A pretty good NHL game, but I wouldn't spend too much on it ( I got my copy brand new for $20)
Graphics - 7.3-10
Gameplay - 6.7/10
Controls - 6.1/10
Sound - 6.5/10
Extras, Gameplay modes - 9.5/10
NHL 2K8 is the first sports game that I have bought for my PS3. I have plenty of EA titles for my PS2. To be honest with you, I used to despise 2K sports, especially their baseball games and basketball games. The only reason I bought this game was because my Hurricanes were catching fire in the playoffs and I used to play hockey all the time on my old Genesis and PS1. Not wanting to spend 60 bucks on EA's NHL franchise (which, although never playing, I'm confident that 2K sports' version pales in comparison to EA's game), I bought 2K 8. And truthfully, I have not been too disappointed. It's a pretty good game, and definitely worth $20.
There are numerous problems with the game, however. First off, the controls aren't that great and HORRIBLY responsive. When playing on the harder modes, you need a good response time when you hit the buttons, or else you get creamed by a checking opposition player. Sometimes it seems like 2 or 3 seconds pass before your player responds to your command (an exaggeration of course, but it sure feels like its that long.) And the sound is pretty splotchy too. It can just crash on you during a game, and 1/2 the time you won't get it back (in proper working order, that is), until your current game is over. Also, 1/2 way through my first season, the game just refused to play, and I had to restart another season! Boy, was I pissed.
But, just being a very casual hockey fan (if you're a big fan, don't buy this game), I really like the game. The franchise mode is great, and I love manipulating the stupid computer so I can get 4 or 5 1st round picks every year.