3 on 3 NHL Arcade
Available on PSN $9.99 or Xbox Live! 800MS points (Xbox 360 version reviewed)
As a big NHL fan (Go Sens!), I was a little more than mildly interested in this game when it was announced and immediately tried the demo and purchased it after just 3 quick games. The game features over the top arcade NHL type action with huge hits, fast game play, power-ups and 40 of the league’s top players.
The game starts off with you picking 2 forwards, 1 defenseman and a goalie then thrusts you into the action right from the drop of the puck. The controls are simple enough for a casual gamer using just the old school button pressing controls to the more controlled scheme those familiar with real NHL series using the analog stick. You gain access to a variety of power-ups by performing bone crushing hits and they range from rocket skates to a giant sized goalie.
Bored of playing the computer? Just jump online and get some users from around the world in on the action and play in some ranked matches.
The game might be too simple for some who are used to the dizzying array of options presented in the NHL series but it provides a cure to a rainy spring day itch. With any luck, there will be a sequel allowing online 3 on 3 leagues with more venues and even more crazy power-ups. Maybe this could be included for free with NHL 2010 and available online to the non NHL purchasers for a nominal fee? What do you think EA?
As my first real casual game purchase, I’m not disappointed. I’ve had a lot of fun trash talking my friends on Live! and beating them down while doing it. If a quickie game of outlandish hockey is something you might enjoy, this is a good one for you.
Pros:
– Fast gameplay
– Crazy power-ups
– Accessible controls tailor to everyone’s tastes
Cons:
– No online leagues
– Needs more power-ups and venues
Feed Your Console gives 3 on 3 NHL Arcade: 9 out of 10
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