Good Old Hockey Game
From 2004 to 08, EA has achieved a level that feels like real hockey. In this game they have removed the face-buttons entirely from the game-play which gives the game a smoothness that hasn’t been in previous games. Using the trigger to pass and the analog to control the stick, the new format gives a lot of freedom and speed to the game play, and makes creativity a breeze by not making the player have awkward hand positions to pull off plays. The aim in the game is a little odd, simply because you are trying to skate one direction and then use the same stick to aim, but if you get into a flow with play patterns, you can get some fancy goals with excellent precision.
Artificial Intelligence has really advanced through the EA series, most radically so is with the goal tending. The goalies in this game have grown oh so much since recent years, with the ability to move with the play, come out and challenge skaters, and their new animations make it more of a challenge to create genuine scoring opportunities. The goalies aren’t the only players to be given new AI and animations though; the others have gotten their fair share too. With the advanced deking in the game, also comes new animations for shots and passes as skaters take stances that relate to what shot, pass or hit they are attempting. Defenders will not be so easily fooled by simple passing, and by using certain defensive plays they will force you to the outside or to shoot the puck in the zone, or even just take you right out of the play with a beautiful hit. On the offence computer players can be quite the threat as well, with strategic passing and movement that relate to the position of your players that will make you think about your defensive positions.
In addition to the new control scheme, and new AI performance, the game also looks GREAT! This game has stunning visuals, both in cut-scenes and in-engine. The one thing that grabbed me by surprise was that I was able to recognize all of the skaters on the ice, just from the faces. EA has really gone the distance to make this game look very close to the real thing. The presentation in the game is better than it was, but it is in no way flawless. One of the first things that I noticed starting up the game was the menus, with an easy analog navigation to them it makes moving through menus a breeze, and with small load times, getting into a game doesn’t take long. However, once you get into a game that is when the presentation begins to drop off. The announcing in this game is the best I’ve seen in a hockey game, but if you play more games with different teams you’ll find, just like previous games, it can become repetitive with some cut-and-paste commentary. The replays aren’t broadcast level either, as the game can’t tell the difference in the game flow. If you were putting up lots of pressure getting lots of shots then the other team runs down and fires a terrible shot off on your net, the replay will show that one lousy shot, rather than even one of the magnificent shots at the other end. The presentation in the game is bearable, but it would be nice if the next game was closer to broadcast level.
NHL 08 does have some flaws to it, but they are overshadowed by its accomplishments with its stunning graphics, brilliant AI, and easy to learn functionality. EA has always been slowly getting closer to real hockey, and this year they took a big leap in the right direction and I will be enjoying this game for many months to come.