NHL 08

 PlayStation 3
NHL 08 Image
Metascore
86

Generally favorable reviews - based on 23 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
7.1

Mixed or average reviews- based on 25 Ratings

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  • Summary: The Skill Stick gave you the power to deke the goalie in NHL 07 – now you can own the 1-on-1 matchup and undress opposing defenseman with complete control Use your stick to push the puck into space and walk around your defender. Once you're all alone in front, improved stick handling andThe Skill Stick gave you the power to deke the goalie in NHL 07 – now you can own the 1-on-1 matchup and undress opposing defenseman with complete control Use your stick to push the puck into space and walk around your defender. Once you're all alone in front, improved stick handling and shooting accuracy will give you the toolset to beat your goaltender for that decisive goal. Dynamic AI adjusts to your every move both on offense and defense, promising to challenge even the most skilled hockey players. The intelligent CPU scouts your tendencies like a coach and makes the necessary adjustments to shut down your money plays, forcing you to adjust your style of play. New analog speed control of the left stick gives you the variance you need to glide into the zone with control or get a burst of speed to step up on a defender. With new skating animations and responsiveness, you have the control to perform crossovers to maintain speed or carve tight turns for an immediate change in direction. 29 AHL teams – the top developmental league for the NHL – are exclusively featured and fully playable. Develop your talent with their minor affiliate until you are ready to call them up for the show. Be the GM and manage your team from the ground up while staying under the salary cap. [Electronic Arts]… Expand
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 22 out of 23
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 23
  3. Negative: 0 out of 23
  1. GameTap
    100
    For the first time I can remember in a hockey game, it's not about how fast you set up your one-timer--it's about positioning, spacing, and setting up the perfect play.
  2. 1UP
    95
    Part of what makes this game so fantastic is that it has the same joyful resonance as those mid-'90s NHL classics. The good times are back.
  3. PGNx Media
    92
    NHL 08 manages to improve on last year’s already great hockey game. If you were a fan of last year’s effort, NHL 08 won’t disappoint.
  4. Game Over Online
    88
    I called Skill Stick one of the greatest innovations in sports videogames last year and now that EA has had another year to fine-tune the system, and add a new skating engine, NHL 08 is the best game on ice.
  5. Game Informer
    85
    I was a bit worried that moving toward a slower, sim-based game would hurt the experience, but I found that it’s just as intense.
  6. PSX Extreme
    85
    Gameplay is just about equal between both, but if you're the type where visuals make or break a game for you, then you may want to sway towards NHL 08. Otherwise, run, don't walk, and check out both. You'll be happy that you did.
  7. Game Revolution
    50
    This year, as 2K8 lags with its overcomplicated controls, EA has managed to slip by. NHL 08 is imperfect, but with its simple gameplay and its clean presentation, it’s somehow on track to lead the league and push it forward.

See all 23 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 10
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 10
  3. Negative: 2 out of 10
  1. MorganM.
    Jan 22, 2008
    10
    Absolutely amazing. The depth of the dynasty mode is superb. The difficulty is just right so that you cannot win every time. Tons of fun and Absolutely amazing. The depth of the dynasty mode is superb. The difficulty is just right so that you cannot win every time. Tons of fun and an infinite number of playing hours.… Expand
  2. danalexander
    Nov 1, 2007
    10
    wow the best game in a long time ea hit the nail on the head with this one. i cant believe how good the graphics and gameplay is wow. i dontwow the best game in a long time ea hit the nail on the head with this one. i cant believe how good the graphics and gameplay is wow. i dont know why everyone isnt giving at least an 8. 2k looks like an 80's arcade game and the graphics are terrible. i take nhl 08 any day of the week.go canucks go… Expand
  4. JeffA.
    Sep 15, 2007
    10
    EA took last years version and fine tuned an already almost perfect game. Considering 2K uses triggers for shooting this year among other EA took last years version and fine tuned an already almost perfect game. Considering 2K uses triggers for shooting this year among other flaws, EA's version is the one to get.… Expand
  5. PeterJ.
    Dec 4, 2007
    10
    Greatest hockey game I have ever played. Graphics are outstanding and gameplay is as well. I havent played NHL2K8 to compare, but after Greatest hockey game I have ever played. Graphics are outstanding and gameplay is as well. I havent played NHL2K8 to compare, but after playing this I dont feel the need to play any other hockey game. EVER!… Expand
  6. ShaunC
    Mar 23, 2008
    7
    The control system is quite entertaining (and takes some getting used to) and the dynasty mode is still quite entertaining, however trades andThe control system is quite entertaining (and takes some getting used to) and the dynasty mode is still quite entertaining, however trades and the draft are still very weak....As well as the salary cap/profits glitch: either fix it or take out the profits entirely...Graphics and gameplay are very fun (as long as you don't glitch out) and there are hours to be had...but being a Canadian, I can't say I'm a giant fan of the ESPN announcers (I end up turning the announcers off usually)...All and all a rather solid effort, but by no means perfect… Expand
  7. OddyOh
    Mar 5, 2008
    6
    I enjoyed this game for about 6 months, but I'll trade it in towards Rock Band this weekend. The choppy frame rate is not even so bad inI enjoyed this game for about 6 months, but I'll trade it in towards Rock Band this weekend. The choppy frame rate is not even so bad in actual gameplay, but it's the menus that drive me nuts. If you want to sim a month of games in Dynasty Mode, it takes about 20 minutes! I thought there was a Cell chip in this machine! Oh wait, there is, but EA made such a lousy and rushed port from XBox. NHL 09 will be a must-have however, since they're (supposedly) developing it on PS3 and XBox at the same time. Other than the dog-slow menus, this game is really awesome, certainly the best since 2004. Lots of bugs however, which EA doesn't seem to have time to fix, although they did fix some of them. The other big problem is rosters. If you make a ton of moves in the off season, make sure you save it as a separate file, since your PS3 will likely crash. In fact, I save after every game, since it can lock-up at the black screen after the match fairly often. Also, load times are fairly long, hopefully they take a page from the EA Burnout Paradise team and lose those. Anyway, I give it a 6, 1 for each month I played it, that's not too bad, just lots of room for improvement. I'm expecting big things from NHL 09, starting with 60fps (or at least solid 30fps) on PS3, custom soundtracks (Sony's fault there), and no more freezes and choppy menus. If they deliver that, I'll buy 2 copies! Seriously though, this is the most realistic hockey I've played...don't even talk to me about NHL2k, they haven't changed their gameplay in 5 years, and not because it was already perfect.… Expand
  8. gvghchefdwfdw
    Sep 15, 2007
    2
    This is the hardest nhl game ever! i played 6 games in one night and i lost 5, i played nhl since 2003 and i enjoyed those games, but these This is the hardest nhl game ever! i played 6 games in one night and i lost 5, i played nhl since 2003 and i enjoyed those games, but these new controls are TERRIBLE. it is a lot harder when you check, it is like you didnt even check him at all. i would rather prefer nhl 2004, alot more than 2008. i played this game for 2 days and i got very frustrated. if you were to buy nhl 08, then switch to classic controls or try the impossible controls. rating this game 2 would be the best decision for me.… Expand

See all 10 User Reviews

Awards & Rankings

10
#10 Best PS3 Game of 2007
53
#53 Most Discussed PS3 Game of 2007
55
#55 Most Shared PS3 Game of 2007