NHL 08: The Icon of Sports Gaming Franchises

[StormJH1]

Cardot had some great points...NHL '08 is very possibly "iconic" in its gameplay, fun factor, and next-gen feel, but it suffers from many of the traditional EA shortcomings in terms of clunky menu structure, weak offseason and dynasty options, and a poor degree of customizable options. Still, as far as pick--up-and-play fun, I can't think of any recent sports title that comes even close.

I think that the competition with 2k has certainly pushed them to improve their game, but it's ironic that many of the things 2k does well (franchise mode, customization, and options) are NOT the aspects of the game that EA chose to innovate on. Rather, they focused on a innovative controls and brilliant AI that genuinely surprised and impressed their fans. For '09, I would accept seeing only minimal changes to the already stellar gameplay if EA could focus on taking franchise mode and the game's presentation to a whole new level.

[mudtiger]

Quote: Originally Posted by StormJH1

Cardot had some great points...NHL '08 is very possibly "iconic" in its gameplay, fun factor, and next-gen feel, but it suffers from many of the traditional EA shortcomings in terms of clunky menu structure, weak offseason and dynasty options, and a poor degree of customizable options. Still, as far as pick--up-and-play fun, I can't think of any recent sports title that comes even close. I think that the competition with 2k has certainly pushed them to improve their game, but it's ironic that many of the things 2k does well (franchise mode, customization, and options) are NOT the aspects of the game that EA chose to innovate on. Rather, they focused on a innovative controls and brilliant AI that genuinely surprised and impressed their fans. For '09, I would accept seeing only minimal changes to the already stellar gameplay if EA could focus on taking franchise mode and the game's presentation to a whole new level.

I actually disagree on your second point about accepting minimal changes to the AI, and that's odd for me because first and foremost I'm a franchise player and there are tons of things I want added to franchise. For me, EA needs to nail down the AI and how the game plays before they spend time on other things.

The gameplay is close but still needs work and I'd rather see them spend time on nailing down gameplay even if that meant no big improvements in franchise or presentation.

They need to tighten up AI teammates so they aren't dumb as a box of rocks, they need to create more movement off the puck without having to use created plays, they need to force more neutral zone play, they need to revamp passing to allow for off target passes, they need to tighten up shooting mechanics so you don't get the forehand motion turning into a backhand shot (and other weird shots that don't look right), lessen post hits, lessen pucks leaving play, add something to defense to allow for something between a hit and an outright hold/hook, and I'd love to see better puck physics allowing for mishandling of the puck...and that's just off the top of my head regarding gameplay that still needs work.

I don't want the gameplay to take a back seat because it is so close to being A+ rather than the B or B- it is now in terms of realism. I too want to see more presentation and better options, but gameplay first for me.

[bad_philanthropy]

NHL 08 is definitely one of the only sports games so far that feels like as significant step up from the last generation. Like others have said though there are still improvements across the board to be made both from a presentation standpoint and gameplay standpoint. The article touches on the tip goal he saw, and while it is a great addition there overall in front of the net play needs to be improved, the physics, collision detection, controls, and AI as it relates to in front of the net play is pretty shoddy considering that in the NHL the vast majority of goals are scored from within five feet of the net. That aside NHL 08 is really the sports game I have been waiting on all these years and will continue to enjoy it until 09.

[LP]

I agree with mudtiger. I also will add to that. Goalie play needs to be looked at. They really need to add animations that differentiate a goalie's style. There isn't much of a difference between stand up, butterfly, and hybrid as of right now. The goalies also seem to move from post to post way to quickly once they have gone butterfly. There is a lot to improve gameplay wise. I was satisfied with 08 and think it is the sports game of the year, but I would be disappointed if it wasn't improved in 09.

[SeaNNyT]

This is a great hockey game, but some of its faults include sketchy AI.

On pro the AI cannot score a goal for the life of them, but you can get a realistic amount of goals. On superstar the AI becomes an unstoppable defensive machine.

[tgalv]

the controls are easy to learn the basics of, but impossible to master. i think that's what makes it challenging and fun.

[savoie2006]

Great write up and I agree 100%.NHL 08 is the sports game EA Sports should model all their future sports titles after.Though MVP was the first to pull off a turnaround this major.I was suprised to say the least at how rapidly the NHL series has taken a turn for the better.I can't wait for 09!

[original6]

First off, let's take this article with a grain of salt. The writer has not been following hockey for years and hasn't played video game hockey since 2002. He's missed out on quite a bit of video game hockey development in the past 6 years. Just take a look at titles like NHL 2k3 and the Hitz Pro (amazing goalies!) that were really breakthrough or "iconic" games in their own right. As far as next-gen hockey games go, sure 08 or perhaps more accurately, 07 is the "icon" in setting some new standards.

That being said, I guess I'm in the minority that doesn't feel 08 is one of the best sports games ever. While I feel all the makings of one of the best ever are there, I think 08 falls short with questionable defensive ai (too passive and just plain dumb in front of the net) and robo-goalies. Where did the phenomenal goalies from 07 go? The games puck physics are also questionable, as the puck does not react very well off the boards and passing is way too precise. We also aren't even allowed to control when defenders are allowed to skate backwards in the neutral zone.

While the ai' adaptability to gameplay is amazing, to me, the rest of the game feels "empty", except for some of the occasional "moments" where you see a player react to being hit by a shot. The goalies are lifeless, scoring variety is minimal, and puck physics are not of earthly realm (just check out some replays where the puck path magically "bends" to go to the net). 08 was a big "miss" for me this year when I realized I played far more 07 and couldn't stand to finish a season in dynasty mode.

Nonetheless, I will give EA big kudos for where they've taken this title. It used to be a big pile of doodoo, imo, and it's on the verge of greatness. I do have faith that they will fix what is wrong and take this game to the next level. I can't wait to see how 09 turns out.