EA: Thanks for making a fun game (NHL 08) - DJ's Blog

DJ's Blog

EA: Thanks for making a fun game (NHL 08)

Posted on June 13, 2009 at 11:50 PM.

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Yes, you read that correctly: NHL 08. Sure, sure, I know the game is dated a little by now, seeing that NHL 10 is less than 6 months from release. Still, I wanted to go on record and thank all the creative minds at EA that put NHL 08 together.

Every time I play this game I have fun, and really, that's what gaming is all about. The Adaptive A.I. (not sure if that's the official title they gave the A.I. for this game) is a thing of beauty in NHL 08. Try setting up players in the same positions game after game and the CPU WILL MAKE ADJUSTMENTS and take what used to be sure passes and/or shooting angles away. Play the same way on defense and the CPU will look for new ways to get in scoring position.

The crowd interaction is pretty cool, too. If your opponent holds the puck for a long period of time, the home crowd will boo your poor effort on defense. You'll hear crowds chant "Let's go Hurricanes" during a power-play. Little touches go a long way.

The R-stick controls are well done and I love the feeling of scoring a goal or delivering a big check. Much more rewarding than simply pressing a shot/check button.

With the addition of board play and (hopefully) a more well-tuned Be A Pro mode, I'm looking forward to NHL 10, but first wanted to say how much fun I'm still having toiling around with NHL 08.

Great work, EA!