Best, Most Realistic Hockey Game To Date
There are many great things I can say about NHL 08, and many ways it triumphs NHL 07, and here are some:
The graphics will just blow you away. I mean, hook it up to HD and you've got yourself one helluva pretty game. The game goes so smooth, with no loading times. If theres a whistle and you hit the X button, the camera will just shift right to the face-off circle swiftly. The games are fast paced and fluent, with the ice getting warn as the games go on.
The game play is just way more solid. No more one-year lame little moves (the skill stick, etc.) This year shooting, deking body checking are both controlled by the right analog stick. With the puck, pull the stick back and push forward for a slapshot, and push forward to shoot on any play. Pull it back lightly and then push forward for a wristshot. Move the stick back and forth to deke. Without the puck, push forward for a body check.
Pass is now R2, same with change player, with poke check being R1, dive being R1+L1, and even a slash button (triangle) and hook button (X). There is no speed burst, adding more realism.
The new skillstick is another revolution to the series. Hold down the L1 button, use the right analog stick to control the puck and left analog stick to control your player, and you can manouver around players with style. Simply hold L1, push the right stick to the right (or any direction you choose depending on where you want the puck to go) and the left stick to the left to the right (or any direction you choose depending on where you want your player to go) and your player will pull off a smooth side step.
Shootout mode has been changed too. Now, if in one player, you can control your goalie via a view from behind the net. As the player, you have an in-action angle from behind the player and all kinds of dekes and shots can be pulled off. In 2-player, you get the 1-player shooting view, but the 2nd-player can control their own goalie.
Practice mode is a new creation. Wanna practice a power play situation? Maybe a 1-0, or even a 5-0 rush? Just go to practice mode and try out any play you choose with any players you want.
Dynasty mode has been changed as well. You now get to control your AHL affiliate team - sending players down to the minors and calling others up. But watch out - if your player only has a 1-way contract and you send them down, they could be picked up by another team. Same with other teams sending a player onto waivers and you having a chance to pick them up. Dynasty is still the same old "control the team as GM and coach while playing the games", no big changes, but just updated.
NHL 08 has had me addicted since Ive played the demo. Online is also wicked, playing hockey shootouts and games against people worldwide has never been better. If you are a hockey enthusiast (or heck just a fan) you should be playing this one!