NHL 08 or NHL 2k8

[snowsquirrel]

Technically not a regional question, but in practise it is... despite what the Butt Puppet (Gary Bettman) says.

Which way are you guys leaning this year? EA or Take 2? I just want to buy one which will have a large online community for an online league. I'll be getting one for PS3, so maybe I should be asking in that form... I haven't bought a hockey game since '04, so I am curious about what you guys feel is the best.

~S

[kfkl]

what are you talking about? americans totally love hockey. the ducks won the stanley cup after all.

[snotnose_colossal]

2k8 has much better online play and leagues.

[Phorty Ounce]

Get 2K.

[magiic]

I will be getting 2K so I can play in the CAGHL again...and get taken apart in every game I play LOL

[omgu8myrice]

im passing on an nhl game this year, too many other good games coming out
but my pick is 2k8

[snowsquirrel]

I saw that CAGHL uses 2k, but I will be playing on PS3, and I think CAGHL is 360 only.

I have seen other threads like this aroudn the web, and it seems to be almost unanimous that 2k is better... yet EA's game always outsells it. The exact same thing could be said of W11/PE and FIFA. The power of marketing.

I'll likely pickup 2k8 then, and see if I can get a league going in the PS3 forum. Thanks for the opinions.

~S

[Unickuta]

WTF, we Northeasterners like hockey too. Maybe not in Texas, but...

Anyways, I've gotten every 2K game since the Dreamcast days, and I predict that'll stay the same- 2K FTW.

[nonrandomhero]

i loved 2K then moved over to EA to get 07, it was such an ass game i sold it and came back to 2k games.....

[RAMSTORIA]

as the op of last years playoff thread i take offense to you assuming that a hockey game discussion belongs in the canadian forum.

get nhl2k8 for 360 if you want an online community.

[dg7md]

I'm in Dallas and a pretty huge fan of the Stars.

Anyway, I say that it'd be wise to stick with 2K8, since 2K7 was really solid. However, seeing trailers and reading up about NHL 08 makes me think that I could at least check it out, or jump over franchises.

I know it doesn't help but just check out reviews and videos. I don't think the 2K engine for hockey games will be changing at all for 2K8, while NHL 08 has a chance to change up some. The Graphics of 08 are a lot better, too.

[dmes65]

Ea is supposed to have league online play as well this year. I will be getting both.

[snotnose_colossal]

NHL 08 leagues are still not up to par with the 2k games.

[supergrover99]

I have become addicted to the skill stick. I was hoping that 2k8 would have it in there game this year but, I have heard that EA Sports has patentented it thus, while they will have a "skill stick" it won't be used for shooting the puck. I have to go with nhl 08.

[snowsquirrel]

as the op of last years playoff thread i take offense to you assuming that a hockey game discussion belongs in the canadian forum.you want an online community.


I never stated it belonged here, just figured there would be a higher concentration of hockey fans here. Also, I just post here more often, so I posted here because I am more familiar with the regular posters here.

I am a one system guy. This generation I went playstation.

The skill stick could be a deal breaker for me. I played a fair bit of NHL 08 for PS2, and really like the skill stick. I was hoping that 2k would have taken that feature by now. Maybe a little gimmicky, but still fun.

I might wait until the review for 2k8 to come out.

dmes, make sure to post your thoughts once you get both.

Thanks again for all the advice.

~S

[snowsquirrel]

I looks like EA just patented the name. Because 2k8 has the 'pro-stick'. http://www.gamespot.com/xbox360/sports/nhl2k8/news.html?sid=6176804&mode=recent


~S

[lisdoncca]

Does somebody know if NHl 2k8 or NHL 08 might come out for Wii?

If not, what about 2k9 or 09?

It would be great to have a hockey game for Wii!

[magiic]

I want Mario Hockey on the Wii :D

[Kekumba]

I'm sticking with NHL 08.. never owned, or really been a fan of the 2K series to be honest.. plus I love the skill stick, which I'm assuming 2K didn't use this year.

[slickkill77]

Nhl 07 was better on ice in terms of control and looks a lot better this year, but if you want an online community/leagues then you ill have to go with 2k8 because Ea is lacking in online. the problem with 2k's hockey game is that the scoring in the game is always the same. In 07 scoring was actualy fun...

Actualy 2k did rip off the skill stick this year...Im going with 08 prolly

[snowsquirrel]

I have been doing some more reading. EA's will have online leagues this year. (How good they are we will have to wait and see). 2k will have pro-stick, though you won't be able to shoot with it.

My bro is a EA NHL fan, so I will likely get EA's. I really like their skill stick. IMHO, it did play better last year, just lacked the franchise and online modes of 2k. If it has online play, I will likely go that route. Although I expect to waffle a few more times on the issue before release.

~S

[rvdrock]

I loved NHL 07, and I'm getting NHL 08, that skill stick is too much fun for me...

[Lone_Prodigy]

Not really relevant to this thread, but I was playing NHL 06 against my brother, and I scored on a floater from the blue line. Needless to say he quit after that. =P

[VipFREAK]

I could've sworn there was another thread on this already... maybe I'm getting confused with another forum. Anyway, I heard 2K will be using te same stick control like EA. I not only have to figure out if I'm gonna get 2k or EA but also if it's going to be for the 360 or PS3... argh.

the ducks won the stanley cup after all.
STFU... never speak of this again. :bomb:

Not really relevant to this thread, but I was playing NHL 06 against my brother, and I scored on a floater from the blue line. Needless to say he quit after that. =P

http://www.sportbikers.net/forums/images/smilies/lmfao.gif If he likes 06 that much he should try 07! Oh man... My friend and I started calling them "EA goals" : sigh :

[mrlalli]

Actually NHL 08 does have online leagues this year, and I will probably pick up NHL 08 brecause Loved NHL 07 and the new controls, but I may pick up NHL 2K as well but I dont like the new features they have.

NHl 08 all I know is it has online leagues and create a play

NHL 2K8 has something similar to the Skill stick and have moved shooting and passing to the shoulder buttons and they hae a faceoff feature

[Unickuta]

I'm in Dallas and a pretty huge fan of the Stars.

Sorry for the bigotiness, dude/

[Unickuta]

I loved NHL 07, and I'm getting NHL 08, that skill stick is too much fun for me...

That's being introduced in NHL 2K8, too.

[mrlalli]

That's being introduced in NHL 2K8, too.

Its just for deking though

[CheapyD]

NHL 08 has a 3on3 mode that you can play online with 6 different people on 6 different consoles.

Also, I'm moving this thread to general gaming.

[Monsta Mack]

CAGHL = NHL2k8 360 and that is the reason I'll be buying NHL2k8 again.
I already called the Rangers and the league owner knows it. Last year we had alot of fun and the owner won the stanley cup ironically. Thatstoobad was pretty bad ass.

If CAGHL goes NHL08 I'll buy that game to. But the CAGHL was such a great experience I would never leave it even if NHL08 was miles ahead of 2k8.

[arsamore]

Really -- unanimous beleif that 2k is better?
I have been a huge 2k fan for the best 6 years or so. But 2k7 was brutal and nhl07 was stellar especially with the skill stick.
From all of the previews I have read, for gameplay go nhl08.
Yes 2k8 may have some more extensive online ... but frankly the gameplay is just getting old.

[GuardianFlash]

2K series been better than NHL 2003/2004/2005/2006/2007. Get NHL 2k8

[Plinko]

NHL 08 leagues are still not up to par with the 2k games.

Really? Because you've played them both already extensively?



As for the OP's question, I was with 2K up until 2K6 when the game-killing bugs that NEVER seem to get fixed finally got to me, but NHL 07 for 360 was a great game--much better than 2K's offering. I'll probably try both, but I know for sure I'm picking up NHL08 on day one.

[Flyersfan]

NHL 08 easily.



Firstly, it's being touted as THE Sports game of this generation.


3 vs. 3 online mode, you can play on the same team with two friends all playing in different houses against 3 other poeple doing the same.


Create-a-play in NHL 08 looks amazing.


On the fly AI sounds amazing.


Skill stick was and is amazing.


Add in online leagues and its a no brainer to me that I'm taking NHL 08.



All the 2k series was just one timers to me. If you watched that NHL 08 vid you'd see that the Defense actaully reacts different if you do the same play a number of times (one timer.)

[Monsta Mack]

Everyone said the same thing last year: NHL07 blew NHL2k7 out of the water.

Gamerankings 79.6 NHL07 versus NHL2k7 79.2. NHL07 finally beat NHL2k7 in reviews but by a very slim margin.

I'll be first to admit that I hardly tried NHL 07 after my friends told me the AI got stale and there was no online league. I noticed the play rate of NHL 07 went way down as soon as there was little to no support in terms of online. Thatstoobad set up such a great league last year I could honestly never touch another hockey game unless the online is flawless, regardless of how many one timer goals I can score.

Now if EA can get it right this year and have no lag/problems with the 3v3 (btw NHL Rivals wasn't a very good game but implemented this feature long ago. People seem to forget about that game, for good reason I guess... but don't give EA the credit just yet) and have a fully fuctional online system and polish the AI then I'll admit NHL 08 is the better product.

EGM gave NHL 08 a rather glowing review. Let's hope it continues through Gamespot/IGN and the other sites.

[snowsquirrel]

More food for thought. NHL 2k8 will have Bob Cole and Harry Neale for commentators, which in IMHO will really add to the authenticity. I haven't found Cole very good the last 5 years, but I still love Harry Neale.

Also 2k8 will run at 1080p, and 60FPS (confirmed). NHL 08 will be 60 on 360, and 30 fps on ps3 (unconfirmed).

Now I am leaning towards 2k8. Hopefully they put out demo's so I can test gameplay on the two.

http://www.gametrailers.com/player/23287.html

~S

[DesertEagleXIX]

I hate that the NHL 2K has had post faceoff slowdown since 2k5. It's been alleviated somewhat, but both the 360 and PS3 can't maintain a steady 6o fps. At E3 2006, I was promised this would be fixed by one of the devlopers.

We'll see if this year is any different.

[Flyersfan]

From what I've been hearing, 2k's controls are pretty bad in comparison to 08.

[snowsquirrel]

From what I've been hearing, 2k's controls are pretty bad in comparison to 08.

From people who played E3/Leipzig? I have been reading around quite a bit on the two, and it really seems like 6 of one, half-dozen of the other.

~S

[Flyersfan]

From people who played E3/Leipzig? I have been reading around quite a bit on the two, and it really seems like 6 of one, half-dozen of the other.

~S



I just started listening to the 1up sports guy podcast (don't know how reliable or good they are, JUST started listening yesterday, didn't even know about the guy until I found it while bored on itunes). They mentioned that it wasn't good, and they had to press a few buttons to do a slapshot or something like that.


If you download the latest episode, they have a 20-30 minute interview with someone at EA working on NHL 08, that's why I was listening.

[snowsquirrel]

Just listened to that podcast. Most obnoxious podcast ever. But yeah, they do make 2k8's controls sound worse than bad.

I am concerned about 30 fps on the ps3. With a small puck that moves fast, 30fps ain't great. I can't seem to find any confirmation on ps3 framerate, but I am sure it is 30, otherwise they would be talking it up.

EB games used to have a policy where you could return a game for full credit if it sucked. 1 time per purchase, and you only had a couple days to do it. Maybe start with 2k8 unless and checkout the control scheme for myself. If it sucks trade it for 08.

~S

[amicus]

opps

[amicus]

i got 2k7 last year. was in the cag league. i'm probably going to pick up both. so if theres enough people hopefully we can have 2 leagues going on. participation in last years league was very high.

if theres enough ps3 support for nhl08 i'll pick up that version. and 2k8 for 360

[amicus]

I just started listening to the 1up sports guy podcast (don't know how reliable or good they are, JUST started listening yesterday, didn't even know about the guy until I found it while bored on itunes). They mentioned that it wasn't good, and they had to press a few buttons to do a slapshot or something like that.


If you download the latest episode, they have a 20-30 minute interview with someone at EA working on NHL 08, that's why I was listening.


they said to shoot or pass u use the bumpers. and u aim with the sticks.

but the online leagues frin ea sounds good. people can pick the same teams.

[Maynard]

Title says it all lets see if the reviews are correct. I've always been a NHL 2K guy but I did get NHL07 last year, but got sick of it. I am hoping that 08 renews it :)

so this is what it is like to be Linkin Prime.....

[alfonsosoriano]

Oh hell yes!!!! :D

[help1]

Whoa, I could have sworn I took a plane Sunday to get OUT of Canada! Aww shit!

[slickkill77]

This will determine whether or not I buy the game again...

[Monsta Mack]

i got 2k7 last year. was in the cag league. i'm probably going to pick up both. so if theres enough people hopefully we can have 2 leagues going on. participation in last years league was very high.

if theres enough ps3 support for nhl08 i'll pick up that version. and 2k8 for 360

Yeah dude you rocked as the Senators. Look forward to our confrontations this year to. I recommend everyone get NHL2k8 and if you got extra cash get NHL 08 to. ;)

[Maynard]

holy shit theres only two hockey fans here?

[Graystone]

holy shit theres only two hockey fans here?

No its just that we don't have two demos. So we can't really make a judgement.

[VipFREAK]

Tried the NHL08 demo... Looks like I'll be going with EA's crap once again. : sigh:

[VipFREAK]

Tried the NHL08 demo... Looks like I'll be going with EA's crap once again. We'll see about 2K8...

: sigh:

[A Happy Panda]

holy shit theres two hockey fans here?

There we go.

[SynGamer]

I've been a fan of the 2K hockey games as well...but we'll wait and see what the reviews say...

[PyroGamer]

Personally I haven't played a hockey game since the PS/N64 days. Back when the Red Wings were the shit and I played street hockey at least twice a week.

I'd love to get back into the videogame part, though.

[Flyersfan]

Day 1 purchase for me with NHL 08, I loved NHL 07.

[Tha Xecutioner]

http://www.cheapassgamer.com/forums/showthread.php?t=149559

[Fredrick2003]

I think you should just wait until next year and then the games will be like 8 bucks. At least thats how it is with Madden.

[ajh2298]

I think I might go with only NHL 08(360) this year and try to do something with a smaller league like 10-12 teams if anybody is interested.

[Animefalcon]

i got both last year :)
found my self playing more 2k7 than 07
maybe that will change this year

[Thomas96]

after the Madden fiasco... I can't recommend any EA game... heck look at Tiger woods... more mess. Is EA even trying to make good games?

[doubledown]

Honestly, I'm LOVING the NHL 08 demo this year. Last year I did not like the controls, but maybe they have grown on me now....still has a learning curve, but the presentation is nice in NHL 08.

[Azumangaman]

Has anybody seen the achievement list for NHL 2K8?
I must say, if this is accurate, this is the almost EXACT SAME LIST as NHL 2K7.

http://www.achieve360points.com/game/nhl2k8/

[VipFREAK]

I did some research on this game via IGN and it looks like it's going to be all EA crap. 2K8 doesn't have the same skill stick controls so it's less intuitive. I have a feeling it's going to be 360 only also, probably just because of the 360 controller.

[Monsta Mack]

Has anybody seen the achievement list for NHL 2K8?
I must say, if this is accurate, this is the almost EXACT SAME LIST as NHL 2K7.


Yeah I saw that. Pretty lame/stupid. You think they will finally get the penalty shot achivement done this year?

Honestly if CAGHL doesn't exist for some reason and NHL 08 is alot better this may be my last year of 2k Hockey but it really depends on those two factors. That is all.

[SpecTrE3353]

I just want you all to know that it brings a tear to my eye to see a hockey thread generate 4+ pages of responses. It's so hard to find people that actually care about any sport that doesn't start with "f" and end with "ootball" these days.

[Plinko]

I just want you all to know that it brings a tear to my eye to see a hockey thread generate 4+ pages of responses. It's so hard to find people that actually care about any sport that doesn't start with "f" and end with "ootball" these days.

QFT--I love football as well, but it's nice to see some hockey fans left after Bettman has expanded the league into the toilet. Diluted talent pool FTL!

[VipFREAK]

lol, yeah hockey fans seem slim sometimes. But I'm representin! :P

[rvdrock]

I'm ready for NHL 08, probably played 07 more than any other game, except for NBA2k7 of course ;)

[Monsta Mack]

http://xbox360.ign.com/articles/812/812821p1.html

This goes over the franchise mode of 2k8 well. Looks like we have a clear cut winner in season/franchise mode this year. Online and gameplay remains to be seen.

I got to play the NHL08 demo, and guess what? It's actually quite good. But it took me awhile to get use to the controls after playing 2k for all these years.

Waiting for IGN's and Gamespot's reviews now.

[Azumangaman]

It'll be up to my brother because he'll probably be the one buying it, but we'll probably end up with 08 (I'd rather have 2k8) because NHL2K8 has a Senator on the cover.

[cardo]

I wonder if you'll be able to shoot the puck at a player after the end of the period.

Go Ducks

[danked]

Ducks must die, I really enjoyed the NHL08 demo mite have to go with that this year

[VipFREAK]

Ducks must die.

seconded, it's funny... last season, I don't remember anyone that wasn't from Anaheim saying they liked the Ducks.

[Monsta Mack]

NHL2k8 shipped today according to IGN. My Amazon copy hasn't shipped yet though. Here's the new features... ripped from IGN.

• ProStick - Full 360 analog controls intuitively mapped to the right stick allow for precision puck handling ability. Hundreds of new animations give gamers a full range of movement, creating a genuine NHL gameplay experience on both offense and defense.

• All-New Goaltending - Completely overhauled with instinctive AI, entirely new animations, and situation specific behaviors. Goalies will now come out and challenge, guard the post, perform spectacular butterfly saves, and much more.

• Ground-breaking Face-Off System - Based on timing and strategy, and featuring tie-ups, warnings, and toss-outs, this innovative system brings an unrivaled level of depth and realism with every drop of the puck.

• NHL Signature Style - Striking next gen visuals, redesigned player models highlighting the new 2007-2008 NHL uniform style, accurate equipment featuring several real-life brands, and updated player likenesses bring gamers the most realistic hockey game to date.

• Deeper Franchise - Now complete with nearly every CBA (Collective Bargaining Agreement) feature available including a revamped off-season mode with brand new negotiation system, improved draft, refurbished free agent signing, and an all-new player progression system.

• My NHL - Gamers can customize their own style of play to create the exact hockey experience they want, and then share their Game Styles online for others to use. Using a new rating system to rank the best user Game Styles, gamers can let everyone else know how they should be playing hockey.

• 2K Sports Online - Featuring full online leagues and tournaments complete with trades, stat tracking, fantasy drafts, and more, gamers go head-to-head against the best players around.

Now to wait for the review from Gamespot and IGN...

[Monsta Mack]

NHL08 fans this may be the year you truely defeat the 2k8 series.

http://xbox360.ign.com/articles/819/819016p1.html 8.9 for NHL08 for XBox 360 at IGN. PS3 version gets a few points less (framerate issue)

For reference this is .2 higher then IGN gave last years versions. Citing alot of improvements over 07 outside of commentary.

[Plinko]

NHL08 fans this may be the year you truely defeat the 2k8 series.

http://xbox360.ign.com/articles/819/819016p1.html 8.9 for NHL08 for XBox 360 at IGN. PS3 version gets a few points less (framerate issue)

I'm so glad I have this coming overnight shipping in a few days. Last year's version was great, and this is coming from someone who was a 2K fanatic since 2001 (I finally got sick of the 2K series' gamebreaking bugs and glitches, and it led me to try out NHL 07).

[Cryptosporidium-399]

Roommate has 08 on preorder at the local Gamestop. 07 was good, the demo for 08 was great.

[cardo]

I think this year NHL 08 will be the game to get. As far as the Ducks, what's not to like, great defense, consistent goaltending and a great mix of cocky young guys that can back it up and veterans that can bring it as well. Although I'm a little worried about this season but there are a bunch of good guys coming up as well.

[SpecTrE3353]

First review I see up for 2k8 is pretty awful... 1up gives it a 4/10:

http://www.1up.com/do/reviewPage?cId=3162698

[Monsta Mack]

They didn't really go into detail why they gave it such a low score outside of the new prostick being tough to learn, because unlike the NHL08 controls your using it to control the puck. Would have been nice to know why the game sucks. Its more of slapping a low score on the game without the fine details. They also gave last years version a 6.5. The IGN and Gamespot reviews should be up tonight should be interesting.

[VipFREAK]

Who the fuck cares about 1up... ? Anyway, NHL 08 will clearly be a winner again. :sigh:

[Monsta Mack]

Most people on the boards either say the control scheme in 2k8 completely sucks or is really good but takes a few games getting used to. You can always switch to the old controls regardless if you don't like the new ones.

Yeah, like everyone else I hate EA with a passion but I still will buy Burnout and possibly this if IGN/Gamespot shits on 2k8 but the problem is my amazon pre-order is already 100% confirmed with my $30 off coupon.

I'm waiting for my Amazon order so I can't give in my two cents in terms of how accurate the reviews are.

IGN gives it a 8.5 http://xbox360.ign.com/articles/819/819464p1.html

The Good: They say the new control stick is actually quite good. Again hate it or love it deal here. The Dynasty is considered the best in hockey game. Graphics are top notch outside of the lame static type crowd.

Bad: NHL08 got .1 higher then NHL2k8 and the time to learn the controls may throw casual gamers off.

[Scorch]

I'm going with EA.

Though I noticed it said "Co-Op 2-4" on the back of the box of 2K8...

[Monsta Mack]

http://www.gamespot.com/xbox360/sports/nhl2k8/review.html?sid=6178657 7.0 for 2k8 at Gamespot. Seems well reviewed but they don't care for the new controls bringing it down a good notch.

I think the most disturbing part is they claim the online game at half the framerate as the offline game. This was never the case in previous 2k games and has now become a issue with the 2k series.

Scorch, NHL2k8, like last years version, allows several players to play on the same console versus others. Although I'm not sure if you can randomly team up with 2 others against other people like in NHL08.

Things aren't looking up for 2k8 right now.

[GLOCKGLOCK]

Did you see the new uniforms for all teams are included in NHL 08!!!

Go to My NHL
Select RBK Edge and enter this code:

h3oyxpwksf8ibcgt

SWEET!

[snowsquirrel]

Downloaded the PS3 demo last night. I am not sure what FPS it is running at, but it was certainly smooth enough. The animations on it were great. Way better than the awkward jerky animations of Madden or NHL 07 (on 360). Maybe if I had saw the 360 version before, I may have been slightly disappointed, but did not feel it was missing anything. I am definitely buying EA's this go around.

~Shea M.

[CheapyD]

I've been playing ALOT of the NHL 08 demo and I have to say, something about it keeps me coming back. Damn my Japanese Xbox 360 and the current lack of Asian versions of hockey games!

[snowsquirrel]

Cheapy,

Like I said in the CAGcast thread. I am willing to buy PS3 versions and ship it to you. PS3 is not region locked. I know PS3 is not your first choice, but AFAIK the hockey games have the same network features on PS3, as on 360.

PM me you want me to hook you up. (BTW, my services are of course free, but I would need you to pay for the games.)

~S

[VipFREAK]

An asian hockey game? An All asian team playing hockey? lol

relax... I'm asian.

[snowsquirrel]

Brad Park, and Paul Kariya take on the word!
~S

[centracore]

I picked up NHL 08 for PS3 a couple days back (got it for PS3 because that's what my buddies all got it for, plus 7 players offline / 12 players online is wicked)... and I've pretty much been playing non-stop since I got it and it's AWESOME.

I honestly don't see what IGN is talking about when it comes to frame rate... looks like a slide show, wtf?!? I've seen the game hiccup a couple of times at most and that was playing online!

If anyone wants I can even do up a short video to show what it actually looks like...

[snowsquirrel]

I am assuming it runs at the same frame rate as the demo, which I find plenty smooth.
~S

[centracore]

I haven't played the demo - I just went out and bought the game the first day it was available here.

But I'm guessing that's a safe assumption to make.

[alison]

hopefully, I'll be picking up NHL 08 for the 360 this evening. it'll be a nice distration until sunday's pre-season game :)

[Flyersfan]

How many people in this thread have NHL 08 now?


Apparantly, it's as good as advertised according to two friends I know who have it.

[rscaramelo]

Picking up NHL 08 asap after going with 2K for awhile.

BTW, no hockey on PSP this season? Gretzky?

RC

[VipFREAK]

I d/led some video of 2K8 on the 360 which showed superstar move, pro stick, and face off. Even if these features didn't suck the graphics suck. EA MURDERED 2K on this round. I still hate EA though...

[rvdrock]

I'm loving NHL 08 on PS3, I just need to get better...

[Monsta Mack]

I have the 360 version of NHL2k8 and send this to thatstoobad during our conversations about CAGHL2k8 which has not been made yet as everyone has flocked to NHL08... and as a online gamer, that is probably the best choice right now despite glitches and freezing, at least compared to the horrid 2k8 frame rate online.

Finally got a hold of NHL2k8 and It's a so-so improvement.

Improvement over 2k7:

The new "super" moves are great, basically the player dekes in a insane way in front of the goalie and you have to hold the L trigger and press two buttons to pull them off, plus your character has to have good handling (Jagr) to pull them off, but they never result in 100% goals. The moves range from the player lifting the puck with his stick and shooting from the hip aka "batter up" from a spinarooni type shot.

I believe the new pro stick controls are a bummer to get use to, but if you turn on pro classic your pretty much playing with the same controls as last year with the exception of the added super star moves and free roaming stick on defense.

They removed the "protect puck" feature from the new controls, but It's still possible to use on the 2kclassic control layout. IMHO this is a good move because protect the puck was rather abusive. In the new controls you have to deke around people more.

Graphics and sound are more crisp, but not on NHL08 standards yet.

The Franchise is beyond impressive. The most deep sports franchise out there.

One timers on sim difficulties seem impossible to pull off, along with alot of the cheezy goals that were prevalent in 2k7. The goalie difficulty has been greatly improved, but not impossible.

The biggest drawbacks:

Fighting is so bad and it seems like It's still in beta testing with the characters body parts "warping" about as they fight. Not to mention the fighting just sucks. Can someone please fix the fighting in hockey games? It hasn't been good since NHL97.

The online framerate is currently bugged. I don't know if this is in league play, but every online ranked game I have played has a 1/2 framerate of normal single player games. This is a huge problem on 2k's side and may be a game breaker for most people unless they decide to patch the online performance.

The gameplay is still the core of 2k7. If your looking for the "skill stick" you won't find it here. Only 2k fans need apply. There are improvements in the game, but they are not very big over last years product.

I would rate this game a 8.5/10 easily if the online framerate gets fixed. But for now you should hold off on this product if you have any interest in playing online. I am a huge 2k hockey fan and have bought their product every chance I had, but this year I wouldn't mind picking up NHL08 myself thanks to the online portion. If 2k doesn't fix the framerate I regret my purchase, but if they do then I'm pretty content.

[SteveMcQ]

How's the checking in 08? I played the demo, but I was never a fan of using the R-stick to deliver the big hits like in 07. I think they're really trying to tone down over-use of body checks, but the way it played in 07 and in the demo (defensively) just doesn't feel as good as 2K8. Any impressions?

[VipFREAK]

^Checking is ok... I haven't turned it up to see what they can really do though.

Just got it and went straight to practice. As cool as it is that they have a shooting practice I'm really disappointed that they only have target practice where you can't move around. I would've loved to have a free practice area where me or me and a friend could take shots at the goal or do one on one.

edit: Once again... I don't know wtf they were thinking with the music in this game. :odd:

Anyway, Gameplay is pretty great. I'm playing as the Sharts and playing against the AHL shart team. Fun degrading them even more. :lol:

edit: Oh man I turned up aggression and hitting power to max! NOW were talking realism! lol.

[OuTrAgE]

Does NHL 08 allow custom music like NHL 2K7 did?

[SteveMcQ]

I know this is always the case with EA manuals, but couldn't they at least explain the new 1 on 1 system? It's not even in the manual. Not even a paragraph. There's not even mention of the practice modes, which I think, is a great addition.

If EA keeps doing this, I'd appreciate a nice little playable tutorial for the new features they put in. The mini-videos are nice, but it can't take that much resources to do full blown, playable tutorials.

[Monsta Mack]

First week sales up on vgchartz:

NHL08 (360) 37,448
NHL08 (PS3) 16,852
NHL 2k8 (360) 15,979
NHL 2k8 (PS3) 7,191

54,300 versus 23,170 Hockey from EA is selling at a 2.34:1 ratio.

Looks like a price drop won't be too far away for those willing to wait on 2k8.

[VipFREAK]

What did I say in post #99? (http://www.cheapassgamer.com/forums/showpost.php?p=3361060&postcount=99) lol

[Monsta Mack]

Yeap, heres your cookie.

[VipFREAK]

Thanks. :)

[jza1218]

First week sales up on vgchartz:

NHL08 (360) 37,448
NHL08 (PS3) 16,852
NHL 2k8 (360) 15,979
NHL 2k8 (PS3) 7,191

54,300 versus 23,170 Hockey from EA is selling at a 2.34:1 ratio.

Looks like a price drop won't be too far away for those willing to wait on 2k8.


Guess I'll wait then. I have 08, but wanted to check out the dynasty on 2k8.

[OuTrAgE]

Does NHL 08 allow custom music like NHL 2K7 did?

Anybody know?

[Flyersfan]

Anybody know?



Nope. unless they didn't announce a feature like that (knowing EA, that would be a big thing for them to announce.)



It wasn't in 07, I don't see it in 08.

[OuTrAgE]

Damn. It seems like such a simple thing to add too.

[VipFREAK]

Just got it and went straight to practice. As cool as it is that they have a shooting practice I'm really disappointed that they only have target practice where you can't move around. I would've loved to have a free practice area where me or me and a friend could take shots at the goal or do one on one.


Scratch this... you can do what I list above pretty much.

[PapiChullo]

I haven't bought a hockey game in a couple of years, but I was thinking about picking one up this year. So I guess I'll be going with 08 since that seems to be the consensus this year. I've gotta check out the demo.

[snowsquirrel]

For those who want in on an NHL 08 PS3 league: go to this thread (http://www.cheapassgamer.com/forums/showthread.php?p=3389743#post3389743)
~S

[doubledown]

Ok, I finally played both demos of NHL08 for PS3/360. I have to say that the 360 felt MUCH smoother to me. The controls seemed tighter on the 360.

I also rented NHL 2K8 for 360. I felt the controls were not that good at all....felt like a fighting game. Hit this, this and this. Pick the puck up and hit it like a baseball bat....LAME!!!!!

NHL 08 was the better game thus far....and I only played the demo vs the real 2K8 game.

[VipFREAK]

Thankfully the demo and full version are pretty much the same.

[snowsquirrel]

I have played both demos. I played the ps3 version first, and had no problem, framerate felt fine. I played the 360 version next, and the 60 fps is nice.

If you have both systems, and have Live Gold, then go for 360. If you only have ps3, don't worry, it plays fine.

~Shea M.

[doubledown]

When do hockey games generally drop in price? I would think with the lack of buzz about the NHL thus far, it might be sooner than later. I would love to get NHL 08 for $40 or less hopefully.

[snowsquirrel]

NHL 07 just hit $40 about a month ago....

As for lack of buzz.... I would say the Kevin Lowe vs. Brian Burke issue has brough created buzz.

Plus a number of first rounders cracked lineups (i.e., sam gagne, patrick kane, etc), which helps create buzz.

Oh, yeah, RBK created new jerseys for every team in the league. Even if 90% of the new kits (especially the socks) suck, it still created buzz.

I would say the buzz is same as ever, in the USA, and quite high in Canada.

~S

[Scorch]

Yeah. Hockey games are the worst about price drops. Hell, I'm having a hard enough time keeping NHL 08 in stock at $59.99. I doubt it'll drop until April or so. Maybe to $49.99, but I doubt anything below that.

[doubledown]

Blasphemy...oh well, I guess I can hope for some week long sale hopefully at one of the big box stores. I have some RZ coupons to burn at BB.

[Monsta Mack]

Both games according to VGChartz aren't selling insanely, but NHL08 has sold A LOT more then 2k8. Expect 2k8 to drop in price shortly. 08? Probably not for awhile.

I'm content owning my NHL07 copy for $8 till someone confirms the league situation in NHL08 ie no scheduling and It's just a "lobby".

The 2k8 online framerate has NOT been fixed and probably WON'T be. 2k8 is not worth the money if your expecting online fun, however there is no CAGHL2k8 league this year *yet* so I can't say for sure if that may change.