Re: NHL 08: The Icon of Sports Gaming Franchises
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.
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.
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