The best hockey game to date
Very realistic. EA's patented skill stick makes controlling the puck intuitive and fun. Deking and shooting with it makes for incredible shots and moves. Having full control over your player's hockey stick is probably the most significant addition to a hockey game ever.
Teams actually skate around as teams and noticeably follow through on strategies and plays. Now you can even make your own plays and skaters use these very well. The pace of the game, the rotation and movement of players according to their team, the realism of the hits, it all makes for a very realistic hockey simulation. Goalies move and react just like you'd expect a goalie to. They are tough to beat, but if you play the puck smart as though you should in real life, you'll get your goals. The visuals are gorgeous. The lights, the ice, the skaters, all look terrific. The textures are a big step up from 07. Faces are the most notable improvement. This is probably the best looking sports game yet. Lot's of people are rating the game low because of how hard it is. Stop that. The A.I. learns your tendencies, and above all, the game plays like an actual game would be played. But if you'd rather play a more arcade style hockey game you can totally do that in this game. You can adjust game speed, A.I. learning and difficulty, and rules. It can be the best hockey simulation or nhl hitz. With so many modes this game has lasting value and will be played often until NHL 09 comes out. At least in my household anyway.