This game isn't that bad. But if I had an Xbox 360 or PS3 I would have definatly gotten NHL 09.
Gameplay: 8.5/10 Great gameplay. Swing the remote to take a wrist shot, hold B and swing for a slapshot. Use the D-pad to control your stick. All of these work pretty well but at times can be delayed. There are times where the controls are confusing. LIKE THE FACEOFFS! It took me 10 games to finally realize how to do faceoffs. You swing the remote just so it's a little bit early because the control is delayed for some reason when you faceoff which is annoying. But besides that gameplay is great and slapshots feel good to wind off and shoot to. It's one of those sports games where you say "ok one more game" (after the next one) "one more game" which keeps me addicted in a way.
Sound: 7.5/10 Sounds of the crowds and goal horns sound good. The music is decent in the game but some of the songs get annoying.
Graphics: 6/10 ...ok one of the things that made people furious about the game. The graphics are good at some points where the shots run smooth at times and thats pretty good. But the major problem is that it looks so blurry and has few textures to anything. Other than that the game includes refections of lights off the ice, helmets and glass which is a little impressive.
Overall: 8/10 Hopefully next year all the problems of the game are resolve. But for right now if you have an Xbox 360 or PS3 I would suggest that you get NHL 09. But if you only have a Wii and really want an NHL game then you might want to check this out!