Remember your favorite arcade sports games from the ’90s, like NBA Jam? Come on, I know even all you sports haters have some fond memories of those classics. Don’t be afraid to admit it! Well, many of those games (I’m speaking particularly with NBA Jam in mind) had cheats available that would enable some pretty crazy sh*t -- Hillary Clinton, I’m looking at you. Now, EA Sports is looking to try and awaken the kid in all of us with 3 on 3 NHL Arcade.

Set for release for $9.99 on PSN and 800 Microsoft Points on XBL next February, 3 on 3 NHL Arcade brings you a “no rules, fast paced, hockey experience” [sic], and the focus here is on accessibility -- getting people of all ages and backgrounds involved in the fun. The game will feature forty top NHL stars, including Jarome Iginla, Roberto Luongo, and Chris Pronger (the three of whom you can see in screenshots in the gallery). For those of you who aren’t interested in hockey rules, fear not -- you’ll be able to do awesome things like check goalies, and there will be power-ups!

Now usually, this is the part where I’d get really cynical and use terms like “shovelware” and “quick cash-in.” But, believe it or not, I’m cautiously optimistic about NHL Arcade. You see, there’s a very important fact to mention here: the game is being developed in-house at EA Canada, by the same team who worked on the phenomenally brilliant NHL 09. So instead of being skeptical and assuming it’s going to suck -- like I did with games like 2K Sports’ MLB Superstars -- I’m actually expecting a very solid arcade title out of this game.

And just like in NHL 09, you’ll have two control schemes (one for novices and one for pros) to choose from in NHL Arcade. Another feature making its way over from NHL 09 is full-team online play -- you’ll be able to join up with two friends and take on three other players anywhere in the world. So who’s ready to get checked over the boards by me? More details can be found in the press release after the jump, and at the game’s official Web site.

EA SPORTS Throws Rulebook out the Window for 3 on 3 NHL Arcade

    New Title from EA SPORTS Freestyle Prioritizes Accessible Fun with Low Cost of Entry

    REDWOOD CITY, Calif. -- Electronic Arts Inc. (Nasdaq:ERTS) announced today that 3 on 3 NHL® Arcade -- an all-new downloadable experience from EA SPORTS Freestyle™ -- is in development at EA Canada by the team that produced the critically acclaimed NHL 09. 3 on 3 NHL Arcade is a no rules, fast paced, hockey experience that gamers of all types can enjoy. This fresh take on the NHL Hockey franchise will be available as a download in February 2009 on Xbox LIVE Arcade and the Playstation Network for 800 MS Points and $9.99, respectively.

    “Available through a simple digital download, 3 on 3 NHL Arcade is perfect for sports fans who want to experience the thrill of NHL hockey at a great value without worrying about the rules of the sport,” said Dave McCarthy, vice president, EA SPORTS. “Accessibility is really important. We have worked to make sure that come February, 3 on 3 NHL Arcade is a lot of fun for players of all skill levels.”

    With fast paced action, crushing hits and loads of room to experiment, 3 on 3 NHL Arcade will have gamers from all walks of life excited about hockey. With no rules to hinder the action, deliver devastating checks that send your opponent over the boards and watch as he has to skate back onto the ice. If the goalie comes out of his crease to play the puck, check him. Exaggerated player-looks take center stage with 40 of the top NHL stars, representing every team, skating around the miniature rink. With game-changing power-ups falling on the ice throughout each session, serious is not the name of this game. Fly down the ice with a super-speed skater, and beat a giant sprawling goalie with a trick move for that highlight reel finish.

    With two control schemes to choose from, players can pick between button controls that allow gamers of all skill levels to pass, shoot, hit and break out the all-new trick moves with ease, or the more advanced Skill Stick controls from NHL 09. 3 on 3 NHL Arcade also brings the online experience players have come to expect from EA SPORTS. In addition to standard ranked matches, 3 on 3 NHL Arcade allows the ability for three players on one console to play three other players on another console anywhere in the world.

    This game has not yet been rated by the ESRB or by PEGI. For more information, log onto www.easports.com/nhl09.

    EA SPORTS™ is the leading interactive sports software brand in the world, with top-selling titles and franchises including Madden NFL Football, FIFA Soccer, NHL® hockey, NBA LIVE basketball, NCAA® Football, Tiger Woods PGA TOUR® and NASCAR® racing.