informed of the differences.
This article provides an insightful comparison between NHL 08 and NHL 09. The noticeable improvements in NHL 09 far outweigh the features of NHL 08.
I couldn’t agree more. The advancements in NHL 09 are truly remarkable.
The comprehensive descriptions of NHL 08 and NHL 09 are very informative. The article makes it clear that NHL 09 is the superior game.
The comparison table was very helpful. It reveals the vast improvements that were made from NHL 08 to NHL 09.
A great comparison of the features and gameplay of both games. I think NHL 09 is vastly superior.