I know we are smack dab in the middle of the summer, but recently Electronic Arts released a preview of their upcoming hockey title, NHL 09. I’ve really enjoyed playing the recent incarnations of the game since it makes more use of the analog stick for shooting and passing. Besides the updated rosters, I guess I’m more interested in seeing what new features EA Sports can cram into their sports games in order to entice gamers to purchase them. Anyhow, here’s a look at the upcoming NHL 09:

What is definitely amazing is the level of online integration in the game. Not only being able to play with 11 other friends online but you can also create your own team, create and customize your own player, and even compete against other players from around the world. What was definitely new is having the camera devoted exclusively to your player when you play online in order simulate the feel of actually playing the game. It seems this time around the focus is shifting away from playing as professional athletes and instead is placed more on the gamer.

I’m sure hockey fans all over the world would be wiling to test their skills against other players and teams and play for the first EA Sports Hockey Cup. This is definitely a level of interaction not yet seen in any other sports games I know of…I definitely hope that EA translate this to their other sports properties like NBA Live (basketball) and Madden (football). September 11th can’t come soon enough!

-Stephen