As you know, I am a huge hockey fan. So when PSN released the 3 on 3 NHL Arcade game, I jumped at the chance to snag it. Currently, I dont own any of the NHL games for the PS3. Those games are expensive. So when this bargain basement beauty came on, I couldnt resist. And Im glad I didnt.
Basically, as the title explains, it is a 3 on 3 hockey game. There are no actual NHL teams…one team is simply blue, and one is red. However, it does use 36 NHL super stars (such as Ovechkin, Crosby, and Staal), and 4 goalies (including my main man Lundqvist). However, it does not matter who you choose. Their real life positions do not matter in the game, as do any real stats or skills. As far as I can tell, all the players are equal. Well, not entirely. Each player has a rating of either “fast”, “strong”, or “all-around”, which leads me to believe that some players may be faster or have a harder shot than others. But you cant really see the difference in game.
So you and your team of 3 hit the ice. Its a fast-paced game that has nothing to do with an NHL regulation game. No commercial breaks, no icing, no penalities…the only stoppage of play is for 2 seconds when someone scores a goal. What makes the game unique is its inclusion of power-ups. If you check a player, occassionally a power-up will appear randomly on the ice. They have different effects, from making a player faster, making them grow, making their goalie shrink, and even one that puts a random opponent in a block of ice, making them unmovable.
The online play is decent. You can have up to six players online in a game. The game does support voice chat, which is always nice. The only problem I had was that its hard to get a game with a friend. There is no invite system, so you have to search for your friend. However, the room fills up ridiculously fast, so you’re friend’s spot could be taken by some random stranger. Oh, and did I mention there are trophies? Not many, but they are there. Gotta catch ‘em all!
Review:
Story/Premise- 5
The game is quick and a lot of fun. It is also cheap. All these things appeal to hockey and non-hockey fans alike, making it a very easy game to pick up and play. I think it would have been better if the 30 teams were represented, with three players from each, but thats not a biggy. This was such an awesome idea for a game!
Graphics- 3
The graphics are ok. Nothing spectacular. You cannot tell who each player is by their face, but their numbers are pretty clear. The game is very colorful and attractive visually.
Controls/Camera- 5
Perfect. Simple controls for a simple game. On the offense, you hit circle to shoot, x to pass, square to spin deke, and triangle to trick shot. On the defense, its just circle to check, x to change players, and square to try for a poke check. Its that simple.
Replay Value- 5
I give it full points for replay value. Its a load of fun online or off. Its simple and a lot of fun, so its a game I can see myself playing on and off every now and again. Even if I did eventually get NHL ’09 for the PS3, I would still come back to this game for the sheer joy I get out of it.
Online/Multiplayer- N/A
Final score- 4.5/5
The only thing keep it from a perfect 5 is the sub-par graphics. But for a $10 downloadable PSN game, thats not a big concern. Its not like its a $60 NHL ’09. I dont want to sound bias, but this is a great PSN game. Its a must-have for any hockey fan, hands down. The price is cheap, and well worth it.
Recommendation
A must have for hockey fans. Otherwise, check out the free demo and see what you think. Its a load of fun.
