Each of the members of your staff has their own position-specific bonuses that unlock as you level them up. In addition to your general reputation, each team in the league has their own opinion of you, changing based on how you work trade talks with them. The game delivers the most detail yet in a sports game when working out trades, with teams giving specific reasons when they reject your trade offers; with reasons ranging from not wanting to get rid of a young prospect to not wanting to taken on any more two-way contracts. The details make it a lot easier to know where to go with the counter-offer, even if it means looking for a new trade partner. The GM mode does a brilliant job of making you feel just involved enough with the organization without overwhelming you, with your staff contacting you regularly regarding various issues. The experience players earn based on in-game performance is used to train players to increase specific traits. The same concept looms large for Be A Pro mode, where you take over your created player's career from start to finish, or jump in with an established NHL player.
Using your created player allows you to play in the pre-draft prospect game, in an attempt to gain the attention of General Managers and jump up the draft board. It is a great concept, but in our experience, it did little to change the draft position of 'Jack Bauer'. Going into the game as the fifteenth best player, netting two goals and an assist as the first star only increased the draft position two spots. Those who want to avoid the risk of playing on your team's rival can always skip the draft and insert themselves into their favorite team's roster. Playing your way up from the minors to the NHL is an absolute blast, delivering the same player-centric view from last year; showing you sitting on the bench to regain your stamina and riding out your penalties in the box. The addition of a Hockey Shop allows you to unlock or purchase upgraded equipment for your skater, with RPG-inspired slots for trait enhancements, such as adding three to your speed or agility on skates. The only slight knock is that those with a wealth of MS Points can purchase the trait enhancers, rather than forcing everyone to earn them the hard way. Impatient gamers can also jump straight into the Stanley Cup Finals this year, in the 'Go For the Cup' mode; a shorter version of the playoffs. Xbox Live offers even more treats than the offline game, with the standard versus modes and online leagues to start up with friends.
There is also a shootout mode, for those who want to show off their one-on-none skills to others. The team play mode is a great way to see just how much teamwork is required in a real hockey game, where up to twelve players fill up the slots on the opposing teams. The best mode of the bunch is again the EA Sports Hockey League, standing head-and-shoulders over all other online functionality for any sports title for a second straight year. The ability to create a club for you and your friends' created players to mix it up against other teams of imaginary players remains, but this year EA added mini-seasons to the mix. Each 'season' lasts ten days, giving your squad a chance to win a gold, silver, or bronze medal almost every week. The game does not change much visually this year. With some slightly tightened animations and gameplay, it remains a very good-looking title. With as fast and frantic as the action is, the way Gary Thorne and Bill Clement keep up with the game is beyond impressive. The deeply varied calls also keep the commentary from getting old, proving to be the most fresh, accurate voice-work in sports gaming. EA deserves kudos for recognizing what worked well in the brilliant NHL 09 title, and making slight, smart tweaks and additions for the spectacular NHL 10. This one has the legs to keep you very busy until next year's inevitable NHL 11.
