NHL 2K8

 Xbox 360
User Score
7.4

Mixed or average reviews- based on 17 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 12 out of 17
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 17
  3. Negative: 4 out of 17
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  1. Jeff
    Sep 20, 2007
    9
    A completely underrated game this year. Everyone bought into the EA hype, but after you get into the game you realize that 2k is still the more immersive game of the two franchises. EA's stick feature was a great innovation, but it was an extra feature.. When 2k8 added the Prostick this year, they completely changed the way you play. Yes it takes a little while to get used to, but A completely underrated game this year. Everyone bought into the EA hype, but after you get into the game you realize that 2k is still the more immersive game of the two franchises. EA's stick feature was a great innovation, but it was an extra feature.. When 2k8 added the Prostick this year, they completely changed the way you play. Yes it takes a little while to get used to, but once you do, it's one of the most satisfying control systems ever. You feel like you control the stick, rather than just commanding your digital character. EA is still better in terms of presentation, animations, and much improved in game play. However 2k8 is just so much more robust when it comes to franchise modes, online play, game play accuracy and overall hockey simulation feel. If you just like playing with a few friends at a party occasionally, NHL 08 is the game for you, it's easy to pick up, fun, and looks great. If you're the more serious gamer who wants to be challenged and feel like you're a part of the NHL, 2k8 is still king.… Expand
  2. JobA
    Jan 22, 2010
    9
    This is a pretty amazing title!I review alot of sport games later then when they come out.Thats why my reviews are more accurate then all of the reviewers that do this as a job.Sometimes some reviewers get close but not like me.This game has legs,lets put it like that.Depth,graphics,replay,innovation,spirit,ect...I think out of all the years I have read reviews and wrote my own reviews This is a pretty amazing title!I review alot of sport games later then when they come out.Thats why my reviews are more accurate then all of the reviewers that do this as a job.Sometimes some reviewers get close but not like me.This game has legs,lets put it like that.Depth,graphics,replay,innovation,spirit,ect...I think out of all the years I have read reviews and wrote my own reviews that IGN,Gamespot and 1up is the best when it comes to reviews.Sometimes Gameinformer,OXM,Operation Sports and Gamespy get some right but I would have to say IGN is right on!Gamespot is right on but they are a little hard on games and a little to easy on hyped up games.Nhl 2k8 has everything that was excellent for 2k7 and fixwd everything wrong.They also added a new dimention to hockey games as we know it.Its 2010 now so like I said,I review later which makes it authentic but bad for people that want to know right away.Nhl 2k8 is the best Hockey game from this generation.Nhl 09 &10 are great games dont think I'm crazy but they dont hit you like Holy ..IT like ESPN NHL 2k4 &5 did.Espn nhl 2k5 is actually the best hockey game out to this day without a doubt but in the next gen systems nhl 2k8 is a clear winner in my opinion and this is were it starts..I'm by myself and I want to play single player,what am I going to play??Nhl 2k8--Yes thats is the game.Then the innovation,the multiplayer,ect..,ect..Nhl 2k9 is a true mess!I'm very disappointed with 2k for that.The players are to big,dont even let me get into that for this review.Nhl 2k8 is 100%-AWSOME.I give it a 9.5… Expand
  3. MikeP.
    Sep 19, 2007
    9
    The controls took a little getting used to, but now the game is just smooth and beautiful. Animations are great...the whole feel of the game is a step up from 2K7. Good job.
  4. AndreM.
    Sep 28, 2007
    8
    I bought both NHL games this year and I find myself playing this one a lot more than NHL 08. 08 is way nicer, but there seems to be a lot lacking in terms of controls. How do I dive to the ice to catch a player on breakway? How do I swing the stick left and right in defense to prevent entry into my territory? Why is every single penalty called a tripping penalty? Why can't you I bought both NHL games this year and I find myself playing this one a lot more than NHL 08. 08 is way nicer, but there seems to be a lot lacking in terms of controls. How do I dive to the ice to catch a player on breakway? How do I swing the stick left and right in defense to prevent entry into my territory? Why is every single penalty called a tripping penalty? Why can't you release players in your roster during a Dynasty? Why are other teams willing to trade their 21 year-old superstar players for my 38 year-old over-the-hill has-been?NHL 2K8 allows you to do pretty much everything real-life hockey would allow you to do. Its controls are difficult, but if you go through the training, you will notice that they have thought of everything and came up with a fairly logical control scheme. My only complaint is that slapshots and wristers should both be mapped to the same button (instead of a combo) and the length of holding the button should determine the strength of the shot. Other than that, this game is perfect.… Expand
  5. HaydenK
    May 2, 2008
    10
    This game is so realistic!!!!!! The players are so made up like they are real. I can see the beads of sweat down thier forehead!!!!! The comintators are non-repetitive, And very discribing. the Only flaw is that u use the right bumber to shoot.
  6. hhyy
    Sep 17, 2007
    9
    After playing 20+ games of NHL 2K8, I finally got used to the control.... I must admit it was different than the controls of previous games. Once you get used to the control the game feels very smooth. You can practically do anything you want in this game. Besides the standard of passing, shooting, one timer, Snap shot. There are fake pass, Fake slap shot, fake wrist shot, directional After playing 20+ games of NHL 2K8, I finally got used to the control.... I must admit it was different than the controls of previous games. Once you get used to the control the game feels very smooth. You can practically do anything you want in this game. Besides the standard of passing, shooting, one timer, Snap shot. There are fake pass, Fake slap shot, fake wrist shot, directional pass, pass it up ahead, puck to skate, all star pro moves. The breakaway is so well done that it's so satisfying when you score. The animations are very real. In fact, I think this game's animation is the best I've ever seen in a hockey game. I do not understand why it received such low score. I felt the gameplay is one of the best I've ever played.… Expand
  7. Chris
    Sep 19, 2007
    9
    Keep in mind that many of these reviews are from writers who are gamers first, and may only be casual hockey fans. As a Canadian man who has spent over 30 years as a fan of this great sport, I would advise anyone who wants to play the best pure hockey sim to choose 2K8. Take the time to learn the controls. It won't be overnight, or easy, but when it finally clicks, you will be glad Keep in mind that many of these reviews are from writers who are gamers first, and may only be casual hockey fans. As a Canadian man who has spent over 30 years as a fan of this great sport, I would advise anyone who wants to play the best pure hockey sim to choose 2K8. Take the time to learn the controls. It won't be overnight, or easy, but when it finally clicks, you will be glad you did. These controls are so intuitive and well suited to the action on screen. EA has built a game that is fun, but only in the way that Fox Sports dumbs down the game for entertainment value. The depth of customization in 2K will leave you absolutely astounded. If you don't believe me, check out the forums at Xbox Live.… Expand
  8. KeithL.
    Nov 26, 2007
    9
    I like the controls. The game plays much better and more realistic. NOTE: Play it as a SIM for a more true gameplay and Franchise experience.
  9. AndyC.
    Sep 20, 2007
    0
    This game is horrible! It plays like a PS2 game. The speed burst is ridiculously fast, button schemes aren't logical. The special moves are nice, but they aren't very controllable, thus making you do the same moves over and over. Goalie AI lets in softies and have generally bad positions. I'm returning this baby.
  10. JeffA.
    Sep 30, 2007
    1
    2K's version uses triggers to shoot. It's a hockey game not a shooting game. EA's version is better again this year. Using triggers to shoot is just bizarre and feels unnatural. Maybe next year 2K.
  11. 2ksnipefest
    Sep 27, 2013
    10
    Even on PS2 this game is fun and amazing. 360 just enhances the experience. Bravo well done by 2k sports. I've Played 2k8 for countless hours and have logged in more than 700 games to date. I am ahead of the current NHL schedule. Thought about getting NHL 2k10 for 360. Second thought just buy 2k8 that is awesome. 2013 and this game still rocks. Can't wait to play online.

Awards & Rankings

83
#83 Best Xbox 360 Game of 2007
88
#88 Most Discussed Xbox 360 Game of 2007

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
71

Mixed or average reviews - based on 43 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 26 out of 43
  2. Mixed: 15 out of 43
  3. Negative: 2 out of 43
  1. 1UP
    40
    From 2K8's tricky new controls to the number of gameplay hiccups, we simply can't recommend this skater over EA's for this hockey season.
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  2. Game Informer
    78
    It may not deliver the entire package this year, but NHL 2K8 is a fun game that offers a fast-paced arcade feel.
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  3. IGN
    85
    The game looks and -- eventually -- feels great on the ice and features smooth animations, a robust online option or leagues and tournaments, a replay-editing tool called 2K Reelmaker, unlockable uniforms and more. It sucks that the interface is clunky.
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