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NHL 08

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8.3 User Score:

Generally favorable reviews

Based on 23 critic reviews
How did we calculate this?

Based on 19 votes
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Game Info

Publisher: Electronic Arts

Developer: EA Canada

Genre(s): Sports, Hockey

Players: 8

ESRB Rating: E10+ (Everyone 10 and Older)

Release Date: September 11, 2007

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 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]

Also On Metacritic

GAMES: NHL 07

Cheat Codes & Hints: GameFAQs

Also On The Web: Official Website

What The Critics Said

All critic scores are converted to a 100-point scale. If a critic does not indicate a score, we assign a score based on the general impression given by the text of the review. Learn more...

100

GameTap

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.

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100

Gaming Age

I can easily say without a doubt that this is not only the best EA hockey game since "NHL 05," but quite possibly the best hockey game ever. Fans can be happy to know that the series they grew up loving has finally delivered in all department to create the most realistic and authentic hockey game on the market. Second place is the first loser, and that means you 2K Hockey.

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1UP

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.

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Electronic Gaming Monthly

08 is the best hockey game in years. [Oct 2007, p.87]

PGNx Media

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.

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Game Chronicles

The amazing graphics and overall experience earn EA the GCM editor’s choice award this year, but they still have room for improvement. If they keep up this level of improvement, NHL 09 is going to be amazing!

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Gamers' Temple

NHL 08 is a marked improvement over last year's game and is the first next-gen hockey game to really feel next-gen.

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Playstation Official Magazine UK

NHL 08 is every hockey fan's dream, but it's so exciting that anyone up for a speedy, skilful sports game should definitely get involved. [Nov 2007, p.110]

GameSpy

Despite the poor online modes, the rest of the game is nothing short of stellar. With all of the new tweaks and gameplay options, NHL 08 is worth the time of any hockey fan. Not only has EA managed to prove that this is indeed the coolest game on Earth, it's also one of the best sports titles of the year.

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GameZone

This is not only a challenging game, but a whole lot of fun to play.

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Worth Playing

There's no competition for the cup in hockey games this year: NHL 08 sweeps the final series. No game is ever the same. Some are far better than others.

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Game Over Online

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.

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IGN

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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Game Informer

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.

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GameSpot

EA's latest NHL title creates one of the most legitimately exciting interpretations of the sport you've ever played.

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PSX Extreme

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.

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PSM Magazine

EA's hat-trick, though, goes to the A.I., which will really press you to use strategy, passing, and screens if you want to light the lamp. [Dec 2007, p.82]

GameDaily

We dislike the PlayStation 3's choppy frame rate (the Xbox 360 version moves faster), but overall, EA delivers an addictive game of hockey that'll keep you entertained for months.

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DarkStation

NHL 08 is one of those games that manages to put everything together in one complete package, and NHL 08 is really a complete hockey package.

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Console Monster

In short—this is the best hockey game yet by a long shot.

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PSM3 Magazine UK

The control system is the game's biggest success. [Nov 2007, p.83]

GamerNode

For hockey fans, NHL 08 is the best hockey offering this year. For non-hockey fans, it's a fun game, but not a must-buy sports title.

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Game Revolution

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.

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What Our Users Said

The average user rating for this game is 8.3 (out of 10) based on 19 User Votes

Note: User votes are NOT included in the Metascore calculation.

Morgan M. gave it a10:
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.

Peter J. gave it a10:
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!

Kyle TheDucksFan gave it a10:
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.

Too Many Whinners gave it a10:
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.

Adam T. gave it a2:
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.

Jeff A. gave it a10:
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.

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