NHL 09

$60, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, PlayStation 2, Windows

Teaches: sports, hockey, fine motor coordination

CTR Rating: 90%

CTR Review

EA Sports makes particularly beautiful simulations for the PS3 and Xbox 360, and this title is proof. Note that we did not test the PS2 or Windows versions of this title, but suspect that the game play is the same. We tend to avoid the PC-based versions because the use of a keyboard and mouse makes gameplay too hard.Our testers, who were familiar with NHL 2008, liked the new features -- which include a "defensive skill stick," giving you more control and power to stop opponents. In the game, you take on the personality of one player on the team. Your performance is rated in 60 categories, and you are shown where your game needs improvement. Too bad EA Sports doesn't make software for times tables.You can also join the EA Sports Hockey League and take your player online and join a team with friends, or scout for other players. If you like hockey (or even if you don't), you'll have a great time with NHL 09. Nick (age 13) said, "This is a great game that is lots of fun. The best part is the 'create a player' feature where you select the attributes and look of your player, and then pick what team you want to be on, You start playing for their minor league team, then have to meet your goals and work your way up to play on the NHL team." Even though this game is expensive ($60), his recommendation was to "buy it!"