EA Sports NHL 2008 for 360

By: Tyler Henderson Hill

Monday August 06, 2007

Hockey is Back
Hockey is Back


I am a big sports fan. I can sit down and watch almost any sport. Almost any. Hockey is one sport that I just can’t get into. I honestly don’t know if I’ve ever sat down and watched a complete game. My money would be on that I haven’t. That doesn’t mean the video game can’t be fun though. I find that true for lots of sports games. Soccer is a sport I can’t actually watch, but I play every World Cup soccer game and they are really fun. NHL 2008 looks like it is going to be the same.

Now, I really can’t compare this game to any other hockey game because to be honest I haven’t played one since Blades of Steel for Nintendo. That was an awesome game, but back to 2008. This game looks awesome. Yeah, without a doubt it looks awesome. The game designers are taking advantage of the next generation system and have made this game as realistic looking as possible. They spent time making each player look like he does in real life, from their face to how they tuck their jersey and wear their socks. Hockey fans will love that feature; you truly will be controlling your favorite players.

Another feature of the game that looks good is the new checking system. It has been completely rebuilt to make it as realistic as possible. The new engine uses player size and speed to make the impact look real. Players will get launched to wherever their momentum carries them. They will stumble for a couple of steps, or go sliding across the ice for twenty feet. This is important because however long you have taken the player out will give you a certain edge in the game. Once again the designers are striving to make game play realistic.

The game also has a new skating engine that you control with the analog stick. You can cruise easy down the ice and then give a burst of speed to skate by the defender. The game also has skill stick moments, when you can use push the puck around into space and embarrass the defender. The AI has also been improved. You know how there are usually go to plays or moves that always work against the computer? Not anymore. The AI has been revamped to scout player tendencies and change to meet them, forcing you to play out of your comfort zone.

I could go on and on about the features loaded into EA’s NHL 2008. Instead, I will just tell you to go buy this game. Even if you’re not a hockey fan, this game will be fun. The game is due to come out in September, be sure to remember.