NHL 08 PlayStation 3
User Score
7.2 out of 10

Mixed or average reviews- based on 22 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 15 out of 22
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 22
  3. Negative: 5 out of 22

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  1. TooManyWhinners
    Oct 3, 2007
    10
    This game is definatly a step up from all previous NHL games. It gives you full control of your shots, passes, hits, and one timers, which means you have to actually control where you want the puck to go and where you hit . The ones whinning are probably the same type of people that like button bashing instead of using something called skill hense the name "Skill Stick". Using the skill stick to play Fight Night or Tiger Woods golf you'd definately enjoy playing NHL 08. I see the ones that rated it two complained about not being able to score easily. They did build in a smarter AI which is suppose to counter your strategies and not allow you to do the same thing over and over again to score. Just like anything in life.. If you spend a bit of time practicing you'll definately improve and love the new controls.… Expand
  2. 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 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
  3. KyleTheDucksFan
    Oct 28, 2007
    10
    You've got some series issues giving this game a two. Why don't you pick up the remote instead of your game controller, or maybe here's an idea, go out and pick up a hockey stick and play some puck, and you will find that this years creation by EA Sports is one of the most realistic hockey games to date. Sure, no game deserves a full 10, YET, but I feel that the two's are just bashing what isn't even there. This game is around a 9.2 in my eyes, and can't wait to see NHL 09 come and kick some 2K ass like they did this year. 2K's pads on goalies look like cardboard boxes! Give me a break. NHL 08>NHL 2K8. Face the facts.… Expand
  4. 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 an infinite number of playing hours.
  5. 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 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
  6. 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 flaws, EA's version is the one to get.
  7. 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 playing this I dont feel the need to play any other hockey game. EVER!
  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 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
  9. AdamT.
    Sep 27, 2007
    2
    Honestly, I cannot comprehend how all these other sites are rating this game above 80. The graphics on replays are great. Everything else is a disaster. By my baseline of comparison--last year's outstanding NHL 2K7--this game stinks. The camera angle options are horrendous. The passing controls are imprecise. (One-timers are outrageously difficult). And the slap-shots are not nearly as fluid as they should be. Worst of all, on those rare times the puck actually hits the back of the net, the event is, well, completely uneventful. Unfortunately, this year's NHL 2K8 is a step backwards as well. That's why I gave the EA game a shot. Unfortunately, they both stink and I'm back playing a fifth season on last year's 2K7 installment. Do not be fooled by all the hype for the new games.… Expand
  10. 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 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

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
86 out of 100

Generally favorable reviews - based on 23 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 22 out of 23
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 23
  3. Negative: 0 out of 23
  1. Electronic Gaming Monthly
    92
    08 is the best hockey game in years. [Oct 2007, p.87]
  2. IGN
    86
    EA finally chucked its desire to marry arcade fun with its simulation and finally got hockey right. NHL 08 has a few nagging flaws -- occasionally suspect team AI, clipping issues, and a lack of ESPN flavor -- but it has nailed the gameplay.
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  3. GameZone
    89
    This is not only a challenging game, but a whole lot of fun to play.
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See all critic reviews »