NHL 2K10

 Review

Common Sense Media says

Simple hockey sim, best for newbies -- watch open chat.
greenON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age.
yellowPAUSE: Know your child; some content
may not be right for some kids.
redOFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age.
not for kidsNOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age.

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Quality
 
Sometimes media can be age appropriate but a real waste of time. Our star rating assesses the media's overall quality.

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Parents say

Not yet rated

Kids say

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that NHL 2K10 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. 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.

  • The game focuses on recreating the pro hockey experience and shows what it is like to play. Brawls are a part of the gameplay but as in real hockey, they result in penalties.
  • Some players can engage in fights, although the practice is penalized severely.
  • Controls are relatively simple. Players move with the left thumbstick, while manipulating shots, passes and other stickhandling moves with the face buttons. Players can use those same buttons on defenses to poke away the puck or deliver body checks.
  • As in real life, players are seen slamming opponents into the boards to take the puck. In some instances, players can get into a fight, although no blood or graphic detail is shown. There are often stiff consequences for starting fights.

What's it about?

NHL 2K10 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 Franchise Mode. Players can also create their own players and teams to use both offline and online. For those seeking a more casual approach, the game includes a handful of simple mini-games such as Pond Hockey and a Mini-Rink challenge.


Is it any good?

 

Although NHL 2K10 delivers a more accessible experience compared to its competitors, the game falls short in creating a truly authentic pro hockey experience.  One of the major issues revolve around computer-controlled players, particularly defensemen. They're not very aggressive, leading to a fast-paced game filled with odd-man breakaways. For the novice, this is a great environment to adjust to the game. However, veteran players might find this frustrating. The game has made some strides graphically compared to last year, sporting players with greater physical details and loud, vibrant arenas.

Another way the game is welcoming to rookies is the inclusion of simple, casual challenges such as Pond Hockey and Mini-Rink. They're often high-scoring affairs that allow players to kick back and enjoy the sport. The game also attempts to incorporate a Pro Stick, where players can handle the puck using the right thumbstick.  It's a solid addition but doesn't offer as much freedom as its main rival, EA's NHL 10.  Overall, NHL 2K10 is a solid introduction to the world of video game hockey, and a good choice for players new to playing hockey video games.

Online interaction: Online  games include open chat. These interactions can contain language that parents would prefer their kids not hear.


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What families can talk about

  • How does hockey compare to other sports such as football or baseball? What makes it better or worse?

  • Did you learn anything about the real game of hockey by playing this game?


This review was written by Brett Molina
Teen, 14 years old
April 25, 2010
 
Sweet hockey game
I love there's no problem with this game at all.

Flag as inappropriate 
Kid, 12 years old
October 24, 2010
 
nhls great
it is a sick game and the fighting is not bad. but the hits are big and get fighty. best nhl iv played so far.

Flag as inappropriate 
Kid, 12 years old
March 14, 2010
 
Awesome
Awesome! Fights are fine and not that violent. Very easy game to play

Flag as inappropriate 
Teen, 13 years old
April 28, 2012
 
great game
great game

Flag as inappropriate 

This review was written by Brett Molina
Topics:sports and martial arts
Platforms:Nintendo Wii, Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 2
Available online?Available online
Genre:Sports
Developer:2K Sports
Release date:September 15, 2009
Price:$59.99
ESRB rating:E10+ for Mild Violence

This review was written by Brett Molina

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About our rating system
ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age.
PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids.
OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age.
Learning ratings
BEST: Really engaging, great learning approach.
GOOD: Pretty engaging, good learning approach.
FAIR: Somewhat engaging, OK learning approach.
NOT FOR LEARNING: Not recommended for learning.

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