So it's not as much of a leap from NHL 09 as Madden 10 was to Madden 09, but it is a big step in the right direction. And perhaps not taking a leap from NHL 09, which won a slew of sports game of the year awards, is a good thing.

NHL 10 keeps the tradition that NHL 09 had, mix in a fairly realistic mode (an ultra realistic mode can be played in the game, with 20 minute periods and everything) with enough arcadiness to not turn off casual players, and have yourself some fun. The graphics are the same as is the audio, another job well done by Gary Thorne and Bill Clement (although they probably only spent about 5 hours recording the new audio), and the new crowd sounds make it feel that much more real. However much the same the game is, there are a bunch of new additions.

Boardplay is my favorite addition to this years iteration. Boardplay is one of hockey's staples, and was disturbingly absent from years previous. By a simple hit of a key, you can pin up an opposing player possessing the puck against the boards (or hold him, risking the penalty, if he doesn't have the puck), and attempt to poke check the puck away or call in another player to help out. While its not perfect, it does add that definite sense of realism that just enhances the game tremendously.

The post whistle action as well as the fighting are all new as well. While its nice to mess around after the whistle's been blown, for me it seems like they let you mess around a little too long. Sometimes I don't even want to do anything (due to the fact that you'll get penalties left and right), and yet the game won't resume for what seems like an eternity. If you do want to take things further, it is fairly easy to start a fight, and you can do it at any time (even when the puck is in play) at the touch of a button.

GM Mode is another new addition to the series (although it's not stated as new). Last year's dynasty mode is this years season mode, and GM mode is a crazy mode in which for some reason you can have 3 blackberries, juggling between calls from other teams, coaches, and scouts. While it's nice to see the new mode, I feel that GM mode strays too far away from what NHL 10 is, a hockey game. With all the hubbub about signing players and scouting AHL talent and keeping players happy GM mode forgets about the game itself, so much more time is spent in the menu screens changing stuff around than it is actually playing the game.

Players can now enter into a battle for the cup mode, which isn't too different from the playoffs mode, however it allows players to experience the new playoff atmosphere first hand. Players can choose any team from any league and have them play a single, 3, 5, or 7 game playoff in which the prize is any number of cups (including the Stanley Cup). While it's a nice addition, they already had a playoff mode available.

Overall the game is a very good attempt at being the most realistic hockey experience you can get, without actually shelling out your hard earned money to go to a real game. It comes close too. It feels like an all new atmosphere, crowds will chant for their favorite player and boo their rivals. They'll wave playoff towels and bang on the glass when players come near them. Goals can be scored by hitting pucks out of the air, or even from a players knees. While it's not often these shots end up in the cookie jar (the goal), they are spectacular when they do. I recommend this game to any hockey fan and HEAVILY recommend it over NHL 2K10, there's a reason it's $10 cheaper.

NHL 10 is available for the PS3 and 360.