Alright Boyz!!! NHL 08 impressions!!!!!

[Logan]

Originally Posted by Pumpy Tudors

That's it. I'm calling off our wedding.

Dude, less posting, more franchise playing. I'm dying to know if you automatically get fired around Game 70.

[Maple Leafs]

Originally Posted by Pumpy Tudors

In my 6-1 loss to the Rangers, there were about 6 or 7 penalties called, not counting a couple of fighting majors.

Cool. Should I just assume that the fighting is stupid and annoying like it has been in every hockey game since NHL 93?

[Pumpy Tudors]

Originally Posted by Maple Leafs

Cool. Should I just assume that the fighting is stupid and annoying like it has been in every hockey game since NHL 93?

It's absolutely horrible.

[Maple Leafs]

Originally Posted by Pumpy Tudors

It's absolutely horrible.

Does it also have absolutely no concept of who fights and who doesn't, so you get Patrick Elias vs. Tomas Kaberle matchups?

[Pumpy Tudors]

Originally Posted by Maple Leafs

Does it also have absolutely no concept of who fights and who doesn't, so you get Patrick Elias vs. Tomas Kaberle matchups?

I don't think it's that bad. Colin White was on my side of the fight. I don't remember who I was fighting against, but isn't pretty much everybody on the Rangers team besides Jagr and Drury willing to fight?

[Pumpy Tudors]

Dola

I'm joking about all the Rangers fighting, although I would laugh my ass off if Petr Prucha dropped the gloves.

[Mike Lowe]

Franchise impressions? From what I've been seeing about both hockey games this year, 2k7 has a great franchise mode but the rest of the game is meh, while NHL from EA plays great...but nothing is mentioned about franchise.

What are you finding?

[MizzouRah]

2k8 is deeper.. I believe, but it does not have the AHL teams, which I absolutely love in NHL 08.

Honestly, I can't wait to play the NHL 2k8 demo just to see how it plays and I think Troy loved 2k7 last year, so I would play both demos once 2k8 drops and see which one you like best. Like last year, I don't think you can go wrong with either one.

I'll get around to 2k8 at some point, but my franchise is going to be with NHL 08. I really need to improve though.

[Icy]

Just tried the NHL08 PS3 demo for a game and i have mixed feelings. The framerate is great, can't see any slowdown so that fear is gone. But the graphics, compared with the PC version look like "washed out". There is for sure way more detail and animations that in the PC version, but i'm not sure... the PC version look more cartoonish, but the colors are more vibrant...

I had the same feeling with madden 08 and with the nba live 08 demo, the players look like overlays put over the field/stadium, but not really merged unless you have a real close view where the full details can be appreciated.

I'm going to wait a few days before purchasing it, to see if franchise bugs are reported. In the mean time, the PC version is really fun and well done for those that don't have a 360/Ps3. The PC version also has the AHL, but not playable in franchise mode, only in season mode.

[rowech]

I suck at this game but man is it fun to play. I lose with Calgary 3-0, 3-0, and 5-2 to Minnesota and then lose 3-2 versus Columbus before finally breaking through with a 2-1 win over same Columbus team.

[DeToxRox]

Just had a game that shows the most substancial difference between 07 and 08. I am using LA vs Boston and Manny Fernandez stands on his head for the Bruins, turning away 41 shots for a shutout. In NHL 07 41 shots is good for 3 or 4 goals that should never go in.

Totally awesome

[MizzouRah]

In other news... I'm still getting my ass handed to me.......on PRO level!

[Pumpy Tudors]

Welp, just got the red ring of death. I'm done for a few weeks.

[Eaglesfan27]

Gamespot's review is up:


http://www.gamespot.com/xbox360/spor...ml?sid=6178761

It got a very good 8.5 and the following summary line:

EA's latest NHL title creates one of the most legitimately exciting interpretations of the sport you've ever played.



I wasn't planning on getting any hockey game this year, but if you guys are still praising this game in a week and the franchise doesn't have any huge problems, I'm going to pick this up.

[SirFozzie]

NHL2K8 (the 2K Sports version) got absolutely savaged by 1up. They tore it apart in a podcast (hate the control scheme), 1 UP posted a rebuttal on their developer's blog (hosted by 1up)..

and then 1up gave NHL2K8 a 4/10.

4/10??

Even in these days of not quite-so-inflated scores, I thought you got 5/10 if your game booted and didn't destroy the console!

[Eaglesfan27]

Originally Posted by SirFozzie

NHL2K8 (the 2K Sports version) got absolutely savaged by 1up. They tore it apart in a podcast (hate the control scheme), 1 UP posted a rebuttal on their developer's blog (hosted by 1up)..

and then 1up gave NHL2K8 a 4/10.

4/10??

Even in these days of not quite-so-inflated scores, I thought you got 5/10 if your game booted and didn't destroy the console!

Most other sites are giving NHL2k8 good scores. At least early on, fans on OS are saying that both games are very good. What is interesting is that a good portion of self proclaimed die hard NHL 2k fans are saying they prefer NHL 2008 for the first time this year.

[Pumpy Tudors]

You know what I'm most upset about? It's not so much that my 360 is dead (although that sucks bigtime). It's that I didn't get to put the RBK Edge code in to see the Devils' new sweaters. Fuck.

[rowech]

Originally Posted by Eaglesfan27

Gamespot's review is up:


http://www.gamespot.com/xbox360/spor...ml?sid=6178761

It got a very good 8.5 and the following summary line:

EA's latest NHL title creates one of the most legitimately exciting interpretations of the sport you've ever played.



I wasn't planning on getting any hockey game this year, but if you guys are still praising this game in a week and the franchise doesn't have any huge problems, I'm going to pick this up.

I dont' know about franchise but I can guarantee you won't be unhappy with the game itself. The sounds and announcing add a lot to this game in creating atmosphere. (football games can take note) The play is smooth, not a glitch at all so far after five games. (although I'm sure there's got to be some somewhere)

[Maple Leafs]

Played a bit more last night. I'm still apparently the only person on the planet who doesn't love the new cpu offensive ai. Yes, it's very cool to see them move the puck and finish with a one-timer. I just wish they'd do it on a shift where my guys decided to actually move. Sorry to sound like a spoilsport, but it really feels like the game decides it's going to score and sends the defence into operation shutdown mode for the rest of the shift.

Once the cpu starts firing those passes around, it's like "ok, now my defenceman will stand still... yep... and the slot will become wide open... yep... and... here comes the goal..."

That said, I got to play online for the first time against a guy I know and it was wicked fun. A couple of lags but otherwise exactly like playing in person.

Last thing, I'm still seeing almost no penalties when playing the cpu. I think it may have to do with the fact that I don't really know a lot of the defensive controls yet -- I can hit and pokecheck but haven't worked in the diving or blocking yet, or any of the stickwork. So I could see how I may get fewer penalties, but why don't my teammates get them, not to mention the cpu players? Odd.

[Pumpy Tudors]

Maple Leafs, I forgot to mention that I had maxed out the penalties slider. If you haven't done that, I think you should.

[Maple Leafs]

Originally Posted by Pumpy Tudors

Maple Leafs, I forgot to mention that I had maxed out the penalties slider. If you haven't done that, I think you should.

Yeah, already done, it's usually the first thing I do with a new hockey game.

By the way, where do you enter the reebok codes? I tried to choose the new uniforms and the game said "you need the code". OK, I have it. What do I do with it?

[Fidatelo]

For anyone wanting to see all the new jerseys as shown in the game: http://www.fartfignewton.com/rbk_edge/

[Pumpy Tudors]

Originally Posted by Maple Leafs

Yeah, already done, it's usually the first thing I do with a new hockey game.

By the way, where do you enter the reebok codes? I tried to choose the new uniforms and the game said "you need the code". OK, I have it. What do I do with it?

If I remember correctly, go to "My NHL08" at the main menu, and then there should be a selection called "RBK Edge." Pick that and it'll ask for the code. Then, put the controller down and go look at your computer screen to jot down the code. Go back to your Xbox 360 and it should be locked up. Turn the system off, then turn it back on. You'll see three flashing red lights. Say a curse word and call Microsoft customer support immediately.

Or at least that's everything that I did.

[MizzouRah]

Originally Posted by Maple Leafs

Yeah, already done, it's usually the first thing I do with a new hockey game.

By the way, where do you enter the reebok codes? I tried to choose the new uniforms and the game said "you need the code". OK, I have it. What do I do with it?

It's down in the menu tree towards the bottom, forget where exactly, but it's from the main screen in one of the sub menus.

[MizzouRah]

Originally Posted by Maple Leafs

Played a bit more last night. I'm still apparently the only person on the planet who doesn't love the new cpu offensive ai. Yes, it's very cool to see them move the puck and finish with a one-timer. I just wish they'd do it on a shift where my guys decided to actually move. Sorry to sound like a spoilsport, but it really feels like the game decides it's going to score and sends the defence into operation shutdown mode for the rest of the shift.

Once the cpu starts firing those passes around, it's like "ok, now my defenceman will stand still... yep... and the slot will become wide open... yep... and... here comes the goal..."

That said, I got to play online for the first time against a guy I know and it was wicked fun. A couple of lags but otherwise exactly like playing in person.

Last thing, I'm still seeing almost no penalties when playing the cpu. I think it may have to do with the fact that I don't really know a lot of the defensive controls yet -- I can hit and pokecheck but haven't worked in the diving or blocking yet, or any of the stickwork. So I could see how I may get fewer penalties, but why don't my teammates get them, not to mention the cpu players? Odd.

Penalties seem fine to me so far.

On defense, what I've been doing is taking control of one of my offensive players and letting the CPU handle my defensive players. Seems to work better for me.

[Maple Leafs]

Originally Posted by Pumpy Tudors

If I remember correctly, go to "My NHL08" at the main menu, and then there should be a selection called "RBK Edge." Pick that and it'll ask for the code. Then, put the controller down and go look at your computer screen to jot down the code. Go back to your Xbox 360 and it should be locked up. Turn the system off, then turn it back on. You'll see three flashing red lights. Say a curse word and call Microsoft customer support immediately.

EA is taking their simulation of the Devils' neutral zone trap too far.

[Capital]

Originally Posted by Icy

Just tried the NHL08 PS3 demo for a game and i have mixed feelings. The framerate is great, can't see any slowdown so that fear is gone. But the graphics, compared with the PC version look like "washed out". There is for sure way more detail and animations that in the PC version, but i'm not sure... the PC version look more cartoonish, but the colors are more vibrant...

I had the same feeling with madden 08 and with the nba live 08 demo, the players look like overlays put over the field/stadium, but not really merged unless you have a real close view where the full details can be appreciated.

I'm going to wait a few days before purchasing it, to see if franchise bugs are reported. In the mean time, the PC version is really fun and well done for those that don't have a 360/Ps3. The PC version also has the AHL, but not playable in franchise mode, only in season mode.

I don't have a 360/PS3 but do have a nice PC and I'm considering getting this game for the PC. I haven't played for a couple of years, but I remember franchise mode requiring all 82 games. Is there a way this year to shorten franchise mode to a reasonable number of game - 13, 26, 32, etc?

[Icy]

Originally Posted by Capital

I don't have a 360/PS3 but do have a nice PC and I'm considering getting this game for the PC. I haven't played for a couple of years, but I remember franchise mode requiring all 82 games. Is there a way this year to shorten franchise mode to a reasonable number of game - 13, 26, 32, etc?

I have not seen that option, what i do is to play one game and sim 1, that way you play around 40 games. If i reach the playoffs, i'll play all them, if i have zero chances to reach them, i might sim more games.

[Capital]

Originally Posted by Icy

I have not seen that option, what i do is to play one game and sim 1, that way you play around 40 games. If i reach the playoffs, i'll play all them, if i have zero chances to reach them, i might sim more games.

That's what I did when they first rolled franchise mode out a few years ago. A little damper but I'm considering it. Another question, can you use an accelerated clock. In other words (set the period length to 6 minutes) but have the game clock count down from 20:00 (count down is much faster)? It was a nice feature back in the day because penalties were pro-rated. If you only play 5 minute periods, a penalty is really 40% of a actual game period.

[Icy]

Originally Posted by Capital

That's what I did when they first rolled franchise mode out a few years ago. A little damper but I'm considering it. Another question, can you use an accelerated clock. In other words (set the period length to 6 minutes) but have the game clock count down from 20:00 (count down is much faster)? It was a nice feature back in the day because penalties were pro-rated. If you only play 5 minute periods, a penalty is really 40% of a actual game period.

Yes, i play 5 minutes periods but the clock shows 20 minutes that go faster, the penalties are well scaled to the 5 minutes and this must be the default settings as i didn't touch anything to get it to work. Btw, there are already some current roster files and rbk uniforms by the mods community (that is one of the beauties of PC gaming).

[Icy]

Dola, here you can find more opinions and info about mods:

http://www.sportsgamer.com/forums/forum967/

[Capital]

Icy, thanks for all information. Your graphical work has been appreciated over the years - as I have used a number of your creations. I remember back in the day in EAs NHLxx, but I used to download arenas (boards ads, ice graphics, etc) for all of the teams. Downloaded them and seeing how they look in gameplay was oftentimes more fun than playing the game.

Then, EA decided to lump all arenas together and made it too much of a pain to execute.

[GoDukes]

Originally Posted by DeToxRox

Just had a game that shows the most substancial difference between 07 and 08. I am using LA vs Boston and Manny Fernandez stands on his head for the Bruins, turning away 41 shots for a shutout. In NHL 07 41 shots is good for 3 or 4 goals that should never go in.

Totally awesome

At the same time last night I was playing against Vancouver and took a shot from right outside the blueline on Luongo and it knuckled and got by him. Only time Ive had a really bad goal scored in 5 games, and it was awesome. "If it's in the game..." lol

[Icy]

Sorry Capital, after paying more atention i must say that the 20 minutes periods are scaleld to the time you choose to play, but the penalties are not correctly scaled, i think they go faster than real seconds too, but not as fast as the period clock for 5 minutes scaled periods.

[Ironhead]

Spent some time with the demo and I like it. I had a really nice tick-tack-toe play to score my first goal.




I haven't been hardcore into a hockey game since NHL 96. I still remember playing in an online league with that game. The away team would play the first period of the game, save it, and then zip up all the files and the home team would finish the last two. It definitely required an honor system but it was a ton of fun.

If this one keeps getting good praise I might have to pick it up.

[heybrad]

You guys are killing my wallet. I just got back from picking this up. Now I have to kick my wife off the TV.

How long before we work on setting up an online league? Hockey has always been my dream online league game.

[Pumpy Tudors]

From what I've read, the online league simply tracks wins, losses, and OT losses. No stat tracking at all. Just a heads up.

[WSR]

I also bought this game today, after buying Madden 08 last week. $120 in less than a week!

[cartman]

As long as you can make #99 bleed, I'm all over this game!

[heybrad]

I've played 3 games now. The first game took me a while to get used to the controls (it's been a while since I had a hockey game). I had some frustrating moments trying to snap off some wristers, but that will come with time.

I'm only playing on pro right now, but it's a bit too easy to set up in the offensive zone. It almost had a power play feel once I brought the puck in the zone.

Two of my games went to shootouts and the CPU couldn't score on any of them. That's a bit disturbing.

Overall, it plays a great game of hockey so far.

[CraigSca]

Had some guys over tonight and played the demo for a bit. We scored about 2 goals in 5 games. I've been setting up one-timers ad nauseum but still fail to score. Kinda felt like soccer. Still, we had a lot of fun just playng for that short time we had.

[TroyF]

Bought the game tonight and played about 6 games.

The Good:

Gameplay seems great.
Varied goal scoring, which is nice.
Graphics are terrific.
Commentary is solid.
The game isn't easy.


The Meh:

I guess I don't understand the fuss about the shot stick. It's nice, but it doesn't get me out of my seat either. The stick works perfectly and the control is smooth. I like it slightly better than 2K7, so I'm not insulting it. I just don't think it's cause for celebration in the streets.

I went 3-3. I played on pro difficulty and only changed the penalty slider. (to max) I played as the Avs. I played the Stars twice, the Predators twice and the Sabres twice. I split against each team. While that is good, it's also bad. Let me explain. . . I was stomped 8-1 by the Preds in my first game. Beat them 3-1 in my second. Beat the Stars 5-1 first time, lost 6-0 in my second. The problem? I don't know what the hell I did differently each game. I don't have the control scheme down and didn't do a lot of deking or anything like that. I didn't change the options from default and let the AI sub out my lines. I played defense the same way in every game and the same goalie played each game. Each game was at home.

Now, I love the fact the game doesn't play the same way each game. It'd suck royally if it did. My problem is that I have no idea why I won or lost these games so convincingly. In one game I can get off any shot I want, in another I can't even move the puck up the ice. Is there a something I'm missing here?

I doubt I'll buy both hockey games. This is probably my only purchase, especially with NBA2K8 coming out in a few weeks. This will tide me over and is a solid game. I don't think it's a revolutionary breakthrough in hockey games. Maybe that's just me an my lack of hockey knowledge. I could be way off base here.

[rowech]

Originally Posted by CraigSca

Had some guys over tonight and played the demo for a bit. We scored about 2 goals in 5 games. I've been setting up one-timers ad nauseum but still fail to score. Kinda felt like soccer. Still, we had a lot of fun just playng for that short time we had.

I've now learned that my strategy of nothing but one-timers simply doesn't work. You have to do other stuff or you won't score goals.

[MizzouRah]

Originally Posted by TroyF

Bought the game tonight and played about 6 games.

The Good:

Gameplay seems great.
Varied goal scoring, which is nice.
Graphics are terrific.
Commentary is solid.
The game isn't easy.


The Meh:

I guess I don't understand the fuss about the shot stick. It's nice, but it doesn't get me out of my seat either. The stick works perfectly and the control is smooth. I like it slightly better than 2K7, so I'm not insulting it. I just don't think it's cause for celebration in the streets.

I went 3-3. I played on pro difficulty and only changed the penalty slider. (to max) I played as the Avs. I played the Stars twice, the Predators twice and the Sabres twice. I split against each team. While that is good, it's also bad. Let me explain. . . I was stomped 8-1 by the Preds in my first game. Beat them 3-1 in my second. Beat the Stars 5-1 first time, lost 6-0 in my second. The problem? I don't know what the hell I did differently each game. I don't have the control scheme down and didn't do a lot of deking or anything like that. I didn't change the options from default and let the AI sub out my lines. I played defense the same way in every game and the same goalie played each game. Each game was at home.

Now, I love the fact the game doesn't play the same way each game. It'd suck royally if it did. My problem is that I have no idea why I won or lost these games so convincingly. In one game I can get off any shot I want, in another I can't even move the puck up the ice. Is there a something I'm missing here?

I doubt I'll buy both hockey games. This is probably my only purchase, especially with NBA2K8 coming out in a few weeks. This will tide me over and is a solid game. I don't think it's a revolutionary breakthrough in hockey games. Maybe that's just me an my lack of hockey knowledge. I could be way off base here.

It's hockey and games like that happen. Bump it up to AS difficulty to "really" play the game like it was meant to be played. That's when the stick collision gets turned on as well as the CPU AI gets kicked up.

[TroyF]

Mizzou,

Cmon man, my hockey knowledge isn't exceptional, but I should be able to know why I'm getting my ass kicked or kicking ass. I've played some games this morning, including a couple on all star. Same thing. I can't tell the difference in my teams play if I win 3-2 or lose 8-1. I should be able to realize that I made some bad passes, rushed some shots, etc. I can't. One game I get 30+ shots while my opponent is dominated, the next I get 8 and my opponent dominates me.

Oh well.

[CraigSca]

Originally Posted by rowech

I've now learned that my strategy of nothing but one-timers simply doesn't work. You have to do other stuff or you won't score goals.

Thanks, I'll have to give that a shot. (no pun intended)

[rowech]

I've come to the conclusion that I either suck or this games AI really is as good as advertised. There are games where I barely even get shots off because of how good the defense is that I'm playing. Four games into a dynasty and I've restarted already. I have the thing set on All-Star but might have to scale back to Pro. Typical losses are 4-1 or 5-1. I did have a 3-2 loss in there.

[MizzouRah]

Originally Posted by TroyF

Mizzou,

Cmon man, my hockey knowledge isn't exceptional, but I should be able to know why I'm getting my ass kicked or kicking ass. I've played some games this morning, including a couple on all star. Same thing. I can't tell the difference in my teams play if I win 3-2 or lose 8-1. I should be able to realize that I made some bad passes, rushed some shots, etc. I can't. One game I get 30+ shots while my opponent is dominated, the next I get 8 and my opponent dominates me.

Oh well.

I don't understand what the problem is? It's hockey.. I see the Blues dominate a team like the Blackhawks in RL 4-1 and then the next game, they lose 6-0.

In the game, when I play the Rangers, I know I have to be on my game, if it's the Blue Jackets, I can make more mistakes. It's a game of constant action, up and down the ice. Something could happen at any given moment.

There is so much action, anything can change the outcome of a game. Football and Baseball have easy to pick out game changing moments, hockey.. not so much.

[MizzouRah]

Originally Posted by rowech

I've come to the conclusion that I either suck or this games AI really is as good as advertised. There are games where I barely even get shots off because of how good the defense is that I'm playing. Four games into a dynasty and I've restarted already. I have the thing set on All-Star but might have to scale back to Pro. Typical losses are 4-1 or 5-1. I did have a 3-2 loss in there.

I've played a bunch of games on Pro and now I'm playing on AS, but playing against AHL teams to learn the game on this difficulty setting. It's definitely a much different game this year.

[Mike Lowe]

Franchise impressions?