NHL 08 (Sony Playstation 3, 2007)

For the money $$$, NHL 2K8 is the best looking hockey game his year hands down. The ice is slick and gets torn up as skaters race across it, the screen pops with color and action, and the players are always moving and hungry for the puck. Here is the Question NHL 08 or 2K8?

I Have played both and NHL 2K8 Beats out The EA Sports NHL 08..

I'm here to tell you about 2K's impressive and intensive take on the NHL. Like I said before, I realize you're a hockey fan, but I can't assume you know about 2K's history on the ice. Year in and year out, this franchise has made its name by being the top hockey sim around, and fans who have turned to this series for the feel of a real game aren't about to be disappointed -- but they are going to have to learn to play all over again.

Hockey games have been integrating the right thumbstick for sometime -- whether it is for dekes or shot modifiers -- but 2K8's default Pro Stick control scheme means your success hinges on mastering the idea of rocking two thumbsticks -- yes, very similar to last year's EA outing -- and the bumpers as your primary method of control.

I used to buy the Ea Sports Nhl games but fall in love with the nhl 2k6 and have been buying it for the past 3 years...also did i tell you that it is cheaper in price!

I love the Ads on the boards it makes it look like a Real Rink.

Harry Nealy and Bob Cole do the PLAY BY PLAY

The only thing that bugs me about the game is that the goalies don't have there orginal masks, Ea Sports has the Rights to that!

BUY NHL 2K8 AND YOU WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED, THANKS

8.0 Presentation
The tree-diagram interface is lame and doesn't fit the fun, fluid style of the game.

8.5 Graphics
The players fly around (and reflect in) the ice, the replays are detailed and the cuts to the bench look great. Too bad the crowd looks blah.

8.0 Sound
The player sounds, arena rock anthems and general hockey ambience sounds excellent, but the commentary is stiff and the Cinemotion feels phoned in.

8.5 Gameplay
The Pro Stick is going to challenge you -- in the best way -- for every score and lead to a real sense of accomplishment and mastery. The computer can be cheap and seems to get all the breaks.

9.0 Lasting Appeal
Contract negotiations, free agency, online leagues, player growth and more ensure that if building a dynasty is your thing, this is well worth the price of admission.

9.0
Excellent OVERALL
(out of 10 / not an average)

This year’s NHL title is no longer playing two men down. Not only has the skill stick expanded thanks to sweet puck control options (which are balanced pretty well, by the way) for those one-one-one situations, the quality of the rest of the game has been raised. Smarter AI makes a huge difference, whether we’re talking about goalies, defensemen’s ability to hold the puck in the offensive zone, or even guys staying onside. I also can’t say enough about EA’s goalie mode, which is much better than 2K’s. My one complaint is that the game in general hampers your ability to play defense, as it’s hard to forecheck or punish your opponent for going into the corners in your zone. At least you are rewarded for playing sound, positional defense. EA has clearly put some good work in here, and I suggest you reward it with some ice time.

We all know that sports games are all about control, and NHL '08 has some of the best available. With the left analog stick, you can slow down and speed up your player for maximum control.

Also, stick controls are tightened up at close range, so no more randomly deciding who wins face-offs. Also added is a great General Manager mode, for those who wish to run their own hockey team some day. Haha.

With amazing graphics and lots of new features, hockey fans definitely need to pick this one up.

Happy Gaming!

This is the best hockey ever made. I have played EA titles since 1992 so I know a good hockey game when I see one. This game is EA's best work yet. I like it better than NHL 09 which is the current title that many like. However, I believe gameplay is a lot funner in NHL 08. NHL 09 is more frustrating because players move slower and scoring is a lot harder. This game has enough realism but at the same time is fun enough to play over and over. If you enjoy hockey, I definitely recommend it. You will not be disappointed.

Fun game for Hockey Fans AHL & NHL Dynasty Game makes this game enjoyable to build/trade an make your team the best. Can't wait to get the newer NHL Games, when I'm done with this one.