OK all Together Y NHL 08 (and 07 was) is better than 2K8

[CaptainWinkie]

Why NHL 08 (and 07) is better BY THE CAPTAIN.... (yes, I had to cut and paste Savoie06)

Graphics, Sharpness, animations, Skill Stick, Create a Team, Create Jerseys, Much better player bodies and Faces (more polygons) Bettter camera angles, improved momentum meter, THE "NO" SPEED BURST IS AMAZING, Better/re-captured skating physics, more realistic NHL gameplay (I'm Tired), online play was great and extremly detailed and thought out last year, unlike any of their other games. The shoot Out looked amazing (especially on my 108" remote 1080P projector Screen), fights are kinda cool and MOST IMPORTANTLY GAMEPLAY WAS MUCH BETTER, more fluid and not glitchy, backhands were backhands, (too not be sexual) the Right Stick was apart of my stick. They solved Dekes and reflections (on shots) this year. The puck has a life of its own on Dekes as well. (FIFA finally got this after winning 11 kicked its *** in gameplay)

2K7 was dull and arcadie 2k8 looks to be a slight improvement. This is one you can't win.

Sorry 2k the Ice has slipped through your fingers!!!!!!!


-The Captain has gone on a rant to put someone in their place

PS: Yes, the Islander Ranger match up will be unfair this year. Oh and the butterfly goalie flick shot loophole better be fixed by EA this YEAR!


Loved 2k4 but sorry --- NHL 07 (as much as I don't like the destruction EA has caused) blows the hell out of 2K7, not even on the same planet. NHL 2K8 might steal the right stick (sort of like gang tackling and attributes, like madden did) but NHL 08 is far better.

NBA 2K8 will be better than NBA 08 but EA is gaining, from what I have seen. Tough to put basketball in video game form. It is a skilled shooting game, that realies heavily on eyesight and body position. Doesn't favor the skilled game player, it can never.

2k games are more brash and bold, great for football but, not hockey. Crisp sharp and flowing is hockey. (I played for a long time) The movie idea was a move last year, but a bad one. 2K has Basketball, Football and I guess Baseball (licensce and a good game) Baseball needs to be improved even more this year or it will start being a drag feet madden franchise, but Hockey is not 2Ks thing. (sorry) Probably the least money maker --- eh give em one, Hockey! 2K8 Hockey might look good on a video but, gameplay and detail and yes, graphics keep my attention. Take a lesson from PGR 3, A launch title years ago!!!!!!! Still outclasses all the new driving games by far!!!!


I was a EA hockey guy then around 2k3 or 4 I believe I was a 2K hockey guy but, 05 06 (07 decently as well was the same thing) gameplay horrid and no fluidity.) EA (which I want to dislike) kicked *** with NHL 07. Please tell me you have played it, might be one of the best games ever made. (oh. yes that includes all games, not just sports) You know what it takes for me to jump on the EA RAH RAH band wagon? (it kills me) but, damn what a game!


-The Captain of his Ice Hockey Team

PS: APF


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#43 2 Hours Ago
CaptainWinkie
Rookie Join Date: Jun 2005
Posts: 90



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Both games have not made great strides this year. 2K is going to make slighly more strides this year. Taking a page from 2K8 basketball, sweat on players etc. (better graphics) But both games are an improvement over last year but, not new games. Now NHL 07 was a completely new game. Before it was utter crap! I Don't even think I remember how awful EA hockey was in 03 04 05 and 06. I don't recall how they looked they were so bad.

-The Captain Getting Technical

NHL 08 will be better because it is based on a better foundation. Now if you said 2K8 was a completely revamped game, I would say," I would buy it and check it out." Ib fact Nhl 08 is only going to be slightly better than 07 for the next at least 2 years. Takes around 3 to 4 years for a company to scrap their software engine.


Checkout these 3 videos.

http://www.gamespot.com/video/939620/6176017/nhl-08-official-movie-5



http://www.gamespot.com/video/939620/6176009/nhl-08-video-feature-1

and

http://www.gamespot.com/video/939620/6175616/nhl-08-official-movie-4

Check out all 3. I looked further at 2K8 and it is improved but, not up to par.



-The Captain has cut and PASTED


Tell me what u think?

Remember, I dislike EA So, this pains me!

ADD -- Create a play (extremely detailed) and add AI adaptation to your favorite moves and money plays. Like playing a user the way the game adapts.


-The Captain Done

[Savoie06]

I never said NHL 08 was a bad game.In fact I plan on buying both because IMO both games this year look 100% better than last years efforts.I've never been picky about my hockey games though.I just enjoy playing them and trying win the Blackhawks their first cup in over 40 years.You said you would consider 2K8 if it was revamped.While EA's obviously looks more revamped because their game has been such crap since 2002;2K has done alot to their game this year.The players look light years better than last year.They may not quite be up to par with EA,but the effort has been put forth you can tell.They added their version of the skill stick,but I feel its more of an improved dekeing system.The franchise,create a player,and create a team are going to be MASSIVE this year,more so than EA's I feel.The Goalies play much better as well,based on the link I posted from 2KHockey.net.They may not quite match those of EA again but again you can tell the effort was actually there this year.The Atmosphere is also improved this year which was a must is most peoples books.EA probably will have the edge here though because I thought the sounds were great in 07,plus I love Thorne and Clement.So I can understand you wanting NHL 08 because I think any hockey fan would and it will be a great game,but dont give up on 2K8 until you give it at least a rent.Also I would like to say I hope 2K implements a similar AI that 08 has,because honestly that is the one thing that has truely caught my eye about that game.No matter what game either of choose though,its if you enjoy playing it that matters.Peace.

[CaptainWinkie]

We are on 2 forums at once. I agree. :] I hope both games are amazing.


Ok truly my last post

-The Captain Out

[CaptainWinkie]

OK DONE!!!!



NOW.

[suspectedkiller]

uhm, i watched gameplay video's and EA's AI has no idea what is going on... are you smoking meth?

tons of cool features but do not say the AI is good. its robotic and its horrible. face the facts.

And dont think I said 2k has good ai either you morons.


By the way Madden 08 is, yes still, the same game for years. Keep buying these games you mutants. You get what you pay for.

Sort of like diet pills. Yeah they work too. Oh and if they dont; just buy these new pills with the updated formula. Now they work. Suckers

[Savoie06]

uhm, i watched gameplay video's and EA's AI has no idea what is going on... are you smoking meth?

tons of cool features but do not say the AI is good. its robotic and its horrible. face the facts.

And dont think I said 2k has good ai either you morons.


By the way Madden 08 is, yes still, the same game for years. Keep buying these games you mutants. You get what you pay for.

Sort of like diet pills. Yeah they work too. Oh and if they dont; just buy these new pills with the updated formula. Now they work. Suckers
Dont worry I will,thank you for being concerned though.

[gohabs93]

Nhl 08 ( and 07) have better gameplay? What a joke. In nhl 07 (and 08) all players control the same. You can deke like hell with any player. In nhl 07 there was no difference between taking washington and ottawa.

EA fools people by showing how they worked on some player's faces. But they only do 3 faces per team. The other players look the same. Nhl 2k8 will run at 60 fps and will be 1080p compatible.

Dont compare EA, who has been making arcade style gameplay for since their beginning to a company that has been making sim sport titles for the past 9 years.

Whats your problem ? You come to a 2k board to try to convince people that nhl 07 was good and nhl 08 will be better than nhl 2k8. Nobody would listen to you, go start this topic in a EA forum.

If you liked nhl 07 gameplay, then you really S ucked in the game! I scor 20+ goals per game at the highest difficulty. You can slash all you want (the other player loses the puck right away and becomes useless cause he is hurt) and no penalty would be called. When you hit a player, you dont see the animation, you just see your guy teleporting the guy you want to hit. Goalies like to score on themselves....Online is horrible.

Also, the sliders dont do anything. Ask anobody who worked on nhl 07 (my friend worked on it), the sliders were just there to fool people. That is no joke. In nhl 07, some testers found out the game sliders (other than game speed) do not work, so they told the team leader about it and he said "if it doesnt crash the game, then we do not need to fix it".

I was a EA fanboy till 2003, then I grew up.

[Flawed_redemption93]

EA Hockey and Basketball games are to slow and choppy. I still buy them but they really are not that good at all. 2K runs so smooth.

[Savoie06]

I agree with 100% as far as NHL 07 goes.The game was awful with the exception of the goalie positioning(not saves).The skill stick was a hockey game break through,but too limited and prone to OOPS plays.The rest of the game,skating,AI,Online Play was garbage.
NHL 08 on the other hand looks NOTHING like the same game,except the players look pretty much the same.All the things that EA has done to improve this game really makes me wonder why these type of improvements are'nt made yearly instead of when EA gets a hair up its ***** to try and take out the competition.From the Addition to the fully playable AHL,the improved Skating,improved adaptive AI,and the create a play NHL 08 is indeed a NEW game.Not to mention that NHL 08 is the FIRST EA Sports game to include online leagues,so props there as well.
However it remains to truely be seen if this makes the game better than 2K8,which also looks like a new game compared to last years effort.

[vanhalendlrband]

As soon as EA finally after years of bad hockey games makes something slightly realistic people try to say its better. People have been debating this every year, whether EA is more realistic or not. Its just always been like this, i've been on these boards when they were sega sports an **** i remember. 2K2 had a lot of glitch's but man when it came to realism the dreamcast killed ps2 for hockey that year, on the ice. But i do admit this years version of EA might actually be really good, 07 i thought felt a lot like 2k and the frame rate wasn't as smooth i thought, or maybe the animations weren't all there, but definitely one thing 2k has with the pro stick over the control stick is more precise shooting i think by being able to shoot with the trigger its almost more similar to the motion of shooting than just back and forth on the ea stick, plus the motion isn't straight back and forth necessarily when you shoot, and not only that if you remember the skills competition in 2k4-7 thats how you do the hardest shot competition just like in ea's, and 2k obviously felt it wasn't quite good enough to slap it as realistic, and i do like there version of the pro stick so far better. But then EA's got these AHL teams, and i really wonder why both games can't have it, but for some reason or another we don't, but then again this is an NHL game and i could really care less about minor league players that aren't signed by the major league affiliation. But it is pretty cool nonetheless, ea's got all these leagues around the world which probably make it a bigger draw worldwide, and AHL home town fans (like Manitoba Moose fans for example, whom have a beautiful new stadium i must say for Winnipeg) will probably just choose EA over 2K just because there teams are in it, hell i probably would, another draw for me is that EA is made in my home town and i always try and give it a fair chance every year, and this year is the first year since NHL 2K2 that i haven't pre-ordered 2K, usually i would have by now, but i refuse to play 2 NHL games i just really don't have the time, and I do liek to play something other than hockey once and a while, and have a huge list of RPG's on old systems that i still haven't beaten, also the PS2 is like still comin out with them, and now a whole bunch of new ones on 360, i'm in overload already, let alone 2 good nhl games, what if they're equally good, how will i decidE? I might have to go with the hometown boys this year for me, i do like ea's create-a play but its not online so i don't really care that much, i think 2k leagues are better online too, i like how players skate along the blue line as well, its pretty cool. But 2k's got superstar moves, and goalies that now actually seem to be on par with the rest of the games realism, seems to be much better dynamic in shooting the puck with 2k, and the defense will probably still be miles ahead of ea's. But we will have to wait a few more weeks to find out i suppose.

[suspectedkiller]

Look at ign for the backbreaker video. That is how sports should evolve. Physics overhaul. Like I previously posted here, shots, hits, speed and momentum that is determined by weight. That will define new sports engines.

Quit supporting companies churning out garbage and you might see them research new engines because nobody is buying it any longer.

Unfortunately that company says they wont rival EA, but possibly implement into EA in the future. Money rules though, eh?

[Huffdawg1987]

Why NHL 08 (and 07) is better BY THE CAPTAIN.... (yes, I had to cut and paste Savoie06)

Graphics, Sharpness, animations, Skill Stick, Create a Team, Create Jerseys, Much better player bodies and Faces (more polygons) Bettter camera angles, improved momentum meter, THE "NO" SPEED BURST IS AMAZING, Better/re-captured skating physics, more realistic NHL gameplay (I'm Tired), online play was great and extremly detailed and thought out last year, unlike any of their other games. The shoot Out looked amazing (especially on my 108" remote 1080P projector Screen), fights are kinda cool and MOST IMPORTANTLY GAMEPLAY WAS MUCH BETTER, more fluid and not glitchy, backhands were backhands, (too not be sexual) the Right Stick was apart of my stick. They solved Dekes and reflections (on shots) this year. The puck has a life of its own on Dekes as well. (FIFA finally got this after winning 11 kicked its *** in gameplay)

2K7 was dull and arcadie 2k8 looks to be a slight improvement. This is one you can't win.

Sorry 2k the Ice has slipped through your fingers!!!!!!!


-The Captain has gone on a rant to put someone in their place

PS: Yes, the Islander Ranger match up will be unfair this year. Oh and the butterfly goalie flick shot loophole better be fixed by EA this YEAR!


Loved 2k4 but sorry --- NHL 07 (as much as I don't like the destruction EA has caused) blows the hell out of 2K7, not even on the same planet. NHL 2K8 might steal the right stick (sort of like gang tackling and attributes, like madden did) but NHL 08 is far better.

NBA 2K8 will be better than NBA 08 but EA is gaining, from what I have seen. Tough to put basketball in video game form. It is a skilled shooting game, that realies heavily on eyesight and body position. Doesn't favor the skilled game player, it can never.

2k games are more brash and bold, great for football but, not hockey. Crisp sharp and flowing is hockey. (I played for a long time) The movie idea was a move last year, but a bad one. 2K has Basketball, Football and I guess Baseball (licensce and a good game) Baseball needs to be improved even more this year or it will start being a drag feet madden franchise, but Hockey is not 2Ks thing. (sorry) Probably the least money maker --- eh give em one, Hockey! 2K8 Hockey might look good on a video but, gameplay and detail and yes, graphics keep my attention. Take a lesson from PGR 3, A launch title years ago!!!!!!! Still outclasses all the new driving games by far!!!!


I was a EA hockey guy then around 2k3 or 4 I believe I was a 2K hockey guy but, 05 06 (07 decently as well was the same thing) gameplay horrid and no fluidity.) EA (which I want to dislike) kicked *** with NHL 07. Please tell me you have played it, might be one of the best games ever made. (oh. yes that includes all games, not just sports) You know what it takes for me to jump on the EA RAH RAH band wagon? (it kills me) but, damn what a game!


-The Captain of his Ice Hockey Team

PS: APF


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#43 2 Hours Ago
CaptainWinkie
Rookie Join Date: Jun 2005
Posts: 90



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Both games have not made great strides this year. 2K is going to make slighly more strides this year. Taking a page from 2K8 basketball, sweat on players etc. (better graphics) But both games are an improvement over last year but, not new games. Now NHL 07 was a completely new game. Before it was utter crap! I Don't even think I remember how awful EA hockey was in 03 04 05 and 06. I don't recall how they looked they were so bad.

-The Captain Getting Technical

NHL 08 will be better because it is based on a better foundation. Now if you said 2K8 was a completely revamped game, I would say," I would buy it and check it out." Ib fact Nhl 08 is only going to be slightly better than 07 for the next at least 2 years. Takes around 3 to 4 years for a company to scrap their software engine.


Checkout these 3 videos.

http://www.gamespot.com/video/939620/6176017/nhl-08-official-movie-5



http://www.gamespot.com/video/939620/6176009/nhl-08-video-feature-1

and

http://www.gamespot.com/video/939620/6175616/nhl-08-official-movie-4

Check out all 3. I looked further at 2K8 and it is improved but, not up to par.



-The Captain has cut and PASTED


Tell me what u think?

Remember, I dislike EA So, this pains me!

ADD -- Create a play (extremely detailed) and add AI adaptation to your favorite moves and money plays. Like playing a user the way the game adapts.


-The Captain Done






Thank you captain oblivious :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: 2k7 and 2k8 arcade games? have u been drinking? Omg someone spiked EAs Koolaid

[canucksrule19]

Nhl 08 ( and 07) have better gameplay? What a joke. In nhl 07 (and 08) all players control the same. You can deke like hell with any player. In nhl 07 there was no difference between taking washington and ottawa.

EA fools people by showing how they worked on some player's faces. But they only do 3 faces per team. The other players look the same. Nhl 2k8 will run at 60 fps and will be 1080p compatible.

Dont compare EA, who has been making arcade style gameplay for since their beginning to a company that has been making sim sport titles for the past 9 years.

Whats your problem ? You come to a 2k board to try to convince people that nhl 07 was good and nhl 08 will be better than nhl 2k8. Nobody would listen to you, go start this topic in a EA forum.

If you liked nhl 07 gameplay, then you really S ucked in the game! I scor 20+ goals per game at the highest difficulty. You can slash all you want (the other player loses the puck right away and becomes useless cause he is hurt) and no penalty would be called. When you hit a player, you dont see the animation, you just see your guy teleporting the guy you want to hit. Goalies like to score on themselves....Online is horrible.

Also, the sliders dont do anything. Ask anobody who worked on nhl 07 (my friend worked on it), the sliders were just there to fool people. That is no joke. In nhl 07, some testers found out the game sliders (other than game speed) do not work, so they told the team leader about it and he said "if it doesnt crash the game, then we do not need to fix it".

I was a EA fanboy till 2003, then I grew up.

Think NHL07 goal scoring sucked because it was too easy? It did, and its been fixed for 08. Want slashing called? It is in 08. Want to see real hits? Its in 08, and its absolutely amazing compared to any previous year, you can feel the realism. Goalies scoring on themselves? Fixed as well... unless you are dumb enough to make a pass with a crowd around the net, and it deflects off a skate and in. Online is horrible? Team play and versus play are spectacular in 08, plus online shootouts AND leagues. Sliders not doing anything? This is fixed for 08 as well (except one or two)

And you have the new CAP and CAT with fully customizable goalie equipment, jerseys, sticks, skates, etc. You have Create-A-Play in the game, RBK edge and classic jerseys. Plus a revamped AI for offense and defense, an adaptive AI that will learn what you are doing, and adjust their play, realistic scoring, 60 FPS, and I could go on and on...

[Snow Soldier]

Think NHL07 goal scoring sucked because it was too easy? It did, and its been fixed for 08. Want slashing called? It is in 08. Want to see real hits? Its in 08, and its absolutely amazing compared to any previous year, you can feel the realism. Goalies scoring on themselves? Fixed as well... unless you are dumb enough to make a pass with a crowd around the net, and it deflects off a skate and in. Online is horrible? Team play and versus play are spectacular in 08, plus online shootouts AND leagues. Sliders not doing anything? This is fixed for 08 as well (except one or two)

And you have the new CAP and CAT with fully customizable goalie equipment, jerseys, sticks, skates, etc. You have Create-A-Play in the game, RBK edge and classic jerseys. Plus a revamped AI for offense and defense, an adaptive AI that will learn what you are doing, and adjust their play, realistic scoring, 60 FPS, and I could go on and on...

No... EA says those thigns are better... they've said the AI was better every year and it never is. Gah i don't have the aptience. they have nothing going for them that 2k8 doens't have plus a billion things EA never puts time into. Plus I've seen a game of 2k8... they are still only showing staged videos of 08 (and you still see the AI being stupid). EA talks every game up and never delievers

[gohabs93]

Think NHL07 goal scoring sucked because it was too easy? It did, and its been fixed for 08. Want slashing called? It is in 08. Want to see real hits? Its in 08, and its absolutely amazing compared to any previous year, you can feel the realism. Goalies scoring on themselves? Fixed as well... unless you are dumb enough to make a pass with a crowd around the net, and it deflects off a skate and in. Online is horrible? Team play and versus play are spectacular in 08, plus online shootouts AND leagues. Sliders not doing anything? This is fixed for 08 as well (except one or two)

And you have the new CAP and CAT with fully customizable goalie equipment, jerseys, sticks, skates, etc. You have Create-A-Play in the game, RBK edge and classic jerseys. Plus a revamped AI for offense and defense, an adaptive AI that will learn what you are doing, and adjust their play, realistic scoring, 60 FPS, and I could go on and on...


Who said it has been fixed in nhl 08? Have you played it? Every year EA brags about how the defense AI has been improved. In EA a fourth liner is as good as first liner. Adaptive EA is a bunch of bs, they say that every year. Go to ign or gamespot and check nhl 07 preview and interviews with game developpers or producers. They talk about how you cant beat the goalie twice the same place because he will adapt. So dont say that the mistakes have been fixed if you havent played it. At least 2k showed a full game of rangers vs devils and you can clearly see the the gameplay is completely different from nhl 2k7. EA just shows some cut scenes, showing the retarded move that the player can now jump on the sides (even 4th liners can do this supermove). It in their own videos , you can see that the defense still sucks.
NHL 08 will not be 1080p which is retarded.
Go and talk about NHL08 in the EA forums. You wont convince anybody in these boards. Most of us here are nhl gamers since nhlpa 93 and are fed up of EA hockey games after nhl 2000.
ALso for ps3 people, expect nhl 08 to be bad just like Madden. EA prefers releasing the game the same time as xbox360 eventhough they have worked less on it. You will get a 30 fps game with framerate always dropping. Atleast 2k works equally on both console versions.

[canucksrule19]

Have you played it?

Yes. Yes I have.

[canucksrule19]

NHL 08 will not be 1080p which is retarded.

No games are 1080p. There support 1080p video modes but they don't actually broadcast in 1080p. The menus might but that's it. You think BioShock and 2K8 look amazing? Guess what. Its not built for 1080p. Its build for 720p but supports a 1080p video mode. If it was made for 1080p it would look much better, like HD-DVD/Blu-ray movies. So what if 08 makes you change your video mode down a bit? It would look the same in both modes. Same goes for 2K8.

[Snow Soldier]

No games are 1080p. There support 1080p video modes but they don't actually broadcast in 1080p. The menus might but that's it. You think BioShock and 2K8 look amazing? Guess what. Its not built for 1080p. Its build for 720p but supports a 1080p video mode. If it was made for 1080p it would look much better, like HD-DVD/Blu-ray movies. So what if 08 makes you change your video mode down a bit? It would look the same in both modes. Same goes for 2K8.

You're wrong again... at least you are consistant.

PLENTY of games are made in 1080p. You can upscale any game to 1080p (even old school doom) this is true. But lots of games on the 360 are 1080p native resolution. That doesn't make them LOOK better. It makes them look sharper. I could feed you a 1080p white cube and it'll look like a 480p white cube. Bad textures can still be rendered in 1080p native. 1080p is just the max amount of resolution you can fit on a screen, whats on that screen can look good or bad at ANY resolution.

If you claim to have played 08 you apparently did it for what... ten minutes? 20? PLUS you havne't played 2k8 either way. So as much as you'd like the think you are elite knowledgable and special. You are coming off more as the village idiot here.

[canucksrule19]

NHL 08 for about 800 hours and 2K8 for about 10-15 hours

[Snow Soldier]

NHL 08 for about 800 hours and 2K8 for about 10-15 hours

ummm wow... you know these games aren't out yet? i'm gonna assume you just don't know the difference between a 7 and an 8 on the cover of your game. But either way that means you've been talking about how good the ai in 07 was... and thats just scarey... mind you I do see how your vantage point all things might look intellgent.

[gohabs93]

NHL 08 for about 800 hours and 2K8 for about 10-15 hours


So you are a VIP and or got leaked versions!!!?? WHo would believe that.

[canucksrule19]

ummm wow... you know these games aren't out yet? i'm gonna assume you just don't know the difference between a 7 and an 8 on the cover of your game. But either way that means you've been talking about how good the ai in 07 was... and thats just scarey... mind you I do see how your vantage point all things might look intellgent.

I'm talking about 08. You know... the one with Staal on the cover? And he's on the splash screen, and everything. You know... that game where the default teams are Anaheim and Ottawa... with those slick jerseys? Yeah, that one.

[gohabs93]

I hope those new videos on ign showing 08 gameplay are on easiest difficulty because the defense is as horrible as in 07. So easy to open it then one time it. Like always I will buy both and stick with the one that is harder to score in (usually 2k games).

[FSOTG]

I'm talking about 08. You know... the one with Staal on the cover? And he's on the splash screen, and everything. You know... that game where the default teams are Anaheim and Ottawa... with those slick jerseys? Yeah, that one.


So you're a tester for EA!

[canucksrule19]

I hope those new videos on ign showing 08 gameplay are on easiest difficulty because the defense is as horrible as in 07. So easy to open it then one time it. Like always I will buy both and stick with the one that is harder to score in (usually 2k games).

the 'New World of Hockey' was clearly the CPU picking apart the user's defense. Same goes for 'Victory!'. Look at the indicators. The user was getting pwned. As for 'Ice Play', that did look a little weird, but it doesn't happen often. Lack of co-ordination does happen in real hockey though.

[Snow Soldier]

I'm talking about 08. You know... the one with Staal on the cover? And he's on the splash screen, and everything. You know... that game where the default teams are Anaheim and Ottawa... with those slick jerseys? Yeah, that one.


You have 800 hours logged on a game that hasn't been released? I'm done with you. I have a job, a life, and to little patience for someone who just makes stuff up and spams a RIVAL hockey games message board cause they have nothing better to do becuase the hockey game they claim to love isn't apparently worth playing.

[nmigliore]

NHL 2k* had the better games until last year, NHL 07 blew NHL 2k7 out of the water IMO.. NHL 08 will do the same this year, NHL 2k8 is just 2k7 with screwed up controls and better graphics and a deeper franchise, of course not as deep NHL 08's since they have the AHL actually playable in Dynasty.. how awesome.. 2k is getting owned by EA in hockey right now, believe it.

[Savoie06]

Oh..how sweet,someone else wooed by EA.I suggest you wait until you play 2K8 before you suggest such things are "crappy controls" and do so more research on what has improved this year.I personally dont give a hoot about minor leagues honestly.

[navarz]

NHL 2k* had the better games until last year, NHL 07 blew NHL 2k7 out of the water IMO.. NHL 08 will do the same this year, NHL 2k8 is just 2k7 with screwed up controls and better graphics and a deeper franchise, of course not as deep NHL 08's since they have the AHL actually playable in Dynasty.. how awesome.. 2k is getting owned by EA in hockey right now, believe it.

A deeper franchise don't make me laugh
I play for franchise and the franchise is the reason I stopped playing EA because it went to crap.They don't even have multyplayer franchise which is why I went to 2K and glad I did because I found a way better hockey game all round. 2K now has a create a team and can create upto 4 teams and use them in franchise.

http://www.2khockey.net/content.html

[suspectedkiller]

Why do EA kiddies come to this board? You can advertise for EA somewhere else like the drones you already are. Besides, every single one of you says the same thing which makes your posts totally irrelevant to anything. GO AWAY

[StarsMarklar]

Hey Captain, shouldn't you be getting ready for school? Pay attention in English you bad grammar having stooge. EA has no classic teams, that is enough for me to be loyal to 2k. 2k didn't put a whole lot of effort in the PS2 version last year. All of the old teams were the same, the only real improvement was the new camera angle. After the season was over I was playing 2k6 again because the rosters were all edited (old teams). Hopefully that will change this year. Even if it doesn't, I still wouldn't consider even looking at the EA game.

[suspectedkiller]

Hey Captain, shouldn't you be getting ready for school? Pay attention in English you bad grammar having stooge. EA has no classic teams, that is enough for me to be loyal to 2k. 2k didn't put a whole lot of effort in the PS2 version last year. All of the old teams were the same, the only real improvement was the new camera angle. After the season was over I was playing 2k6 again because the rosters were all edited (old teams). Hopefully that will change this year. Even if it doesn't, I still wouldn't consider even looking at the EA game.

2k is like your jealous girlfriend!!? :eek:

[canucksrule19]

You have 800 hours logged on a game that hasn't been released? I'm done with you. I have a job, a life, and to little patience for someone who just makes stuff up and spams a RIVAL hockey games message board cause they have nothing better to do becuase the hockey game they claim to love isn't apparently worth playing.

I have a job and a life too. And I'm not much of an EA fan, I was way back but since 2k5 I was big on 2k's games and didn't bother with EA. However NHL 08 just blew me out of the water (I played the Next Gen versions... Xbox is way better, but the PS3 version was still cool despite a ****ty controller and 30-35 fps). I actually hated EA Sports because their games were getting terrible, but after playing NHL 08 I have changed my mind. Don't start hating until you start playing.

[canucksrule19]

2k is like your jealous girlfriend!!? :eek:

ha! thats what I was thinking. im guessing that 2k is gonna be blown out of the water this year, unless these 'loyal to 2k' guys dont even give EA a chance, then 2k may get decent sales. I hate to say it, but im afraid 2k is already done this year, judging from what ive seen playing both games. i hope 2k steps up and does better next year.

[navarz]

ha! thats what I was thinking. im guessing that 2k is gonna be blown out of the water this year, unless these 'loyal to 2k' guys dont even give EA a chance, then 2k may get decent sales. I hate to say it, but im afraid 2k is already done this year, judging from what ive seen playing both games. i hope 2k steps up and does better next year.

You realize neither game is out yet?

[FSOTG]

You realize neither game is out yet?


Don't you know that canucksrule19 have played 800 hours on NHL 08!!! Yes you hear me right he has already played more than 30 days none stop.

He also has played an astounding 10 to 15 hours with NHL 2K8, so you can see that his comments are totally impartials.

[navarz]

Don't you know that canucksrule19 have played 800 hours on NHL 08!!! Yes you hear me right he has already played more than 30 days none stop.

He also has played an astounding 10 to 15 hours with NHL 2K8, so you can see that his comments are totally impartials.


My mistake I did not realize he was special. LOL

[canucksrule19]

So you're a tester for EA!

Yes. It's funny how most people assume I'm totally crazy when I say I've played 08 for so many hours.

[suspectedkiller]

Sorry, I didnt mean to say jealous girlfriend in that sense. I'm a hockey fan--not a company sponsor, I'll play both.

But I hate people who trash games on the forums. Lifes to short and I dont design the games so come on already.

We'll see which is better although personal preference rules above all.

[FSOTG]

Yes. It's funny how most people assume I'm totally crazy when I say I've played 08 for so many hours.


So, if you're a tester for EA, how come you've played NHL 2K8???

[canucksrule19]

So, if you're a tester for EA, how come you've played NHL 2K8???

We get XBLA betas and some game betas and early demos

[FSOTG]

Another mistery solved!

[Snow Soldier]

I have a job and a life too. And I'm not much of an EA fan, I was way back but since 2k5 I was big on 2k's games and didn't bother with EA. However NHL 08 just blew me out of the water (I played the Next Gen versions... Xbox is way better, but the PS3 version was still cool despite a ****ty controller and 30-35 fps). I actually hated EA Sports because their games were getting terrible, but after playing NHL 08, FIFA 08, NBA 08, and March Madness 08, I have changed my mind. Those games are pretty sweet, and as a HUGE hockey fan, I'm really surprised from what they did. Don't start hating until you start playing.

WAIT!... so all this time you've been trashing the bad graphics of 2k8 you were talking about WHICH version? Cause it's not ON xbox. So if you are comparing your 08 xbox version to.... what!?!

I call BS on all accounts here. First you are all out bashing 2k for years. NOW you are a fan but it's just THIS year that makes a differnce. YOu've logged 800 hours which means you'd have played 10 hours a day for the last 3 months almost... you'd have been playing a game without textures half that time. If you got beta versions (bs) why the HECK would 2k give a beta version to EA!?!

You just keep digging the hole to try and sound smart yet nothing you say makes ANY sense.

[Savoie06]

OOPS SOMEONE SPILLED TOO MANY BEANS!!

[StarsMarklar]

If EA put classic teams on their game, I would probably at least check it out. One of these companies should put out a game with nothing but old teams so you wouldn't have to edit all of the teams. That would rock. I am just ready for the season. The thing I love about the start of football season is.....only about another month until Hockey Season! I will be a full season ticket holder this year, I am so ready!!!!!

[canucksrule19]

WAIT!... so all this time you've been trashing the bad graphics of 2k8 you were talking about WHICH version? Cause it's not ON xbox. So if you are comparing your 08 xbox version to.... what!?!

I call BS on all accounts here. First you are all out bashing 2k for years. NOW you are a fan but it's just THIS year that makes a differnce. YOu've logged 800 hours which means you'd have played 10 hours a day for the last 3 months almost... you'd have been playing a game without textures half that time. If you got beta versions (bs) why the HECK would 2k give a beta version to EA!?!

You just keep digging the hole to try and sound smart yet nothing you say makes ANY sense.

when i say xbox i OF COURSE mean 360, which is why i say NEXT GEN!! duhhhh
who said I was bashing 2k for years?, and who said the game had no textures half the time? have you ever seen a game in development? and who said i was talking about just looks (08 does look way better than 2k8 BTW). And maybe my hours were off. Its been about 12 hours a day for the past 5 months. Sorry for my bad math :P And 2k didn't give a beta to EA. They gave it to MS but EA has access to MS as do all the other developers.

P.S. i compared my 08 xbox 360 version to the ps3... if you read properly... i said 360 had better gfx and faster framerate

[ohjtbehaaave]

I'm not reading al these posts.
I'll get both games since I love hockey... and flip the one I'm not playing on ebaY.

From what I've seen so far of both games.... Gun to my head... life on the line... I can pick just one game to own.... it's easily NHL 08 from what I've seen so far.
I hope NHL 2K8 is a game that sneaks up and bites us in the *** with it's overall quality... because NHL 08 is looking Fantastic.

[Savoie06]

Good thing we dont judge a book by its cover!

[gohabs93]

We get XBLA betas and some game betas and early demos

Who are you to get batas? They dont just send it to anybody. They send to known groups like ign and gamespot. Unless you were a tester for EA, I do not believe that you have played the game. You probably have never played 2k8. I have done testing for EA (nhl 07 on xbox and ps2) and I just hated the game more. You cant really enjoy the game since you just test what they tell you to test ( they give you paper with the functionnalities to test)

Every year you have some people who come to this board and are like (I have played both games and EA is the best!). You wont convince anybody here.

You belong in the EA boards, not here.

EA fans= recent immature or non sim hockey gamers
2K fans= former EA nhl gamers but got fed up.

NHL08---> looks like defense is still bad (just watching those new ign videos) , hitting animations are very bad, 4th liners can do the same move as first liners, franchise mode not very deep, etc

[danick58]

i was a fan of 2k but since they change the style to get more arcade 'too much hits,special button to make a combo to do a special move, burst of speed, a defence that hit before you have possesion of the puck ,goalie that dont look like real goalie . i been defend 2k since 2k3 but rigth now they of the track.

[CaptainWinkie]

Look at ign for the backbreaker video. That is how sports should evolve. Physics overhaul. Like I previously posted here, shots, hits, speed and momentum that is determined by weight. That will define new sports engines.

Quit supporting companies churning out garbage and you might see them research new engines because nobody is buying it any longer.

Unfortunately that company says they wont rival EA, but possibly implement into EA in the future. Money rules though, eh?

Listen you God Damn Peasant! I have a ****in MD and English undergraduate from Yale university, so don't pull this grammar ****! I am on a board talking about a ****in fake video hockey game *******. Sorry, my nobel prize in literature is not forthcoming on this forum. Because your *** has a plethora and a myriad of ways of relying on spell check to corect your *** and help that 1% of your cranium thst you use, take your poor trailor park, weed smoking, improper English, fat Mcdonalds typical American *** out of my face. Your commenting on kiddies and grammar on a ****ing video game board. I use these games as a stress release from *******s like u that a have to deal with in the hospital all day! **** Head! (this is the only and last time I will respond to a degenerate on a forum, in fact I am angry at myself for responding) Having said that, the spear stick/injury thing in NHL 07 should be fixed. (you are right) I ****in hate what EA has done to gaming but they got hockey right. I don't know I play 2-1 1-0 3-2 games always. Moron arcadie players (or EA Madden fans) dont. I know how defense is played in hockey (I played in real life for many years) I couldn't play 2K hockey for more than a minute without being bored. (I never mentioned the default camera angle is horrid and the
game is morbid looking) (dark and depressing for you to understand) Remember folks my bashing and begging to 2K over the years probably helped along with everyone else to help bring back APF. I am also typing on my 650$ iPhone with a milimeter keyboard **** bag.
If 2k 8 is better I will buy that with a smile. (it is built on a lesser foundation than Nhl so this
is unlikely)

-The Captain Somewhat angry

PS: EA has to fix the butterfly goalie flick shot as well. Online play for me is similar to single player, don't get the problem. I guess your complaints are do to slow modems?

[CaptainWinkie]

also, I would love for 2k8 to blow the **** out of Nhl 08. I am talking about EA here because it is the only competition and I want 2K to be better. The online in Nhl was very good. Especially the detail of online stats and the tons of details they had. Tough to score going down though with the controller layout. Again Madden is short stubby midgets and am I in that much of a rush that I need plays to occur every 2 seconds and fumble 5 times interception can be stopped if u concentrate. Camera and depth perception is a problem. No one talks about that Madden is still an unfinished port from their PC version. Hence corner cutting. If u have never played a sports game play 2k7 or Madden. (ok that went too far)

[Savoie06]

i was a fan of 2k but since they change the style to get more arcade 'too much hits,special button to make a combo to do a special move, burst of speed, a defence that hit before you have possesion of the puck ,goalie that dont look like real goalie . i been defend 2k since 2k3 but rigth now they of the track.Just so you know the SUPERSTAR moves you refer to that make 2K8 arcadish can be toggled off(A Great thing 2K usually allows).The hitting appears to have toned down by the video thats available and the goalies look better,though I will agree they arent as positionally sound as EA's.Still the goalies in the 2K series have almost always been an issue as they were in EA until this year.

[Vaytch]

The worst thing about goalies is that they are still really really deformed. Just look at the equipment to see what's wrong, goalie equipment doesn't even look close to what 2K has in their game.

EA on the other hand have perfectly fine looking goalies that look and feel authentic.

[canucksrule19]

Who are you to get batas? They dont just send it to anybody. They send to known groups like ign and gamespot. Unless you were a tester for EA, I do not believe that you have played the game. You probably have never played 2k8. I have done testing for EA (nhl 07 on xbox and ps2) and I just hated the game more. You cant really enjoy the game since you just test what they tell you to test ( they give you paper with the functionnalities to test)

Every year you have some people who come to this board and are like (I have played both games and EA is the best!). You wont convince anybody here.

You belong in the EA boards, not here.

EA fans= recent immature or non sim hockey gamers
2K fans= former EA nhl gamers but got fed up.

NHL08---> looks like defense is still bad (just watching those new ign videos) , hitting animations are very bad, 4th liners can do the same move as first liners, franchise mode not very deep, etc

We did get betas and that was back when I was a tester for EA, I left when the NHL project was winding down. And although i had to test a certain area, the game still made me like it more, unlike some other (non-sports) games that when i played it i was like 'this is ****' (out of respect for the company i wont say the games, since they arent out yet, but just think non-sports on PSP and DS). But for NHL it just made me like it more. right now its a game where i just cant wait to buy it and start playing again, much like when i was testing nba street homecourt. its just too good. 2k's game on the other hand is pretty lame compared to nhl 08. i can play it for an hour or so but after i just get bored

[CaptainWinkie]

all we are saying is that hockey is not basketball, football or baseball. It requires finesse, which EA got right. I wish 2k didnt drop the ball on Hockey, but it us their worst sport by far! At least they kick *** in everything else. Lets see 2k8, but i doubt it. Dont like EA but basketball might get a run for its money this year(EA is ****es $$$$$) and this is what makes games better. How much money comes from video hockey sales anyway? Come on 2K, get your *** in gear on hockey?

-The Captain needs a break

PS: What if Murphy (of Murphy's law got into a hockey brawl with Newton (obviously Newton's law) ?

[FSOTG]

The worst thing about goalies is that they are still really really deformed. Just look at the equipment to see what's wrong, goalie equipment doesn't even look close to what 2K has in their game.

EA on the other hand have perfectly fine looking goalies that look and feel authentic.


Not another EA fanboy or worst an employee!

Have you seen pics of the EA goalies they look so wide, if they were real, they would have to pass trough the door the Zamboni use to get on the ice. In fact almost all EA players looks like they weight at least 450 lbs.

[CaptainWinkie]

oh we is not that EA tester guy. He might be a EA plant. He made or tested EA hockey when it was ****, no wonder. Dont post here unless u were in on the production of NHL 07 because for 4 or 5 yrs. That game was crap! You killed EA hockey? Guess thats why u dont work there any more?

-The Captain has scorned you

PS: Done!

[CaptainWinkie]

Not another EA fanboy or worst an employee!

Have you seen pics of the EA goalies they look so wide, if they were real, they would have to pass trough the door the Zamboni use to get on the ice. In fact almost all EA players looks like they weight at least 450 lbs.

In fact the EA players are small, maybe too small. Have u looked at the clunky 2k guys s
and animations. Think before u comment. I don't know talk about how much u enjoyed the 2K movie style presentation or something. (I didn't, but at least 2k tried something new)

[Savoie06]

In fact the EA players are small, maybe too small. Have u looked at the clunky 2k guys s
and animations. Think before u comment. I don't know talk about how much u enjoyed the 2K movie style presentation or something. (I didn't, but at least 2k tried something new)
Why do you post in the 2K forums Twinkie?You've convinced us already your head is up EA's ***** move on already.

[CaptainWinkie]

I'm not reading al these posts.
I'll get both games since I love hockey... and flip the one I'm not playing on ebaY.

From what I've seen so far of both games.... Gun to my head... life on the line... I can pick just one game to own.... it's easily NHL 08 from what I've seen so far.
I hope NHL 2K8 is a game that sneaks up and bites us in the *** with it's overall quality... because NHL 08 is looking Fantastic.


Now here is a gentleman with an open mind.

I like his outlook. I'll probably buy both and return one for full to my hookup at gamestop.
I don't like to guess, but I am 90% sure I will like NHL 08 better. I hope Im wrong and pleasantly surprised. Anything to help 2K make Apf 2k9. Screw the shareholers. (unless I own stock in 2k) not likely.

Great post man!

Enough from ne.

[CaptainWinkie]

Why do you post in the 2K forums Twinkie?You've convinced us already your head is up EA's ***** move on already.

ahh my long friend. I hate EA if u have been reading, but 2ks Madden is there hockey. (2k7) even u will admit they are dragging their heels on hockey. Baseball is good, but with no competition, like madden had, why make the game that much better. Put the football guys on hockey and add finesse 2k. Skill stick even a blackhawk fan makes them even fun to use in the game. You are a great poster keep them coming. Leave out the EA or any fanbou crap, save that for Madden kiddies. ( you are an intelligent guy and don't need to resort to that stuff)

-The Captain

[Onereppin]

Too bad outside of these walls the majority of everyone thinks 08 will be better.

And they are probably right.

[Savoie06]

Too bad outside of these walls the majority of everyone thinks 08 will be better.

And they are probably right.
"Better" is a matter of opinion.Nobody will be wrong in what hockey game they choose.Personally I feel great about what 2K has done with 2K8.I just hope that the energy put into this years game will continue to further improving on 2K9.As long as EA continues to put the kind of effort they have been putting into NHL,Im sure they will.Sadly though,I see the next two years most likely being full of mass improvements from both companies and then things turning back to putting out only slight improvements.

[frosty_budz]

Nhl 08 ( and 07) have better gameplay? What a joke. In nhl 07 (and 08) all players control the same. You can deke like hell with any player. In nhl 07 there was no difference between taking washington and ottawa.

EA fools people by showing how they worked on some player's faces. But they only do 3 faces per team. The other players look the same. Nhl 2k8 will run at 60 fps and will be 1080p compatible.

Dont compare EA, who has been making arcade style gameplay for since their beginning to a company that has been making sim sport titles for the past 9 years.

Whats your problem ? You come to a 2k board to try to convince people that nhl 07 was good and nhl 08 will be better than nhl 2k8. Nobody would listen to you, go start this topic in a EA forum.

If you liked nhl 07 gameplay, then you really S ucked in the game! I scor 20+ goals per game at the highest difficulty. You can slash all you want (the other player loses the puck right away and becomes useless cause he is hurt) and no penalty would be called. When you hit a player, you dont see the animation, you just see your guy teleporting the guy you want to hit. Goalies like to score on themselves....Online is horrible.

Also, the sliders dont do anything. Ask anobody who worked on nhl 07 (my friend worked on it), the sliders were just there to fool people. That is no joke. In nhl 07, some testers found out the game sliders (other than game speed) do not work, so they told the team leader about it and he said "if it doesnt crash the game, then we do not need to fix it".

I was a EA fanboy till 2003, then I grew up.

I agree 100 percent.

The EA fanyboys are just hilarious. Yeah they put out a good game last year, maybe even better than 2k7 in some respects. But EA doesn't do something that 2k does to it's games during their development cycles and that's significantly improve them overall each year. EA is famous for just tweaking a popular feature and not adding much more at all. 2k has made DRAMATIC improvements this year in almost every aspect of the game. The visuals are absolutely stunning and in no way are of less quality than nhl 08, last year I would have to say that it did look a lot nicer.

This will be an easy win for 2k this year unlike last year's tough outting. Prepare for the best hockey game this years and I hope you EA dudes enjoy your arcadey sports titles.

[Savoie06]

I agree 100 percent.

The EA fanyboys are just hilarious. Yeah they put out a good game last year, maybe even better than 2k7 in some respects. But EA doesn't do something that 2k does to it's games during their development cycles and that's significantly improve them overall each year. EA is famous for just tweaking a popular feature and not adding much more at all. 2k has made DRAMATIC improvements this year in almost every aspect of the game. The visuals are absolutely stunning and in no way are of less quality than nhl 08, last year I would have to say that it did look a lot nicer.

This will be an easy win for 2k this year unlike last year's tough outting. Prepare for the best hockey game this years and I hope you EA dudes enjoy your arcadey sports titles.
Well I beg to differ about the improving during development cycles on both accounts.I believe up until this year both companies are guilty of SLACKING OFF.However it's 2K that shouldn't be trying to catch up at this,but still be EA.2K got complacent on 2K6 with a virtual port and 2K7 by ever so slightly improving the graphics and adding the awful cinemotion.While the new camera angle and skating engine in 2K7 were welcome additions,they could have done what they are doing this year last year instead.That way they could be doing more refining and less adding this year and keeping a step on EA.However as it is now it appears they are desperately trying to just keep pace with EA.Both games have made great improvements this year and I believe when it comes down to it both will be rated very closely.

[suspectedkiller]

fyi, 2k outscored ea as a better game overall for years.
ea wins points for cool features, but lacks in total package.

[canucksrule19]

I agree 100 percent.

The EA fanyboys are just hilarious. Yeah they put out a good game last year, maybe even better than 2k7 in some respects. But EA doesn't do something that 2k does to it's games during their development cycles and that's significantly improve them overall each year. EA is famous for just tweaking a popular feature and not adding much more at all. 2k has made DRAMATIC improvements this year in almost every aspect of the game. The visuals are absolutely stunning and in no way are of less quality than nhl 08, last year I would have to say that it did look a lot nicer.

This will be an easy win for 2k this year unlike last year's tough outting. Prepare for the best hockey game this years and I hope you EA dudes enjoy your arcadey sports titles.

HA! EA put out a good game last year? My *** they did. NHL 07 is absolutely TERRIBLE and doesn't hold a candle to 08. I even liked 2k5 and on better than 07, despite it being an older game. and it definately wasnt better than 2k7 (which wasnt that great) after all, your big improvements that you speak of havent really been anything. 2k's game has looked the same for years, and despite their improvements this year nhl 08 will still pwn both graphically (on ice) and with gameplay and with the skating engine that was put in the game (on the 360, skating was awful, looked choppy/terrible, etc. this year it is smooth and beautifully implemented, and the hitting finally looks real instead of that arcadey crap)

As for me being a former EA tester, no I wasnt fired, I left because I was a contractor and my contract was up. I wanted a job paying in the 60K+ range instead of a tester's pay

[Hurtbag McGee]

I actually think 2K5 was maybe the best hockey game ever made. Easily the most challenging and the computer always scored or made nice plays on it's odd man rushes. I think 2K kind've fell off a bit when the computer offense stopped being real creative and doing crazy moves....that said it was still a far superior product than EA for replayability.

I'll give EA credit with the graphics and game presentation but other than that to me it's not even a contest.

I started off with NHL 94-2001 on the PC with EA, than switched to the 2K hockey for Dreamcast and have never gone back. The fluid skating/passing and the customization of the game is what keeps me comming back.

I did buy 07 (actually that game was the reason I bought a 360) and was so dissapointed by the frame rate and online play I traded it in for 2K7 which - although was just slight improvments on 2K6 was still a far more entertaining game.

Still the online goal glitches in 2K7 were frustrating.

I still like 2K better but I will give EA another shot this year based, at least a demo or something. I'm glad 2K adopted the prostick but did not make it the method of shooting.

Also 2K has a way larger variety of techniques to deke/shoot/pass than EA could even come close to. I just get more of the feeling of being on the ice with 2K, whereas EA is good for the graphics/audio...but to me those are things I can do without. I just want a game that has replay value and I can grow with throughout the year.

I love the player editor for 2K and how you can edit rookies into your franchise that will have the play by play guy actually announce the player. That might be my favorite feature of 2K.

I think the franchise mode in 2K could use a few improvements (but it looks like they have made them this year). To me the biggest problem with 2K is that the goals the computer scores are never really highlight reel type of goals - and in 2K5 some of the goals the CPU scored were phenominal, it really brought excitment to the game. I hope they have brought this back for 2K8.

As for EA fans, give it a rest, I mean it's just a video game, and I mean you can't even play 4 vs 4 online so what the hell? EA servers are garbage, my brother in law is a developper for EA NHL and FIFA games and I have told him my views. He even said himself that EA forces gamers to use their servers rather than Microsofts so that's why there is such terrible lag.

I just hope one day they actually make the ultimate hockey game, I don't think either company has and I still believe that 2K5 dethroned NHL 95 as best hockey game of all time.

[gohabs93]

We did get betas and that was back when I was a tester for EA, I left when the NHL project was winding down. And although i had to test a certain area, the game still made me like it more, unlike some other (non-sports) games that when i played it i was like 'this is ****' (out of respect for the company i wont say the games, since they arent out yet, but just think non-sports on PSP and DS). But for NHL it just made me like it more. right now its a game where i just cant wait to buy it and start playing again, much like when i was testing nba street homecourt. its just too good. 2k's game on the other hand is pretty lame compared to nhl 08. i can play it for an hour or so but after i just get bored


OK so 2k sent a nhl 2k8 beta to EA? Amazing!!!

[canucksrule19]

I actually think 2K5 was maybe the best hockey game ever made. Easily the most challenging and the computer always scored or made nice plays on it's odd man rushes. I think 2K kind've fell off a bit when the computer offense stopped being real creative and doing crazy moves....that said it was still a far superior product than EA for replayability.

I'll give EA credit with the graphics and game presentation but other than that to me it's not even a contest.

I started off with NHL 94-2001 on the PC with EA, than switched to the 2K hockey for Dreamcast and have never gone back. The fluid skating/passing and the customization of the game is what keeps me comming back.

I did buy 07 (actually that game was the reason I bought a 360) and was so dissapointed by the frame rate and online play I traded it in for 2K7 which - although was just slight improvments on 2K6 was still a far more entertaining game.

Still the online goal glitches in 2K7 were frustrating.

I still like 2K better but I will give EA another shot this year based, at least a demo or something. I'm glad 2K adopted the prostick but did not make it the method of shooting.

Also 2K has a way larger variety of techniques to deke/shoot/pass than EA could even come close to. I just get more of the feeling of being on the ice with 2K, whereas EA is good for the graphics/audio...but to me those are things I can do without. I just want a game that has replay value and I can grow with throughout the year.

I love the player editor for 2K and how you can edit rookies into your franchise that will have the play by play guy actually announce the player. That might be my favorite feature of 2K.

I think the franchise mode in 2K could use a few improvements (but it looks like they have made them this year). To me the biggest problem with 2K is that the goals the computer scores are never really highlight reel type of goals - and in 2K5 some of the goals the CPU scored were phenominal, it really brought excitment to the game. I hope they have brought this back for 2K8.

As for EA fans, give it a rest, I mean it's just a video game, and I mean you can't even play 4 vs 4 online so what the hell? EA servers are garbage, my brother in law is a developper for EA NHL and FIFA games and I have told him my views. He even said himself that EA forces gamers to use their servers rather than Microsofts so that's why there is such terrible lag.

I just hope one day they actually make the ultimate hockey game, I don't think either company has and I still believe that 2K5 dethroned NHL 95 as best hockey game of all time.

i agree with you on 2k5 being the best NHL game you can buy right now (until NHL 08 comes out) The difficulty and challenge of 08 i think is a step up from 2k5. its also much more fluid and the flow feels like a real game. 07 was much worse than 2k7 ill admit, but the framerate has been increased greatly (for 360 and current gen on PS2 and PC anyways).
as for the shooting variety, i wasnt much of a fan of 2k's push button magic shot techniques, i like the manual shot that ea has not with the skill stick, there are many different shots you can take just using the skill stick, at least 12 that i can remember. its like skate. versus tony hawk with TH having push button combos and skate being all manual, making it more challenging to do tricks but more rewarding when you get them. in nhl 08 when you pull off those sweet skill stick shots its amazing, and much better with players like crosby, ovechkin, etc.
as for online, you can finally play good 2v2, 3v3, and 4v4 online (assuming you arent on 28K dialup :P), plus team play and leagues will be sweet

[CaptainWinkie]

it will never happen, but I will offer 100$ to anyone if they sit down and play 2k7 with me and can prove it was a quarter (yes only a quarter) of what 07 was. 2 out of 20 games lagged online slightly. I use an N router from 1000ft away through 10 walls. If that is the biggest complaint..... Damn! 4 on 4 online? R u kidding? How many times does that happen?What about 08? I hate EA, for what they have done, but it was good for the company. I root for 2k, but never root for a worse game. I guess every 4 years a company revamps their game, so I guess they both have us by the balls or
wallet! Now, for NHL 07 to be given credit on a 2k board that is telling u how good the game was. Who knows in 2008? I will never go on an EA board, I don't even know where they r or if they have one. Also, I want the, and It is the skill stick, not the prostick(like the hit stick) to be all about the shot, not half. Look at APF with the kicking system. Also, you talk about realistic and i love sims, so, I Want No Turbo Button!!!!!!! Slow sim strategy! Talk about realism here except when A 2k games lags behind. How did this happen? Fix it!

-The Captain

Give me your lovely thoughts, I'm at the us open with nothing to do.

[CaptainWinkie]

oh 2k5 hockey was the same as 2k4, I had both and 2k5 was the first game I ever returned. Now 2k5 football is a world of a different story. They was the best game ever.

[Savoie06]

Ok,I wont even argue about 2K7 or 07,because it's hard to call either game better honestly.As far as speed burst goes,I dont mind it in 2K because I usually tweak it to a more realistic feel.The new sprint feature will most likely be turned off for me this year,that is if they made it an option.I like EA's idea for skating possibly,however I hope they made it more so it doesn't feel like all players are going the same speed.

[Savoie06]

i agree with you on 2k5 being the best NHL game you can buy right now (until NHL 08 comes out) The difficulty and challenge of 08 i think is a step up from 2k5. its also much more fluid and the flow feels like a real game. 07 was much worse than 2k7 ill admit, but the framerate has been increased greatly (for 360 and current gen on PS2 and PC anyways).
as for the shooting variety, i wasnt much of a fan of 2k's push button magic shot techniques, i like the manual shot that ea has not with the skill stick, there are many different shots you can take just using the skill stick, at least 12 that i can remember. its like skate. versus tony hawk with TH having push button combos and skate being all manual, making it more challenging to do tricks but more rewarding when you get them. in nhl 08 when you pull off those sweet skill stick shots its amazing, and much better with players like crosby, ovechkin, etc.
as for online, you can finally play good 2v2, 3v3, and 4v4 online (assuming you arent on 28K dialup :P), plus team play and leagues will be sweetYou can have different types of shots in 2K8 depending on what buttons you push.Shots can even be at a different velocity by holding the buttons down a bit longer(much like the bullet pass in Madden).

[Hurtbag McGee]

Well I usually turn my sliders for speed burst all the way to 0 anyway so I haven't been playing with speed burst since 2K5, I agree with you but hardly see how there is a difference. In fact I would say having the option of turning it on is great because when my buddies come over to play multi player (and 4 on 4 happens more often than you'd think, I know I was suprised, you only have to wait maybe 2 minutes tops during high flight hockey season), they aren't huge into the sim aspect so I like being able to have the variety.

I never had 2K4.

I had nothing but problems with online play in 07, it was soooo choppy, the combination of a poor FPS and the EA servers was brutal, whereas 2K's online was just as smooth as against the computer.

As for the shooting, I play with advanced controls in 2K and find the shooting much more realistic even with the buttons. I personally don't think having to pull back on a joystick and move forward to be any more challenging or more realsitic, I like it for the stickhandling but that's it. I find the ability to have a wrist shot or slap shot by pressing the left trigger to be way better for entertainment and realism. Especially when you hold the wrist shot button down that extra bit longer and the D drops to the ice and you can go around him. To me that's awesome and one of my favorite parts of the game, whereas with EA there's no way to shoot like that and the D is brutal as far as AI goes so you don't get that happening as often.

Since I get a discount on EA games I'll probably try out 08 - mostly to be polite to my brother-in-law, but unless they drastically upgraded and revamped the entire game, I don't hold out much hope.

Another thing I find incredibly unrealistic about EA is their player ratings, they seem so random and it's like they are based on what happened 2-3 years ago. Plus the skating is so choppy like they are running, not skating. I hope it improves cause 07 was a dud aside from the skill stick deking, but one feature does not a game make.

[Savoie06]

The skating has improved in 08 but it's really a toss up IMO which game has the better looking skating.I feel 2K8 still looks better in motion(more fluid motions).

[Hurtbag McGee]

I though NHL 07 was better for the PSP than the 360, that's just sad.

[CaptainWinkie]

I agree with everything u said. You can play 07 with buttons as well, don't have to use the skill stick. Also first person never works in hockey, glad that is gone. 2k9 football should have it.

-The Captain bored at the tennis matches

[CaptainWinkie]

Who argues with the second greatest name, to mysel, "Hurtbag Mcgee!" Wow!


-The Captain had the best name

I will disregard your PSP comment

[CaptainWinkie]

Who argues with the second greatest name, to mysel, "Hurtbag Mcgee!" Wow!


-The Captain had the best name

I will disregard your PSP comment

[Hurtbag McGee]

haha, fair enough.

I'm just waiting for the day 2K and EA combine their efforts into the best hockey game ever. It's easy to see that both are good at certain parts of making games.

I'm actually jealous you are at the US Open, I'm a huge tennis fan and would love to be there. Maybe I'll go play some Top Spin when I get home...

[CaptainWinkie]

or Virtua Tennis? Let's have that battle! LOL


I like top spin. Ok I'm done for the day