Image Credit: 2K Sports; GameSpot
According to an interview with 2K Sports's Jeff Thomas, the first NHL game for the Wii will have an added bonus that I thought they would never add to a hockey game: driving the Zamboni.
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Action has also been taken to enrich elements peripheral to the actual hockey gameplay. The fighting engine has been completely redone, and NHL 2K9 will even feature a Zamboni-driving minigame between periods. Steps have also been taken to bring out the pageantry of playoff hockey. Players will now grow playoff beards and, if you are lucky enough to win the Stanley Cup, you will have the opportunity to skate around the ice with the cup hoisted.
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Of course, most of this is gimmicky stuff that has little to do with the actual gameplay. It does add a bit to the overall replay value of the game; If it were not for the promise of cool cut scenes and added facial hair, why bother completing season mode? It is clear that EA Sports will skip this year for a Wii console release, so NHL 2K9 will win this round by way of forfeit.
Bonus: The screenshots show the Predator's Ryan Suter hip-checking Columbus's Manny Malhotra off his skates while another shows She Weber beating the ever-living crap out of Chicago's Patrick Sharp (image 17 in the set). I seriously cannot wait until the season starts.