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NHL 10 (Xbox 360, PlayStation 3)

common sense media says

Excellent, authentic pro hockey sim includes brawls.

parents & educators say
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What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this is a straightforward simulation of professional hockey. With that, of course, comes some physical play such as checking players into boards or even starting brawls. When a fight occurs, the camera shifts into a first-person perspective, making it feel more immersive. However, the game doesn't show blood. The game is also playable online with open chat, a feature Common Sense Media does not recommend to children under the age of 12.

Educational value: The game is a good way to learn the rules and strategies associated with pro hockey.
Positive messages: Players can engage in brawls that give your team an emotional boost. But this combative behavior often come at a hefty price.  Players fighting are assessed big penalties, and can even leave their team shorthanded, putting them at greater risk of giving up goals and losing the game.
Positive role models: As in real hockey, players can start fights or attempt to rough up opponents whenever they choose. But again, the penalties for doing so can be stiff.
Ease of play: The game is built to accomodate any type of play style.  Players can opt for a more arcade feel through the casual game setting and the use of classic, three-button controls. The more complex layout requires players to control and shoot the puck using the right analog stick, while the right trigger delivers passes.  Learning these controls is tricky at first, but there is enough flexibility in difficulty to make the process rewarding. There's also a tutorial that pops up when you first start the game to learn the basics.
Violence: Players can initiate brawls with opponents at any point in the game. If the opponent chooses to fight, the camera shifts to a first-person perspective as players throw punches at each other. However, no blood is shown during these fights.
Sex: Not applicable.
Language: Not applicable.
Consumerism: Players can see various logos throughout arenas from either hockey-related companies (Bauer) or general sports firms (Upper Deck, Reebok).
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Not applicable.
Our ratings and reviews are informed by child development guidelines. Learn more.

More on NHL 10

What to talk about

Talk to your kids

  • How does hockey compare to some of the other professional sports, such as football or baseball?  What makes it better, or worse?

  • The game uses fighting sometimes as a motivator for your team. What do you think of that method of encouragement?

What's the story?

What's the story?

NFL 10 is a simulation of the National Hockey League, with multiple approaches to playing. Players can guide any one of the NHL teams throughout a season or career in Be A GM Mode. Players can also create their own player and lead them to superstar status through the individual Be a Pro mode or in online hockey leagues. If you want the exhiliaration of a Stanley Cup playoff series, there's a mode for that as well.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 

NHL 10 is perhaps the best, most realistic representation of pro hockey available.  This year's game adds only a couple new but key features to an already fantastic experience. The most notable change is the fighting, which feels far more immersive from a first-person perspective. Initiating fights is also easier, but just like the real sport, there's a penalty for choosing to start a brawl.

Fighting isn't the only key change. Players can now pin opponents more easily against the boards to trap the puck better, while passing feels slightly more precise. Developers have also done more to make the game accessible to novices. Not only can they set the difficulty and simplify the controls, but they can change the play style ranging from a casual, fast-paced game to a more authentic experience. The new modes, such as Battle for the Stanley Cup, help to add a bit more variety to what is an already astounding franchise.

Online interaction: Players are able to chat with each other online during games. These interactions can contain language that parents would prefer their kids not hear. Players can also create their own player for use in online hockey leagues.

Game themes & details

Game Details
Available on: Xbox 360, PlayStation 3
Available online
Genre: Sports
Developer: Electronic Arts
Released on: September 15, 2009
Price: 59.99
ESRB Rating: E10+ for Mild Violence
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This review was written by Brett Molina
 
 

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max payne
teen, 14 years old
5
 
i love it nothing is inopropeiet.
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