NHL 08: The Icon of Sports Gaming Franchises

[mkharsh33]

I STILL love this game...I hope they don't decide to "rewrite" the game, but instead keep building on what they've done. Fix the offseason (build in some of the Madden concepts to make it more fun / interesting), provide a fantasy draft option, and allow for some more flexible slider options and it's a NEAR perfect game.

EA got this one right...

[rangersfan30]

Quote: Originally Posted by 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.

i agree 100% with this post

[Spanky]

I absolutely agree with most of the posts here. It's the best hockey game since NHL 94 on the Sega Genesis. I can't speak for the franchise, as I'm not a franchise guy, but playing right out of the box with minimal or no slider adjustments, it plays a great, fun game. And the graphics are the best I've seen in any sports game. As much as I'm dreading what is surely to be another lackluster effort from EA for Madden 09, I have high hopes for NHL 09. EA, if you do nothing else, get some throwback jerseys, lots of them, and put in a season mode where you can play any team's game.

[DrJones]

Icon, eh? I'm glad EA turned it around. A far cry from when I worked on NHL 05 and 06, when it was known as "the armpit of sports gaming."