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NHL 2K8

EMAIL PRINTxbox360

7.3 User Score:

Mixed or average reviews

Based on 44 critic reviews
How did we calculate this?

Based on 13 votes
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Game Info

Publisher: 2K Sports

Developer: Kush Games - Visual Concepts

Genre(s): Sports, Hockey

Players: 8

ESRB Rating: E10+ (Everyone 10 and Older)

Release Date: September 11, 2007

Summary

Fully redesigned next-gen player models with accurate equipment and updated player faces brings you realistic hockey. Goaltending has been completely overhauled with instinctive AI, entirely new animations, and situation specific behaviors. Goaltenders now come out and challenge, guard the post, perform spectacular butterfly saves, and much more. A new control system delivers an experience that transcends the hockey videogame genre. Take control of "the DEEPEST franchise mode in the business," now complete with realistic CBA features including waivers, two-way contracts, restricted and unrestricted free agents, and salary cap management. Off-season has also been revamped, boasting a brand new negotiation system, improved draft, and refurbished free agent signing. Topping off everything is the addition of an all-new player progression system and dynamic player types. 2K Sports Online - Go head-to-head against the best players on the planet and enter for your chance to win a new Dodge. [2K Sports]

Also On Metacritic

GAMES: NHL 2K6 NHL 2K7

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...

Pelit (Finland)

The most realistic hockey game both on and off the ice. However, controls are pretty complicated, so NHL 2K8 is not a game for beginners. [Dec 2007]

NZGamer

This is definitely a must for any ice hockey fan or anyone who enjoyed Speedball back in the 80’s.

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IGN

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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ZTGameDomain

Even if the side stuff has been there done that written all over it, you will be hard-pressed to find a better hockey game this year.

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GamingTrend

If you can adjust to the ProStick controls, you’ll find a control system that really makes you feel like a part of the game.

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Cheat Code Central

The advanced controls still need about a year to really nail the feel of the game, but the franchise mode lived up to the hype. Fans willing to give the controls a chance will not be disappointed and the prospects of next years offering are already exciting.

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Gaming Age

The biggest drawback to NHL 2k8 is the new controls. Even if you want to grow into them, it’s not worth it. Fortunately, you can turn them off and get on with your day, so there’s not much downside. 2k8 still plays a smooth, exciting and fun game of hockey.

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GameShark

It’s still an arcade game, no question about it; this is not a pure simulation of the sport, because of the over the top hitting and offensive AI, but as arcade hockey games go, this one’s a winner.

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Xbox World Australia

Providing all the features of its predecessors and more, NHL 2K8 serves as a worthy purchase for any lover of ice hockey.

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Jolt Online Gaming UK

Once you get around the slightly muddled menu system there is quite a lot of content between the full & mini games within this package to keep you entertained for many an hour, either playing against pretty decent AI controlled teams or over Xbox Live.

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Thunderbolt

Perhaps the series peaked with 2K7, after-all, there can only be so many variations on Pong before someone runs out of ideas, or the waters become over saturated.

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Official Xbox Magazine

Throw in more responsive skating and a brilliant new face-off system, and we definitely dig how NHL 2K8 shakes and bakes. [Nov 2007, p.92]

Gamers' Temple

While NHL 2K8 has evolved over last year's version of the game, the changes really are evolutionary rather than revolutionary. The new control scheme doesn't seem to add enough to the game to justify the need to relearn the controls.

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PALGN

One of the best hockey games money can buy.

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DarkStation

In the end, NHL 2K8 is not a perfect game, as there are still room for improvements in the graphics department. However, as a package, the game excels, with solid gameplay, deep modes and everything you would want from a hockey game.

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G4 TV

Yet those who value realistic AI, tight matches, and deep franchise play will nonetheless appreciate what NHL 2K8 brings to the rink: enough technique and skill to compete with an Alex Ovechkin highlight reel.

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Extreme Gamer

NHL 2K8 is still king of the ice, however this time around you might need to take a little more time to get your groove on. The new control system takes a little work, so if you are getting frustrated by 2K Sports new innovations simply turn them off and go back to the default NHL 2K game you know and love.

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GameDaily

The modes maintain their phenomenal impact, with franchise and online options to keep you busy throughout the season -- and well into next year.

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Yahoo! Games

There are just too many buttons in play, and it's terrible when you want to unleash a slap shot from the point but can't remember which triggers and bumpers to use.

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Games Radar (in-house)

NHL 2K8's biggest problem is that it's not "NHL 08," which has put it all together this year like few sports games we've ever seen.

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Team Xbox

While we certainly give 2K and Visual Concepts/Kush an “A” for effort with NHL 2K8, the bottom line score is a bit less. While NHL 2K8 still has the heart of a champion and features its rivals can’t touch, the competition has finally figured this video hockey thing out for the most part.

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Game Informer

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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Game Over Online

On the ice, NHL 2K8 has improved by leaps and bounds in the graphics department.

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GamePro

2K Sports is relegated to a distant second-place, plagued by overly complicated controls, a badly designed interface, and subpar gameplay.

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PTGamers

NHL 2K8 is a solid ice hockey, wholly competent in most departments.

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Maxi Consolas (Portugal)

It’s still a good game, but unfortunately it doesn’t offer anything that’s different or relevant when compared to last year’s title. This time, EA Sport’s rival "NHL 08" takes the throne. [Dec 2007]

GameSpy

Despite all that's good with the game, NHL 2K8's innovations are a few years behind the times, making it feel like a cheap rehash of what's already available.

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Armchair Empire

Last year the clear winner was NHL 2K7 when it came to online play. This year the playing field is definitely more even – it didn’t matter what game I put in I always had fun while playing over Live. However, having some friends over to play, the choice was always NHL 08.

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AceGamez

Should you be a casual fan of ice hockey then I just can't recommend NHL 2K8 as a game to pick up; the new control system and the maddeningly deep franchise mode are only for the most hardcore of fans. With this said, those of you who love everything about hockey will like this game, control problems or not.

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Operation Sports

Unfortunately, NHL 2K8 made a decision to make a change that, to many people, undid all the good that they had done in other areas.

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GameTap

In the end, 2K8 is a great distraction until the season starts, but if you want to put your time into a better game, EA's NHL 08 is the dynasty worth your dough.

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GameSpot

NHL 2K8 is a generally fun hockey game, though its new control scheme is a step backward for the series.

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Talk Xbox

NHL 2K8 reminds me of a hockey team that looks unbeatable on paper but fails to perform in a big game.

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Xbox World 360 Magazine UK

Inadequate next to EA's title. [Jan 2008, p.79]

Console Monster

NHL 2K8 is a very entertaining game, but the control system is a shambles.

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360 Gamer Magazine UK

Keen to push forwards and revolutionise control, NHL 2K8 bafflingly manages to take a step backwards over previous incarnations. It’s still fun enough but it’s a shame, as with a little more time to perfect its core ideas, this could have been great. The franchise isn’t going anywhere though, so it’s still one to watch out for a few more years yet.

GamingExcellence

NHL 2K8 should be sent back to the minors for some retooling. Gameplay is king, and 2K8 plays fourth-line checker to the competition’s first line superstar.

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Digital Entertainment News

I'd recommend keeping your copy of NHL 2K7 and pretending this year's version never actually came out. Like an NHL videogamers lockout or something.

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Official Xbox Magazine UK

Yet no matter how hockey mad you are, there's no denying that the controls are too muddled and the game not quite deep enough to really tickle.

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X360 Magazine UK

The second-best ice hockey game on the 360. You know what the best one is, so go buy it. [Issue 26, p.99]

Electronic Gaming Monthly

It has some decent ideas(faceoffs are more interesting this year, and the simulation setting option is way better than the arcadey default), but 2K8's fundamentals are flawed. [Nov 2007, p.105]

Game Revolution

Get in your car, drive to a hockey game, support your local team, and go pay $20 for a deep-fried stadium lunch. Because whatever you do, don’t spend any time on this flabby substitute.

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Game Revolution

Get in your car, drive to a hockey game, support your local team, and go pay $20 for a deep-fried stadium lunch. Because whatever you do, don’t spend any time on this flabby substitute.

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1UP

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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What Our Users Said

The average user rating for this game is 7.3 (out of 10) based on 13 User Votes

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

Keith L. gave it a9:
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.

Jeff A. gave it a1:
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.

Andre M. gave it an8:
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.

Andy C. gave it a0:
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.

Jeff gave it a9:
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.

Chris gave it a9:
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.

Mike P. gave it a9:
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.

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NHL 2K8

Game Info

Summary

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What The Critics Said

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