Until now, we hadn’t been given a look at the upcoming Wii version of NHL 2K9, the first hockey sim on the console, in motion. Screenshots from NHL 2K9 Wii (see latter 17 images) failed to impress most Dtoiders, but perhaps some video of the game will change your mind.
It’s a typical trailer for a Wii title — there’s game footage interspersed with shots of people making idiots of themselves with vastly exaggerated motions to demonstrate that, yes, there are motion controls. Shooting appears to be controlled with a flick of the Wii Remote, while checking will need a simultaneous forward push with the Wiimote and Nunchuk. Is it bad that I’m watching this trailer and just thinking, “I’m way too lazy for this sh*t,” along with picturing myself getting tired of making a cross-checking motion after three or four checks? Is that just me? Dammit.
As far as 2K Sports is concerned, though, waggle is serious business — motion controls are pervasive in the Wii version of NHL 2K9. The Zamboni minigame that the PS3/360 trailer introduced is present here, and players will have to turn their surfacing vehicles by twisting the Wiimote. The only motion-controlled part of the game I’m interested in is the Wii Boxing-like fighting mechanic, which looks like a good amount of fun. Finally, the trailer closes with shots of a four-player game, which I imagine would require a relatively large living room with a lack of valuable objects that can be knocked over by overzealous wagglers.
Either way, you’ll be able to pick up NHL 2K9 for the Wii, as well as the PS3, 360, and PS2, on September 8th.
[Editor’s note: Visual Concepts must not employ many Rangers fans, since my boy Henrik Lundqvist gets repeatedly embarrassed in this trailer. Ouch. -Samit]
