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EA predicts Bruins as NHL playoffs champs
The match-ups are set for this year's NHL playoffs, and once again Electronic Arts has peered into its EA Sports-brand crystal ball to predict the outcome of this latest run at the Stanley Cup. EA workaholics played through the playoff race in NHL 09, eventually naming the Boston Bruins as league champs following a six game battle with original six rival Chicago Blackhawks. Not to say the Bruins aren't due following a 37-year drought, but EA also predicted that the San Jose Sharks would come out on top in 2008 (fun fact: they didn't). Clearly reality does not always favor the screen, and it remains to be seen if Boston or one of the other 15 playoff hopefuls will be the team to actually hoist Lord Stanley above their heads.
Gitcha SecuROM de-authorization tools! Git'em ova hur!
EA's perpetual joke -- on you -- comes to an ironic end on April Fools' Day with the release of de-authorization tools for each of its 19 PC games with SecuROM copy protection (full list and download links after the break). If you've been working on that class action lawsuit against EA for bundling SecuROM with The Sims 2: IKEA Home Stuff, you can drop it now -- your flat-pack furniture can finally be moved to a new machine. In the spirit of generosity, EA's giving you two options for managing your authorizations: Option 1: Download and install yet another "tool" in order to scan your computer for EA's SecuROM games and find out how many computer authorizations you have (or don't have) left for each title. Option 2: Cut to the chase and download the game-specific de-authorization tool you need.
NHL 09 disc error also known as the cache time-bomb
Sports fans, grab the tissues because the tears are about to start flowing. Users on the official EA Sports forum are reporting widespread disc read error issues with NHL 09 -- over time. Many users are reporting the popular hockey franchise works as advertised during the initial play through but eventually crashes after loading saved modes or regular games once the Xbox 360 reboots.While EA has yet to release an official statement regarding the problem users have found success with two bandaid solutions -- which point to cache problems in the game. According to the EA Forum users clearing the cache of the Xbox 360 and disabling the auto-save feature in NHL 09 may help fix the problem but as gamers play more of the game the issue returns.Let's hope we'll get a fix for the game soon. Actually, it's cool. We'll just play our 82 game seasons in one sitting. No, really.Update: EA Sports actually responded to this issue late last night recommending the cache clear route as a possible solution. They have yet responded to the cries for a patch.
Shipping this week: pass that puck edition
While the PC crowd is all about Spore this week, the Xbox 360 is all about hockey. We have not one but two different hockey games up for grabs. What's that? A sports league that isn't exclusive to a single publisher? It's bizarre, we know. So bizarre, in fact, that we almost forgot there are two other games on the list. So, which is it gonna be, hockey, robot animals, or spandex? NHL 2K9 TNA Impact! NHL 2009 Zoids Assault [Via Joystiq]
NHL 09 demo slap shoots the Marketplace
There's a new NHL 09 demo available for download off the Xbox Live Marketplace and it can best be described as "hockey'licious". (They should have totally used that as the demo description.) The demo is said to include the "Be a Pro" mode, but online multiplayer play seems to be lacking. We think EA says it best, "if you love sports video games, you have to try this demo" and if you don't love sports games, turn up your nose and go back to your regularly scheduled gaming habits.
Joystiq X08 interview: NHL 09 producer Andy Agostini
Who says a sports franchise can't reinvent itself? For EA Sports, the NHL game franchise has done just that over the last three versions. After introducing the analog control mechanic in NHL 07 along with the AHL teams and Create-a-Play feature in NHL 08, it would appear the franchise has gone as far as it can. Well, sports fans, NHL 09 attempts to break the mold once again with its Be a Pro mode. The mode is instantly recognizable to fans of FIFA 08 but different because it's spread across seasons in NHL 09, rather than single games. In an interview with Joystiq at Microsoft's X08 in Toronto, NHL 09 producer Andy Agostini discussds the Be a Pro mode, annual creativity and the hardships of updating rosters after a title ships. [MP3] Download this interview in MP3 format
New NHL 09 screens remind us to return to the ice
Click for high resolution image. Hockey fans can rejoice. NHL 09 is coming, and here's some complimentary screenshots to get you excited for all the slugfests on ice; because really, Hockey's all about the fight, not scoring one in the net. Hopefully these screenshots won't get you too excited -- you'll have to abate that burning itch to crosscheck somebody already. You'll have to wait a few months to do that. NHL 09 will hit stores across North America on September 9.%Gallery-26980%
Phaneuf body checks his way onto NHL 09
According to an article in The Calgary Sun, Calgary Flames defenceman Dion Phaneuf will be gracing the cover of EA's NHL 09. Focusing on more defensive gameplay and hard-hitting checks, EA Sports decided to give the cover nod to one of the hardest-htting, and high-scoring, defensive players in the league. "There are always a lot of options for who we want on our cover, and Phaneuf was a perfect choice for us this year," said David Littman, lead producer of NHL 09. Currently in development at EA Vancouver, NHL 09 is scheduled to hit retail before the puck drops on the new season.
