"A definite improvement, EA is making a strong push to reclaim the top hockey game"

User Rating: 8.5 | NHL 08 X360
By njdevil30 | Review Date:
If somehow NHL 08 and NHL 2k8 could be combined we could have ourselves a perfect hockey game. The shot stick feature is still as slick as last year and the addition of the left bumper as the one on one move improves on the options you have to make the defender like a complete fool. The amount of big hits in the game, while at first seem like far too few, give a realistic feel to the game that actually makes you take notice when a player is rendered airborne. Graphically this game is stunning. As soon as a game begins you will be in awe of the level of detail and this detail continues throughout the presentation. From player models to the arena to animations, the NHL series has always been graphically impressive and this year is no different.

While the shot stick controls make the shootout fun for the shooter, it would be nice to have a more intuitive (maybe just ripping off 2k's mechanics) goalie control system. Another area that EA is lacking is in the franchise mode. Personally I just started a franchise and can't give a detailed long-term review I can say that the lack of a fantasy draft is just plain frustrating. EA did this with Madden last year and seems to underestimate the need to have this in a game.

All in all, playing the game for a little over a day, NHL 08 seems like it is only a few steps away from being everything you could ask for in a hockey game, let's hope this improvement continues in the coming years.

Other Helpful Reviews for NHL 08

  • Rating:9.5

    NHL 08 is the best hockey video game ever made, period.

    By NeoJedi | Review Date: Sep 20, 2007 | X360

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  • Rating:9

    Very nice! Smart AI and great Gameplay...

    By xelalex24 | Review Date: Sep 12, 2007 | X360

    Hi All, Last night I drove over the border to Canada to get the game. I had four hours of sleep becuase I played all night and had a meeting at 7:30a.m. So hopefully what I will write below will make sense. I have been ... Read Full Review

    4 of 4 users found the following review helpful
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