NHL 08

Last year’s NHL 07 offered up some pretty good gameplay thanks in part to some innovative skill stick controls. However, the game’s basic presentation and weak feature set brought it down a few pegs. For this year’s entry, EA Canada seriously upped the ante in terms of gameplay, tackling the elements that most take for granted in hockey games, like skating mechanics and puck handling. The result is one of the most realistic hockey games around. However, while that alone could’ve amounted in a pretty good hockey game, the team brought more to the table with some compelling new features and modes including the ability to play as both NHL and AHL teams, resulting in an experience that no hockey fan should miss out on this year.

Last year’s big addition to the NHL formula was the skill stick, which allowed you to perform some nice puck control moves and shots. This year’s game keeps the skill stick, but adds to it a new analog deke system in order to realistically avoid defenders and get to the goal. By holding down a shoulder button, you can control your player’s movements with the left thumbstick and control the puck with the right thumbstick. Pulling off the move correctly is not easy to do, and making a mistake will usually result in losing the puck. Doing it well takes a lot of practice, and is extremely rewarding when you do.

On the other end of controls, skating is one of those overlooked areas that came into focus in NHL 08. Instead of a turbo button that you push to get some extra hustle, you simply use the left thumbstick for all of your movement needs. However, the skating physics will react to your slightest touch, allowing you to turn as sharply or as wide as you’d like by moving the thumbstick in the path that you’d like to skate. The result feels very intuitive and realistic, something that has been lacking in most previous hockey games.

Additionally, the AI has been vastly improved from previous entries. Your opponents will adapt to your play methods realistically, utilizing actual strategies and taking over paths and routes that you’ve used previously. This new defense element is extremely well done, and adds a new sense of realism to the game.

Last year’s entry left a bit to be desired in terms of game modes, but NHL 08 improves upon that as well. There’s the create-a-team mode, where you can select a team and completely redo your entire roster, even tweak such elements as team logos and play your squad in the Dynasty mode.

Another interesting addition is the Goalie mode, which puts you in control of the goalie exclusively. In the Goalie mode, you’ll use the thumbsticks to make saves and blocks, and the triggers to perform dives. This is a nice departure from the standard gameplay, allowing you to shake things up a bit and try things out from a unique point of view.

Graphically, the game is very clean and polished. Aside from running at a silky smooth framerate with little to no slowdown, the game contains some excellent animations that never seem jerky or tacked on. Make no mistake; NHL 08 is almost like watching the real thing.

The sound is also done quite well, with some good commentary and dynamic crowd reactions. The soundtrack has a good mix of songs (a not too uncommon blend of genres for a hockey game), and the sound effects are solid.

NHL 08 offers dynamic AI, improved controls, and smooth animations, making for an extremely realistic game hockey. Check it out if you’re a fan of the sport.

Gameplay: 9.0
NHL 08’s control scheme gives you more control over the puck than any prior entry to the series, as well as completely analog skating with reactive physics. The AI is also extremely realistic and will adapt and strategically defend against your offensive choices, and vice versa. However, with the focus on gameplay, EA didn’t skimp on content, offering a ton of

Graphics: 9.0
NHL 08’s graphics look great this year, with fluid action running at a solid 60 frames per second and some fantastic animations.

Sound: 8.5
The game features some pretty decent commentary (though not too terribly removed from last year’s), a good soundtrack, and some solid on-ice sound effects.

Difficulty: Medium

Concept: 9.0
EA Canada brought their A-game with this year’s NHL game, putting out one of the most dynamic and realistic hockey experiences to date.

Multiplayer: 9.0
Online play offers up some compelling online leagues with ranking systems in place as well as 3-on-3 gameplay.

Overall: 9.0
NHL 08 is a great entry to the NHL series, presenting some great new gameplay modes, vastly improved on-ice play, and some excellent graphics. A must-have for serious hockey fans.