NHL 08 by EA Sports does not use the PC's graphical capabilities very well. There is hope though as next year the team that made 08 is at contracts end. The next team will basically not make NHL 09 PC or make it next gen. But back to NHL 08 for the PC. The game has a whole new soundtrack and look and I for one am a fan of both. They got away from the EMO $h!t they had last year which for me is a plus. The create a player/team has not changed one bit which I found really disappointing, because on the other systems you can change and test stick curves, skates, etc. The cinema-tics are 100% identical to 07, but the announcers have changed quite a bit. Now to get to the game play the goalies are way better then in 07 there movement is more realistic and to me that is the major bright spot on the game. The skill stick is a cool feature but I can't say I am 100% comfortable with it. It can feel odd at times and seems poorly thrown together. For instance the goalie cant pass with it he needs a button to pass further then 2 feet. The slap shot works really well but I find the wrist shot rather difficult, as you have to change it depending on the handness of the player. The AHL feature is poorly thrown together as it has no connectivity to dynasty mode. All the players that are in the AHL cant be recalled in dynasty mode so you might as well put them all on your NHL team. Lastly dynasty mode. Two major changes have been made to dynasty mode. The first the fact you can have a trade block. This is a list of players that you have made public you dont want and they will be more inclined to send you trade offers including these players. As well you can see players other teams have on the trade block. I think this is a great addition. The second is weekly goals. Your owner will send you a goal every week and if you complete it he will boost one of your upgrades (Scouting, Team Gym, Goalie Coach etc.) Again I feel this as well is a great feature. If you look through the game small things will strike you as different but I have stated the major ones. My final comment for this game is I like it I feel it is an upgrade over 07 but it is your choice. This is not a must have game by far but if your a hockey fan and dont have a 360 this is the next best thing.
I didn't know that NHL 08 for PC was not the same as the NHL 08 release on the PS3 and XBox 360. So all those good looking graphics, game play options and new features shown on the web site ARE NOT on the PC version of t... Read Full Review
If you own nhl 07 or 06 dont buy this nothing new . Skill Stick works only under season but its nothing interesting , AHL cant be played during dinasty ... nothing new the graphic engine is too old now . The Console seri... Read Full Review
