NHL 08 (Xbox 360, 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)

I decided to rent both NHL 2K8 and EA Sports NHL 08 and as a longtime hockey fan NHL 08 wins hands down! Here is why,

While 2K8 has some nice features over NHL 08 like season play which allows you to take control of multiple teams along with keeping track of and displaying player's goals and assist totals during the game, the graphics and gameplay of NHL 08 gives it the edge. While 2K8 did add the Prostick play it is no where near the control of NHL 08. In 2K8 you can't shoot with the analogue stick only stick handle, thus you need the RB button to shoot which doesn't feel right. In NHL 08 you can stick handle, go around defensement and pick the to corner of the net with the analogue / Prostick.

Lastly the graphics on 2k8 are "nice" but on NHL 08 they are jaw dropping amazing. Players faces look like the real players and the rinks look like you are playing in the real NHL arenas.

So as a 25 year hockey fan, if you want to get the look and feel of playing real NHL hockey, then EA Sports NHL 08 is your best choice!

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!

NHL 08 is by far the best Hockey Sim game to date. Now that can all change in a month, with NHL 09, but until then, the graphics, sound design, game play, announcers, crowd fx, get you pumped to play whoever and whatever! My only gripe is what most people have said and that is something in the code that no matter what skill level you are at, the computer just does its own thing and brings a can of whup-butt your way. Before anyone says " Well you just stink..." Yes, they would not be that far off in their opinion, but those who have played and continue to do so know exactly what I am talking about. Although it can become tiresome to get a lame penalty called for some BS, all that aside, one can pick up this game and have in no time.

Great improvement over last years game, game play has been improved by leaps and bounds. s previously mentioned, NHL 07 was a decent title, but EACA was trying to reinvent the wheel on a tight schedule. The analog control scheme was quickly adopted by players, but it wasn’t altogether technically sound and it wasn’t as effective as gamers thought it would be at shredding defenses. Throw in a one-speed (fast) skating system, dumb-as-rocks A.I. and checking that was more like a head-on car wreck, and you can see why NHL 07 didn’t exactly blow the critics off of their blades.