Finally, somebody is creating a fun hockey game again. No more simulators, no more icing, just good old fashioned wackiness and fights. Oh, and it’s coming to the PS3 and Xbox 360 in February.
Called 3 on 3 NHL Arcade, the downloadable game is ironically being developed by the same team that produced NHL 09. 3 on 3 NHL Arcade is a no-rules, fast-paced hockey game that has a cartoony/caricature look and a tongue-in-cheek take on what hockey’s all about.
3 on 3 NHL Arcade will be available for download in February 2009 on Xbox Live Arcade for 800 MS Points, and on the Playstation Network for $9.99.
With no rules to hinder the action, players can deliver devastating checks that send their opponent over the boards. If the goalie comes out of his crease to play the puck, it’s totally fair game to check him. There will also be power-ups falling on the ice throughout each session that let players do things like cruise down the ice as a super-speed skater, turn into a giant sprawling goalie, or use special trick moves.
3 on 3 NHL Arcade will include caricatures of 40 NHL stars representing every team.
With two control schemes to choose from, players can pick between button controls that allow them to pass, shoot, hit and break out all-new trick moves, while the more advanced Skill Stick controls from NHL 09 will also be available.
And yes, the game will be fully playable online. In addition to standard ranked matches, 3 on 3 NHL Arcade allows three players on one console to play three other players on another console anywhere in the world.