Permitting time space continuum jumps ala Lost, intervention by the “Q”, or a free pass into fiction with a test drive of a flux capacitor equipped DeLorean, 3on3 NHL Arcade is coming to Xbox Live Arcade next week (Feb 11th). Sports will be getting another ( last time was MLB stickball) go on XBLA.

From the exaggerated player-looks of 40 of the NHL’s top stars to game changing power-ups, 3 on 3 NHL Arcade is a light-hearted hockey game that appeals to everyone. With no rules to hinder the action, you can deliver devastating checks that send your opponent over the boards, or check the goalie if he skates out of the crease to play the puck. Feel like you need to turn the tide? Grab one of eight power-ups to change the momentum of a game and fly down the ice with a super-speed skater to beat a mini-goalie with a trick move for that highlight reel finish.

With two control schemes to choose from, players can pick between button controls that allow gamers of all skill levels to pass, shoot, hit and use the all-new trick moves with ease, or the more advanced Skill Stick controls from NHL 09. In addition to standard ranked matches, 3 on 3 NHL Arcade allows the ability for three players on one console to play three other players on another console anywhere in the world*. With fast paced action, crushing hits and loads of room to experiment, 3 on 3 NHL Arcade will have gamers from all walks of life excited about hockey.

It may not be old school Atari Ice Hockey, but it is a sports game anyone should be able to get into. Thoughts of a $60 roster update need not apply here for those carrying such a sentiment.

-William “thewilleffect” Bell-