3 on 3 NHL Arcade is a Hit!

This past Wednesday I downloaded EA's newest hockey title, 3 on 3 NHL Arcade. Now I have played NHL 09 for many an hour this season and have really enjoyed that experience. So I had to wonder to myself how the team that has brought us the most authentic video hockey experience ever would transition to an arcade sports title. Well I can assure you here and now that the team accomplishes their mission with flying colours.

In a nutshell, 3 on 3 is NHL 09 hockey, but it transfigured into this arcade presentation, complete with several power-ups (and power-downs) ala your typical Mario Kart game. The amount of skaters on the ice is lowered to 3-aside (hence the title) making for a more wide-open style of game and the players come in different shapes so that you build the team according to your style of play. Think back to the original NES hockey title and you will understand what that is all about.

What brings the game down a notch is the inability to have a profile save. Every time you start a new game you will have to set your options and your team. I am not sure why they could not have ported over this very simple, yet very essential option from NHL 09.

Even though some may say the package is 'bare bones', I say for $10/800 MS points you are getting an excellent and extremely fun over-the-top arcade title. Consider this game recommended!

3 on 3 NHL Arcade, Hockey Arcade Game EA Sports

-SG