After a pretty good year in 2007 2K's follow up of their hockey franchise 2K8 is nothing short of a disapointment.
Last year i bought both 2K7 and 07 hockey games. 2K7 was byfar the superior game in my opinion. So once i heard that NHL 2K8 was coming out i went to the store and reseved a copy. Once i got the copy and played it i was very disapointed. The graphics in the game were not that much better from last year. The player models look a little bit werid and their faces still look retarded. The only thing that looks better i my opinion is the ice surface and arenas, as they seem to look alot better. The gamplay has been changed very slightly but enough to make it feel different then 2K7. The default controls are totally stupid and even if you change them to the default or classic settings it still does not feel right. The overall gameplay does not feel real but some what arcade like. If you are really into the hockey games that demonstrate a realistic gameplay this is not the game for you.
Obviously the modes in 2K8 are still great. The dynasty is deeper then ever and all the mini games are still there. 2K8 provides these great modes but the gameplay is what really kills the game. As for the sounds they are still pretty much the same as 2K7, which is very good esspically in the commentating with bob cole and harry neil. I have not tried the mulitplayer and im not going just because of how much i hate the gameplay.
Overall if you are looking for a hockey game with great modes and fun mini games go for NHL 2K8 but if you look for a realistic and fun hockey game go for NHL 08