NHL 08 Demo on the dashboard now

[Rei]

Finally a demo. No 2k yet though sadly

[FSOTG]

Anyone tried it yet???

I'm going to download it right now.

[Rei]

Anyone tried it yet???

I'm going to download it right now.

It's going about as slow as the bioshock demo did when it first came out. Everyone is downloading it i guess. It's been going for about an hour now and it's only at 30% =/

I'll give my un-bias review when i've got a chance to play it.

[Hotsuma]

It's going about as slow as the bioshock demo did when it first came out. Everyone is downloading it i guess. It's been going for about an hour now and it's only at 30% =/

I'll give my un-bias review when i've got a chance to play it.


hmm i downloaded it pretty quick.. i was playing EA's Skate and it didnt take long for it to finish.. maybe 10 mins..


Im having fun.. I dont know what im doing.. but im having fun..

Then again i dont play hockey games so i dont know how helpful this is..

[suspectedkiller]

well here is as far as I can detail.

Its nice, smoother than last year.. I do love the saves, but the goalie slides madly to make up for a loose puck. overall Ea does fine, but its not for me. too much standing around, players stand still and its annoying. I cant take the 1 speed thing and the detection of running into someone = check i cant take it. For a few sliders that may or may not work are not enough to convince me of a blockbuster title. oops ea did it again, they need to revamp that engine.

I'm staying with 2k hands down. demo or not ea cant convince me with that poopy engine
One last thing, it sure does look good when you see player detail, too bad the in-game camera angles SUCK

[Rei]

So far from playing the demo i can honestly say it's a big upgrade from last year.

The skill stick is still difficult to use, it's hard to NOT shoot when you just want to pull off a deke.

The defense seems a little harder than it was in previous games, i'm used to timing a speed burst right past them and then deking the goalie but the D stays right with me and i end up getting a bad angle shot.

Even with shot aiming on manual it seems like my terrible un aimed shots will get magnetically pulled to the back of the net when the should be easily stopped by the goalie.

Graphics are nice and up close player models look great. Sadly the bad camera angle makes all your players look oddly shaped for some reason. I dont know what it is about them...they just look off for some reason.

It also seems like every shot the AI gets off on your goalie goes in. I dont know wtf that's all about but almost every shot goes in.

Last thing, if anyone figures out how in the world you speedburst let me know. It says pushing up on the left thumbstick is a speedburst...but they lie. You get no extra speed by pushing up on the thumbstick.

All that aside it's REALLY fun. This demo has me convinced to buy both games this year.

[FSOTG]

I have to admit it's pretty fun, but the control on defense is not very good, the goalie seems to be pretty weak between the legs, not many players really look like their real life conterpart. It's pretty hard to check anyone.

Still, it's a fun game.

Something funny happened, I slashed Niedermayer with Spezza, I was behind him so normaly I should have hit him on the right arm but I noticed he was holding his left one. So I paused the game and checked the replay, and he finally was right to hold his left arm since the stick of Spezza went right through him and hit him on the left arm.

Rei There is no speedburst in that game.

I can't wait to try NHL 2K8 demo, I hope it's going to be pretty soon.

[Rei]

I have to admit it's pretty fun, but the control on defense is not very good, the goalie seems to be pretty weak between the legs, not many players really look like their real life conterpart. It's pretty hard to check anyone.

Still, it's a fun game.

Something funny happened, I slashed Niedermayer with Spezza, I was behind him so normaly I should have hit him on the right arm but I noticed he was holding his left one. So I paused the game and checked the replay, and he finally was right to hold his left arm since the stick of Spezza went right through him and hit him on the left arm.

Rei There is no speedburst in that game.

I can't wait to try NHL 2K8 demo, I hope it's going to be pretty soon.

What the ****? There is no ****ing speed burst in a hockey game? What does EA think forwards do to get around defensemen?

It clearly states speedburst is up on the left thumbstick but it does nothing. Incredibly lame imo.

[FSOTG]

The longer you keep the control over a player the faster he will go (if you don't hit anyone) No real speedburst.

I've played some more and aside the speedburst there is something that bothers me, it's when you make a pass the player that get it always slow down so much it kills many plays.

But on the good side, it's very good when you have the puck control in the offensive zone, you can pass and you have time to set up plays.

[Rei]

The longer you keep the control over a player the faster he will go (if you don't hit anyone) No real speedburst.

I've played some more and aside the speedburst there is something that bothers me, it's when you make a pass the player that get it always slow down so much it kills many plays.

But on the good side, it's very good when you have the puck control in the offensive zone, you can pass and you have time to set up plays.

Compared to last years 2k, the setting up of plays is awesome in 08. Maybe a little too awesome because even when both teams are at full strength i can cycle the puck around almost endlessly without being challenged by the defense. It's fun but not quite realistic.

They definitly somehow got rid of that arcady feel that they've always had haunting their game though, nice touch EA.

[FSOTG]

Compared to last years 2k, the setting up of plays is awesome in 08. Maybe a little too awesome because even when both teams are at full strength i can cycle the puck around almost endlessly without being challenged by the defense. It's fun but not quite realistic.

They definitly somehow got rid of that arcady feel that they've always had haunting their game though, nice touch EA.


Really good point about the cycling the puck at even strenght.

[AJ2K7]

this game is much better the 07 and alot more sim my players replace my D man if I pinch him down low or there is always someone downlow in the corner I can cycle to. I wouldnt worry about not being chalanged by the AI before you start the game change the advantage to whatever team you are playing against it makes it a bit harder plus Im sure this isnt on the hardest setting. The things I dont like is you still cant shoot on goal until you enter the zone no spin move at all yes it gives a fuller motion for deks but I still think you should be able to pull it off with some players like Crosby. I got slashed and no call Im suprised that was not fixed... Also the open ice move beat the D every time I hope thats just the skill level. Overall I think this game is far more sim now then 2k the only thing EA was lacking was better AI for your team and its nearly perfect in 08. I cant wait to see what 2k has done but Im skeptical from what I have seen 08 will be the better game this year.

[Savoie06]

I like the demo,but I wouldn't call it excellent really.Skating while definately better feels somewhat floaty but with a little weight.All players seem to skate the same speed,though not might just be me.The AI had better be harder on the higher levels,because it's just too easy to set up and move the puck around.Passes are almost always tape to tape.The One on one moves are nice,though I wish that not every player could pull one off with the same ease.Some shots are a bit fast that shouldn't be,but not a big deal really.Using the skill stick to shot does result in some unrealistic shots and goals,if you go nuts with the analog stick.Overall until I play the game on the harder levels,the game feels like a smoother 07,but better overall.

[FSOTG]

Any of you got in a fight???

I did with Neil against I don't remember who exactly and I couldn't even throw a punch, I tried all the buttons, but nothing worked.

Anyway the fighting don't look really good.

The faceoffs ae just the same as they were in 07, they look way better in 2K8.

[Resonizzle]

I played the demo for about 10 mins and got bored of it. Yes it is an upgrade from 07 but it still has that slowed down ea feel to it. After 10 min i put in 2k7 and got online. All I want to know is where is the 2k8 demo. I predict it will be on Tuesday a week from release.

[Onereppin]

NHL 08 is easily better than NHL 07 and NHL 2k7 based on the demo. Still waiting for a 2k8 demo, but I just don't think it's going to top this.

I'll hold judgment until I actually play the 2k8 demo though.

[AJ2K7]

FYI about the D letting you stand around.. If you play on the settings that it gives you then you can actualy just stand in one place for the whole game and the other team wont move and also your players dont move I tested this it was crazy. However I moved the slider to give the comp 100% advantage in player skill and tried the same thing the comp gave me about 2 seconds then sent a guy in to atack me also it was alot harder to cycle the puck so try that you might even lose I also stacked the goalie for the other team I have gone into alot of shootouts since doing that

[hawks41]

I to played the demo about 15 times and it does look good, but like others I will wait to pass judgment until 2k8 comes out, hopefully soon? Overall, the game was smooth, and deking does take time to learn. I will say though that 2k still has my vote

[Subulin Romulus]

LOL.. So, everyone's like, "Goals get magnetically pulled into the net."... "Skill-stick results in unrealistic, easy goals"... "There's tons of goals a game, the goalies can't save anything"... "The D doesn't even play hockey, they just stand there and let you pass the puck around forever to set up a play that will almost always go in because of the easiness in scoring.".. "There's little to no speed burst."... "Everyone moves the same speed."... "The camera angles are complete **** and warp the players' looks."... "The models don't even so much look like the real-life counterparts." ...

And then after all that people go, "Still, a really fun game."

HOW? That sounds like every possible thing that would make a hockey game, and the actual real sport of hockey, complete and total sh*t. What's fun about having every single possible realistic thing be fundamentally wrong at it's very core?

Explain. LoL

[Savoie06]

Yeah I'm not fond of players being able to take accurate shots facing any direction either.The AI hopefully will challenge the puck carrier a little more on the higher difficulty levels.As said it is too easy to pass the puck around until you get an open shot.Passes are WAY too accurate all the time.Some player faces look better,some look waxy(don't know if that's supposed to be sweat or what).The skating feels a bit floaty but much better than last year which really isn't saying much.Defense is better but not close to 2K yet.

[Nightbird248]

So far I agree with most of what everyone has said. 08 looks an plays way better then 07 did in everyway that I could see except when shots are taken from awkward positions an still are accurate on net, how unrealistic is that. Oh, one other thing an I would hope that EA fixes it before release or shortly after with roster update but Dustin Penner is no longer on Anahiem Ducks, he is on Edmonton Oilers.

[gohabs93]

The goalies throw themselves very fast, so just move left then right and shoot..it goes in 90% of time. The shots are very accurate, 80% of the shots from the point reach the goalie, which is unrealistic. You can even shoot in a weird position and it would go top corner at 100 mph .The defense controls are the same as in 07 except that the slowed down the gameplay so that it feels like sim. The Offense takes to much time to get back to defense, even when they do, they put no pressure at all at the point. You can take a player and move freely in the offensive zone for minutes and no one will touch you, the defenders will stay infront of their net and the offense players will just stand there and not do anything or have one follow you and he will give up .

[jclutch2k6]

So far I agree with most of what everyone has said. 08 looks an plays way better then 07 did in everyway that I could see except when shots are taken from awkward positions an still are accurate on net, how unrealistic is that. Oh, one other thing an I would hope that EA fixes it before release or shortly after with roster update but Dustin Penner is no longer on Anahiem Ducks, he is on Edmonton Oilers.

Man if thats all you have to complain about then i think 2k is in trouble. Penner on the wrong team?

[Brandon 2006]

I'm having a lot of fun with the demo. They fixed the problems from 07 and the game plays very sim like.

[HUSCLES]

I have been a 2K guy for years (started out an EA guy) and I'm worried dat the engine to 2K's sports are showing their age. NHL 2K7 was great with its flaws n all and they continued to keep it 60 frames per second (on and offline). Unfortunately, NBA 2K7, College Hoops 2K7 and even All Pro Football 2K8 took a bite on the online frame rate dropping to what I assume 30 frames per second and maybe under. IMHO frame rate is what seperated 2K from EA as well as good gameplay. I played NCAA 08, Madden 08 and the NHL 08 demo and I must say (aside from NCAA) EA is stepping dere game up and even took a page outta 2K's book with making their sports titles 60 frames. I hate to say it but it feels as if 2K is going backwards instead of moving forward, but they did at least give great gameplay with college hoops 2K7, great signature style wit NBA 2K7 and I guess they tried with All Pro Football 2K8 (but missed out on defense) at the same time sacrificing framerate. I hope 2K got a trick up der sleeve, cause the way it's starting to look is dat EA IS LOADED AND COCKED AND READY FOR WHATEVER!

Oh I almost forgot, EA has online multiplayer on NHL 08 and FIFA 08. MEANING FOR HOCKEY 6 PEOPLE ON 6 DIFFERENT XBOXES CAN PLAY WITH AND AGAINST EACH OTHER AND FIFA 08 HAS 10 PEOPLE ON 10 DIFFERENT XBOXES BOTH WITH ONLINE LEAGUES.

2K I'M WIT U TIL THE END (SOME WHAT) BUT WHAT'S STOPPING PEOPLE FROM ABANDONING 2K SPORTS TO GO TO THE EVIL EMPIRE THAT WE CALL EA SPORTS.

[AJ2K7]

Anyone complaining about players looks should watch the 2k gameplay video I mean the players lean on there stick and the stick almost looks to long or something... The goalies still look strange and if you watch they do come out but only for a second and then sink right back into the net to wildley move around and make sprawling saves I mean I watched the NY VRS NJ game and the same problem looks like it hasnt been solved the goalies just make save after save no matter where they are in the net and the only way to score is going to be a glitch goal just like 2k7. I liked 2k7 more then 07 but I think this year EA stepped up and 2k better have changed alot more then just the added prostick or EA will dominate them this year

[FSOTG]

I took the time to check the faces and player like Selanne, Vermette, Redden don't even look close to what they really look, Alfredsson, Heatly, Spezza are close but not quite right. The eyes on many players looks very weird.

Have you noticed the way the defensmen stand before they start skating backward?

For the ones who think the goal by Havlat (in the 2K8 video) looks bad, by the way I do too. I scored a goal with Redden on the blue line and with a backhander, the least I can say is, that wasn't really pretty either.

I scored many goals like in 07, put the stick to the right, bring it to the left and shoot and it goes in.

All the players have the same puck handling ability, that's a bit ridiculous.

[Fuzzy_Bunny]

Am I on Crazy Pills here people. That demo was mediocre at Best. Boring is the first thing that came to mind. The Defensemen skate away from the puck carrier? WTF? The skating backwards and poke check...suck! The Skating and the animations feel stale , except for the transitional crossover, that was nice. The shooting is ok. But even with higher settings this game feels to arcade for my tastes. I don't know about you guys, but I actually LIKE Hockey, not a pumping quarters arcade game. The graphics aren't that good. The screen shots of 2K8 look better. The default camera is crap. The checking and the animation that goes with it, feel extra lame. You know what it doesn't feel like anything when I check some one, no impact hockey. I love the menu system, the strategy layout, even the strategies are cool, the execution of the game play still feels like EA.
-" There gonna buy it anyway, It's EA." -Any EA producer

2k7 is still better than this demo, 2k5 is better even..wait maybe even just 2k hockey is still the champ over any EA hockey offering.

[Wollbaum]

every year i have switched between 2k and EA.... so i downloaded the demo for this year to check it out.... honestly i belive it is one of the worst hockey games i've ever played and i'm not just saying that because i'm a 2k fan. The fact that there is no speed boost and according to EA i'm "not skilled enough player to hit" it just makes the game for frusterating for me.... i like the whole button to hit and trigger to boost 2k did a very good job of keeping everyone satisfied. So for better or for worse i'm going with a 2k game again... EA switched everything up on me to much.

[suspectedkiller]

one thing has me going... how you one time a pass and no matter where the player is positioned he will almost always rifle a shot on net. puck physics are kind of mediocre which kills the fun. The puck is always getting shot 100 mph, which seems odd. and its difficult to take the puck off of somebody, the players move unrealistically and at times on defense it seems no player has a stick until they pick up the puck its weird. it should be easier to take the puck away from the offense.

fun to play until 2k comes out.

[Fuzzy_Bunny]

Yeah, EA Blows, Once you go with the poke check in 2k, and it actually feels like your playing hockey,there's no going back. What the hell is EA thinking, oh I'm sorry is this 1995. Active stick, active Stick

[suspectedkiller]

yes too robotic... i can really trash it if i wanted to take an hour to compile a list of hate. It's fun and all, but its scripted to say the least, you can tell in many many ways its just awkward of a game. For EA, they can get away with madden and its magnetic physics, but not in hockey. Shot speed is always maximized and animations are lame. It looks good thats it. 2k you get the whole vibe of playing hockey.

[ohjtbehaaave]

Just played a few games(1 period) of NHL 08... and it's pretty KILLER! "Feels" like real hockey. Sorry NHL 2K8... but your riding the bench this year. My $60 is going towards NHL 08. If your going to use the R stick controls.... DO IT!!! Don't have the shooting on other buttons so it feels like your trying to pull off a Combo in Tekken... just to get a shot off. WEAK! Get back to work 2K. Making sports games controls easy are what makes them good and fun..... not making something that should be SIMPLE... very confusing.

[BoneThugged08]

Yea, from what I read from the EA guys they said to expect the default setting in game to be 10x more challenging then this. Naturally, but if you guys are enjoying this then it should only get better.

[Fuzzy_Bunny]

Just played a few games(1 period) of NHL 08... and it's pretty KILLER! "Feels" like real hockey. Sorry NHL 2K8... but your riding the bench this year. My $60 is going towards NHL 08. If your going to use the R stick controls.... DO IT!!! Don't have the shooting on other buttons so it feels like your trying to pull off a Combo in Tekken... just to get a shot off. WEAK! Get back to work 2K. Making sports games controls easy are what makes them good and fun..... not making something that should be SIMPLE... very confusing.




If by "Killer!" You mean, Fun Killer! or Hockey Killer!....Then I agree. Hey why doesn't EA just put power ups on the ice and maybe some health packs shaped like gatorade bottles. That will make it so much gooder....

[gohabs93]

Yea, from what I read from the EA guys they said to expect the default setting in game to be 10x more challenging then this. Naturally, but if you guys are enjoying this then it should only get better.

Ofcourse they will say that, but I doubt it will be any challenging. Maybe on higher difficulty. In nhl 07 there was barely a difference between pro and allstar. The players feel dead, they all do the same moves. You can do all the moves with any player. The way the goalie moves from post to post its as if there was a magnet on the left and right post. They did little work in a year. When looking at nhl 2k8 gameplay, it looks and plays very different from nhl 2k7. In nhl 08, the players are still dumb , speciall the forwards when they play on defence, they just dont move.

[hawks41]

It amazes me when a demo comes out, people jump on and off the band wagon and make a judgement without seeing the entire finished product. The demo was okay. Will the entire game be better...who knows?

We need to stop judging 2k until it comes out and we can see if their changes have been a progression or not. I do believe both versions need to step up this year for the sake of hockey.

[Fuzzy_Bunny]

It amazes me when a demo comes out, people jump on and off the band wagon and make a judgement without seeing the entire finished product. The demo was okay. Will the entire game be better...who knows?

We need to stop judging 2k until it comes out and we can see if their changes have been a progression or not. I do believe both versions need to step up this year for the sake of hockey.

I think "WE KNOW" Because that is what demos are for, so the consumer can get a taste of what it's like. If you do/don't like it now, your probably going to feel the same in just over a week. And there is no way to make programming changes this late into the publishing process.

[unanimated]

every year i have switched between 2k and EA.... so i downloaded the demo for this year to check it out.... honestly i belive it is one of the worst hockey games i've ever played and i'm not just saying that because i'm a 2k fan. The fact that there is no speed boost and according to EA i'm "not skilled enough player to hit" it just makes the game for frusterating for me.... i like the whole button to hit and trigger to boost 2k did a very good job of keeping everyone satisfied. So for better or for worse i'm going with a 2k game again... EA switched everything up on me to much.

man all you guys ***** about the speed burst

BUT IF YOU WATCH, THE CONTROLS AT THE START,

YOU WOULD CLEARLY SEE IT STATES

CLICK Left Stick "IN" FOR SPEED BURST!!!!

[bwiggy33]

Yeah it's called you can go at different speeds. If you push the left stick up you go max speed. If you push it half way up you go half speed. Not that complicated.

[Rei]

Yeah it's called you can go at different speeds. If you push the left stick up you go max speed. If you push it half way up you go half speed. Not that complicated.

Pushing IN the left thumbstick or pushing it up all the way or half way does nothing. I dont know what demo you guys are playing but there is no noticeable burst of speed when using the speed burst button.

[FSOTG]

Pushing IN the left thumbstick or pushing it up all the way or half way does nothing. I dont know what demo you guys are playing but there is no noticeable burst of speed when using the speed burst button.


Yeah, you're right about that. The player gain little speed, but it's not what I would call a speedburst, it's more like gradual acceleration.

[Snow Soldier]

I dled the demo. REALLY wanted to give it an honest try again but like 30 seconds in the same horrid animations and horrible defense control and skating just made me remember what ruined the last game. MY gf who's never played a hockey game before and only watched her first hockey game this morning (canada kicking russian butt) pointed out immediatly that her player couldn't skate and even went through a wall... she also pointed out jason spezza was cute....

ANYWAY point is they really haven't improved. beneath the graphics is a HORRID skating engine and the time i got pinned on the boards was worse then being on the recieving end of some bad lag... local play doens't have lag... just choppy aniamtions.

[canucksrule19]

It's pretty hard to check anyone.

Hold LT on defense, it helps alot

[canucksrule19]

every year i have switched between 2k and EA.... so i downloaded the demo for this year to check it out.... honestly i belive it is one of the worst hockey games i've ever played and i'm not just saying that because i'm a 2k fan. The fact that there is no speed boost and according to EA i'm "not skilled enough player to hit" it just makes the game for frusterating for me.... i like the whole button to hit and trigger to boost 2k did a very good job of keeping everyone satisfied. So for better or for worse i'm going with a 2k game again... EA switched everything up on me to much.


HA! damn arcade hockey. learn how to skate and hit manually

[canucksrule19]

every year i have switched between 2k and EA.... so i downloaded the demo for this year to check it out.... honestly i belive it is one of the worst hockey games i've ever played and i'm not just saying that because i'm a 2k fan. The fact that there is no speed boost and according to EA i'm "not skilled enough player to hit" it just makes the game for frusterating for me.... i like the whole button to hit and trigger to boost 2k did a very good job of keeping everyone satisfied. So for better or for worse i'm going with a 2k game again... EA switched everything up on me to much.

FYI you can use classic controls if you want that push button junk

[Xboxing2006]

Am I on Crazy Pills here people. That demo was mediocre at Best. Boring is the first thing that came to mind. The Defensemen skate away from the puck carrier? WTF? The skating backwards and poke check...suck! The Skating and the animations feel stale , except for the transitional crossover, that was nice. The shooting is ok. But even with higher settings this game feels to arcade for my tastes. I don't know about you guys, but I actually LIKE Hockey, not a pumping quarters arcade game. The graphics aren't that good. The screen shots of 2K8 look better. The default camera is crap. The checking and the animation that goes with it, feel extra lame. You know what it doesn't feel like anything when I check some one, no impact hockey. I love the menu system, the strategy layout, even the strategies are cool, the execution of the game play still feels like EA.
-" There gonna buy it anyway, It's EA." -Any EA producer

2k7 is still better than this demo, 2k5 is better even..wait maybe even just 2k hockey is still the champ over any EA hockey offering.

If you think this demo is bad try Madden. I thought this demo ****ed all over the Madden 08 demo. The NHL 08 demo was actually fun to me. Its a little simple and flawed but solid and fun and better than NHL 2k7 to me. Now NHL 2k8 is another story.

[canucksrule19]

Yeah, you're right about that. The player gain little speed, but it's not what I would call a speedburst, it's more like gradual acceleration.

Yeah they left the term speed burst in there for the left stick but they should have just made it say that the more you push the stick the faster you go or what not.

[FSOTG]

Hold LT on defense, it helps alot


I tried holding the LT on defense, but when I hold it I find it even harder to control my player.

[Savoie06]

I think "WE KNOW" Because that is what demos are for, so the consumer can get a taste of what it's like. If you do/don't like it now, your probably going to feel the same in just over a week. And there is no way to make programming changes this late into the publishing process.
Yes but playing the DEMO is oftne on one of the lower difficulty levels and often games don't play too well on lower difficulty levels.Also with a game like 2K8,more often than not,players are gonna need to adjust sliders to find the playing style that suits them;so it's is really unfair to base judgements on demos.

[Rei]

Yes but playing the DEMO is oftne on one of the lower difficulty levels and often games don't play too well on lower difficulty levels.Also with a game like 2K8,more often than not,players are gonna need to adjust sliders to find the playing style that suits them;so it's is really unfair to base judgements on demos.

Ummm...isnt that what demos are for? For us to play them and judge whether or not to purchase the game? If not i dont see what the point of demos are. Ever play a bad demo and then go buy the game? I know i havent.

You dont put out a bad demo hoping everyone understands there are sliders and harder difficultys.

The more and more i play this demo the less and less i like it and the more things i find annoying and aweful. Right now the only thing i like about the game quite frankly is the graphics.

[Savoie06]

Yeah,with any game but MOST sports games I would agree.Sports games generally take some tweaking for the gameplay to feel just right.They often don't play to DIEHARDS likings out of the box or in a demo.

[Resonizzle]

I played this game for about a half hour before I went back to 2k7. They did improve alot from 07, however it is extremely boring and the controls are horrible.

[danick58]

when 2k make the best simulation 2k3 2k4' 2k5 2k6' some ea guy come here and blast the game cause there were jealous but last year and THIS YEAR NHL 08 HOCKEY SIMULATION Is the besthockey gamei EVER PLAY . i think that kush and 2k are of the track and have listen to the fan of nhl 2000 @2006 the one that love arcade game NHL08 IS MADE BY CANADIEN THAT HAVE PLAYED HOCKEY BEFORE . it not a game for casual fan it a game for REAL HOCKEY PLAYER. not the one that like nhl hitz whit speed burst and hit like maden . YOU have to know hockey to really enjoy this best hockey game i ever play and dont forget 3on 3 online whit six different xbox360. 2K WAKE UP BECAUSE YOU SLOWLY DYING EVERY YEAR SINCE 2K6

[Savoie06]

when 2k make the best simulation 2k3 2k4' 2k5 2k6' some ea guy come here and blast the game cause there were jealous but last year and THIS YEAR NHL 08 HOCKEY SIMULATION Is the besthockey gamei EVER PLAY . i think that kush and 2k are of the track and have listen to the fan of nhl 2000 @2006 the one that love arcade game NHL08 IS MADE BY CANADIEN THAT HAVE PLAYED HOCKEY BEFORE . it not a game for casual fan it a game for REAL HOCKEY PLAYER. not the one that like nhl hitz whit speed burst and hit like maden . YOU have to know hockey to really enjoy this best hockey game i ever play and dont forget 3on 3 online whit six different xbox360. 2K WAKE UP BECAUSE YOU SLOWLY DYING EVERY YEAR SINCE 2K6
I'm sorry but your grammar SUCKS!Also 2K has openly said they want to draw in the casual gamer which is why they haven't and probably will not make their game ULTRA SIM.Secondly you have NO IDEA what the game play on 2K8 will be like so don't judge it until you play it.Lastly,while 08 is definately an improvement,I would hardly call it anything close to real hockey and if you say it is you obviously haven't played real hockey.Players that shoot dead on no matter what direction they are facing.Blazing fast backhanded shots,constant tape to tape passing,and players shooting from say between a players legs and getting blazing fast shots on goal.I mean there is plenty that is arcade about 08.Yeah it is fun,no doubt,that is what all gaming companies want,is their game to be fun for BOTH types of gamers.Yeah 2K has arcadish aspects and is no where near perfect as well,but it is fun for lots of people,just for different reasons.People that play hockey developed 2K8 as well.Nationality has NOTHING to do with anything.

[HUSCLES]

I hear some say the more dey play the NHL 08 demo the more dey dont like it. All I can say is, wow. How can u deny a good game? I understand being a 2K kinda guy but damn.

[Savoie06]

Oh,don't get me wrong, I love NHL 08 and will definately be picking it up.Yeah it has its faults but it's still fun.Same goes for 2K8.All this EA 2K BS is for the chickens.

[suspectedkiller]

Yes, I will say this again and again, EA sports SUCKS. Fun for about 5 games, and you did it all. Its sickening the poor replay quality EA presents. I will not waste any time trying to prove this to people I don't know. How can everyone keep arguing about this?

[gohabs93]

when 2k make the best simulation 2k3 2k4' 2k5 2k6' some ea guy come here and blast the game cause there were jealous but last year and THIS YEAR NHL 08 HOCKEY SIMULATION Is the besthockey gamei EVER PLAY . i think that kush and 2k are of the track and have listen to the fan of nhl 2000 @2006 the one that love arcade game NHL08 IS MADE BY CANADIEN THAT HAVE PLAYED HOCKEY BEFORE . it not a game for casual fan it a game for REAL HOCKEY PLAYER. not the one that like nhl hitz whit speed burst and hit like maden . YOU have to know hockey to really enjoy this best hockey game i ever play and dont forget 3on 3 online whit six different xbox360. 2K WAKE UP BECAUSE YOU SLOWLY DYING EVERY YEAR SINCE 2K6


Having played hockey does not mean you are a good programmer/game designer. 2K has alot of canadians in their staff, just by checking the cast, I see alot of Quebec names.

[Rei]

I hear some say the more dey play the NHL 08 demo the more dey dont like it. All I can say is, wow. How can u deny a good game? I understand being a 2K kinda guy but damn.

Are you that ****ing stupid that you have to type in ebonics. It's THEY not DEY. Quit being a ****ing moron...jesus christ.

[MLynch23]

lmao he can type how ever he wants what are you the english police.

[Rei]

lmao he can type how ever he wants what are you the english police.

I'm the help other people not look like an idiot police. I'm also the i cant read what the **** you're trying to say when you type like a retard police.

[MLynch23]

lmao shut up *****.

[Rei]

lmao shut up *****.

lmao lmao lmao. Go read a book, expand your vocabulary.

[MLynch23]

u make me not wanna buy 2k8 cuz it's just retards on here thats why im buyin 08 2k8 sucks **** ***

[Rei]

u make me not wanna buy 2k8 cuz it's just retards on here thats why im buyin 08 2k8 sucks **** ***

Are you saying, literally you're not buying 2k8 because i'm mean to you? LOL

Go buy a crappy game because 2k's forum is full of intelligent people that get annoyed with people that cant spell.

Here try this forum out you might like it

www.EAsportsfanboyswithIQunder80.com

[Savoie06]

Ah,he'll just come across just as many "retards" there and sell NHL 08.

[MLynch23]

shut da *** up 2k's ***

[MLynch23]

rei u prolly live in cheektowaga u suburban *****...hey more money for ea lol 2k can go outta buisness.

[suspectedkiller]

Lynch, It's good to have your retarded views back. You didn't post for awhile and I began to miss you're incredibly hilarious and idiotic conversations.

by the way, from 2kshockey... "They also did some work to make some of the unrealistic one-timers not happen, so if a player isn't facing the right way or is in a poor position, often he will instead catch the puck and then shoot it so you don't get an awkward looking shot."

It's nice to know theres a real hockey game coming out. I feel bad for football fans that get exploited each year by having no competition.

[MLynch23]

sound's real cute.......IT STILL ****IN SUCKS AND THERE STILL NOT GETTING MY ****IN MONEY SO ALL YOU **** SUCKERS SHUT THE **** UP...SO SUSPECTEDKILLER CRAWL BACK IN THE ****IN HOLE YOU CAME FROM.

[Savoie06]

Such a potty mouth!!It's just video games dude.If you NEVER buy another 2K game for the rest of your life thats just fine by me.Go enjoy EA Hockey and leave us to bask in the glory of you leaving.

[MLynch23]

NAHH I STILL WANNA **** WITH YOU GUYS IT'S FUN I GET A KICK OUT OF IT.

[Rei]

rei u prolly live in cheektowaga u suburban *****...hey more money for ea lol 2k can go outta buisness.

Orchard Park actually, right near the stadium. Because i can afford it.

[Savoie06]

:eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek:

[MLynch23]

LOL THATS NOT EVEN BUFFALO GET YOUR ****IN MIND RIGHT KID.

[HUSCLES]

I can't help but laff at yall disrespectin n shid. YALL IS FUNNY! Any way EA's hockey is a good game and anyone who played it a couple times an says he sees the same thing, aint playing the game. He jus lookin for mistakes. If I looked for mistakes in any game, I could find thousands. The skating feels good, the flow from animations needs work, the sounds and commentary are on point, and the over all game play needs a lil work as well. BUT, I STILL SAY IT'S A GOOD GAME.

Not to mention I got my two boys ready to partner up wit n kick 3 other peoples azz. Talk about a team sport. EA SPORTS, IT'S IN DA GAME.

[hawks41]

What cracks me up is that it took EA a lot of years to get to 2k's level. 2k was trying to do realism long ago when EA was still thinking fans wanted arcade style. Look at EA's history, they are the premier football game because they where scared of 2k and had to buy the exclusive rights, then they put out crappy football games knowing that fans have no choice. Then there was baseball, but we know who won that war and now it's hockey. EA would love to have the exclusive rights to hockey, because they are afraid of not living up to 2k. In the end, nobody in these forums is going to buy their game because of something someone says, it's going to be by choice. I truly believe 2k is the way to go and based on all the reviews from so called critics and EA supporters, I am a minority. So be it!

[suspectedkiller]

huscles your either a redneck or trailer trash either way your a moron and you should be slain to prevent future wastes of life you may produce

[Snow Soldier]

Greatest 2k8 advertisment...

commercial starts and rolls buy all the comments lynch has made.

then finishes with him saying he won't buy the game

then a message that says "buy 2k8 and you'll never have to play with this guy"

[hawks41]

Why is it when I check out EA's 08 forum, I rarely see 2k fans posting, but on this forum EA fans mutiply like bunnies....is there no good conversation on EA's forum?

[HUSCLES]

Like I said, I am 2K til da end. But, EA making improvements and bringing something new to the table cannot be forgotten. As far as 2K bringing realism to the table, I agree. I also agree wit you when it comes down to EA buying the rights to the NFL. But, 2K had dat option as well, it's jus EA got deeper pockets. BUT lets not get it twisted, EA continues to outsell alot of companies (maybe cause dey sell on ps2, xbox, ps3, xbox360 as well as computer) so it's hard for me to believe dere worried. Let's not forget this is a business first. That arcady style gameplay dat u mentioned got dem over 4 million faithful customers, so business wise it sounds like a winner. Dey can always bring realism later. Make money first, make real later. I don't agree wit doze tactics but hey, if it works for dem so be it. On that baseball note, 2K woulda lost dat battle cause EA's last mlb baseball was FIRE!

[hawks41]

i agree, but look at Madden, the game never lives up to the hype. I think this is the same for their hockey game. Yes they are scoring higher the 2k and won runner-up at E3, but in the end, if 2k can fix the bugs and lack of goalie intutition and saves then people who like 08 will come to the 2k side.

[Rei]

LOL THATS NOT EVEN BUFFALO GET YOUR ****IN MIND RIGHT KID.

No it isnt Buffalo. It's a suburb of Buffalo. You know the town that Ralph Wilson stadium is, where the BUFFALO Bills play. What is your point exactly? I dont live in the ghetto so i shouldnt like sports games? I dont get where you're going with this.

[jclutch2k6]

... Yes they are scoring higher than 2k and won runner-up at E3, but in the end, if 2k can fix the bugs and lack of goalie intutition and saves then people who like 08 will come to the 2k side.

So you basically just said right there why NHL 08 is more sucessful.

[HUSCLES]

I've been playing Madden 08 since it's come out, I kinda like it in a weird way and I have'nt played Madden since the first playstation (tried em buy never liked em). All Pro's human physics are on point. I believe that is the only thing missing from madden and all of E.A.'s sports except maybe soccer (I may be wrong). E.A is talking to a company that 2K is using for Grand Theft Auto. They make a motion synthesis engine I assume called euphoria. Whoever uses this engine or whatever it is, in a sports title FIRST is almost guaranteed a VICTORY among sports titles.

http://xbox360.ign.com/articles/814/814249p1.html

[HUSCLES]

I jus finished a game of NHL 08 vs the computer and I cant go into detail but this glitch is not accepted by me. Anyway to make a long story short I shot from quite a distance, missed and the defender puts his stick onna puck jus behind the net rides the rail of the net and the puck goes through the rail of the net for a score. When it first happened, I was like, "dats what I'm talkin bout" then I replayed it to see this is a horrible glitch. I can see alot of upset people if this happens to them. I still like the game but damn.......DIS AINT COOL.

[MLynch23]

No it isnt Buffalo. It's a suburb of Buffalo. You know the town that Ralph Wilson stadium is, where the BUFFALO Bills play. What is your point exactly? I dont live in the ghetto so i shouldnt like sports games? I dont get where you're going with this.

lolll It's a suburb of Buffalo.....nooooooooooo it's a suburb of orchard park not buffalo it's not called.... orchard park buffalo ny it's called orchard park ny.And the only reason thier called buffalo bills is because orchard park bills would sound ***. And i didnt say you shouldnt like sports games. The point is you tryin to tell ppl how to type when i dont live in no suburbs tellin ppl wat to say and **** like ur some father...lol u prolly are a father ****in 30 yrs old and **** on a 2k fourm wat kind of life do you have.STOP cuz ur lookin like a real *******

[MLynch23]

I jus finished a game of NHL 08 vs the computer and I cant go into detail but this glitch is not accepted by me. Anyway to make a long story short I shot from quite a distance, missed and the defender puts his stick onna puck jus behind the net rides the rail of the net and the puck goes through the rail of the net for a score. When it first happened, I was like, "dats what I'm talkin bout" then I replayed it to see this is a horrible glitch. I can see alot of upset people if this happens to them. I still like the game but damn.......DIS AINT COOL.


ur a ****in ***** u just doin this to be friends wit all dem other *****es das commin at you first u say nhl 08 is hot but now dat somebody said **** to you u come up with this glitch excuse just to be in the crowd smh.

[hawks41]

While 2k has had glitches, so has EA which is their entire hockey series. Non-realistic gameplay....so no EA is not better!

[Onereppin]

EA's gameplay is pretty realistic...

[FSOTG]

But the control, espcially on defense is very bad!

From what I've seen in the demo, many little things are not that realistic.

[suspectedkiller]

If you turn EA's sliders and difficulty up.. then will you still have the whole team just standing around having two people playing 1 position? I highly doubt sliders will fix that incredibly huge moronic programming botch. So in the event you do have players not standing still (in ice hockey... (UNREAL)) then you cant cycle the puck and make plays as easily, am I correct? So then EA's game would break down, since the game play is based on open ice and having freedom while possessing the puck. And btw EA fans, the sport of hockey is not played like a power play each and every time you are in the offensive zone. There is way too much room and bunching of players on ea's 5v5. So in the end sliders will presumably change nothing because it would result in chaos on ice.

When you buy EA you buy a 60$$ demo. Good luck with that.

[AJ2K7]

And btw EA fans, the sport of hockey is not played like a power play each and every time you are in the offensive zone. There is way too much room and bunching of players on ea's 5v5. So in the end sliders will presumably change nothing because it would result in chaos on ice.

When you buy EA you buy a 60$$ demo. Good luck with that.
The game is on pro level and Im betting agresion is turned down I think the point of the demo was so that you could really see that your players get down low and that you can cycle this year so they wanted to make it easy so people would try it and see how good it is. The EA site says on the demo you wont get much presure also they turned off stick colision so you basicaly thats why you can skate right up to defenders in a crowd cause the sticks dont touch. So I have a feeling once you put it on all-star and turn up agresion this game will blow your mind....

[Savoie06]

It will blow something at least.

[suspectedkiller]

aj2k7 you are a total mook. you honestly think i believe that? Everything i saw of nhl 08 is just like that! Thats my point... its not realistic the way it is.. and it will definitely be a mess if you turn the EA brain up. How can you make it more difficult? Honestly... there is a lack of actions your player is limited too. I cant check I cant actively poke check and the bump detection is not there. By difficulty you must mean the cpu scores at will and keeps taking the puck from you because it can read your mind through the controller input. Like Psycho-Mantis from Metal Gear Solid. heh

Sliders and difficulty levels will not tell the players to quit playing 2 men in a position. and stick detection... WTF is that? my stick is glued to one position on D and poke check is at best a laugh inducing feature. Highly doubt the game will be any better than what you are playing now.

[Savoie06]

The game is on pro level and Im betting agresion is turned down I think the point of the demo was so that you could really see that your players get down low and that you can cycle this year so they wanted to make it easy so people would try it and see how good it is. The EA site says on the demo you wont get much presure also they turned off stick colision so you basicaly thats why you can skate right up to defenders in a crowd cause the sticks dont touch. So I have a feeling once you put it on all-star and turn up agresion this game will blow your mind....Yes the game is on the Pro level and the aggression is only half way up(check the sliders).However,I think the aggression slider has more to do with Offence than Defence.Last year at least,it did nothing for the CPU's D ability.Stick collision could make a difference,but we will just have to wait and see how well it's implemented.The CPU Learning is cranked on the demo,which tells me it's not going to be too much better at recognizing tendancies on the higher levels if at all.

[suspectedkiller]

Yes the game is on the Pro level and the aggression is only half way up(check the sliders).However,I think the aggression slider has more to do with Offence than Defence.Last year at least,it did nothing for the CPU's D ability.Stick collision could make a difference,but we will just have to wait and see how well it's implemented.The CPU Learning is cranked on the demo,which tells me it's not going to be too much better at recognizing tendancies on the higher levels if at all.

When I played, those damn ducks scored 1 way on me, continuously. In the slot.. right on the hash marks a rocket shot, top left corner of the goal. Soon as I see them in that spot with the puck I can call goal everytime. What is that? I see that but my team has obviously been smoking joints and will never stop it. I mean I see it several times a game if I let it happen. So I cant play positional and let my team play as I look for a break out pass.. etc you know. If its a demo I would imagine to see the many ways a play can go down. Not for me, there is no 'learning ai' what a joke. For years dev'ers have been saying AI is their main concern and yet I see 2 people standing in the same spot. Explain that someone !?

[HUSCLES]

Talk about score all the time the same way, u jokin right? I can't even count how many times I scored the same way in not 1, but all my games on 2K7. I used the same 1 time, the same up top corner shot, not to mention the same left, right for goal move. So, let's not talk about the same shot. LMMFAO

[Savoie06]

Guys we can go on all day about what game is more realistic and such,but the truth and reality of it is both games have arcadish aspects.In just about ANY sports game there is gonna be easy ways to take advantage of the AI.2K7 wasn't all that realistic and NHL 08 isn't eihter honestly.Yeah each is realistic in ways,but neither is a truely accurate representation of hockey.

[Rei]

lolll It's a suburb of Buffalo.....nooooooooooo it's a suburb of orchard park not buffalo it's not called.... orchard park buffalo ny it's called orchard park ny.And the only reason thier called buffalo bills is because orchard park bills would sound ***. And i didnt say you shouldnt like sports games. The point is you tryin to tell ppl how to type when i dont live in no suburbs tellin ppl wat to say and **** like ur some father...lol u prolly are a father ****in 30 yrs old and **** on a 2k fourm wat kind of life do you have.STOP cuz ur lookin like a real *******

Orchard Park is a suburb of Orchard Park? You make absolutely no sense.

I'm 21 not 30 and i have no children. Spelling and proper grammar is actually something alot of people care about on the forum, it's nice when you can actually read someones post because they spelled correctly and used correct punctuations.

That's probably why nobody reads what you say, because they cant or their eyes will bleed. So the only person that looks like an idiot here is you.

[MLynch23]

kid the whole orchard park is a suburb orchard park is not buffalo get it through your head

[Rei]

kid the whole orchard park is a suburb orchard park is not buffalo get it through your head

The town Orchard Park is a suburb of the city of Buffalo, it's not a suburb of itself, that would be impossible. I dont know what you're smoking but it's destroying your thought process.

[ohjtbehaaave]

How can 2K make a hockey game with NHL 2K8... where the controls are AWFUL!!!!
Hockey is a FAST sport.... where you rip off lighting fast shots in a blink of an eye. But 2K8 now has you performing button presses like it's a fighting game like SF to to get off a slap shot. STUPID!!!!! If your going to do the Right stick control... DO IT.... with shooting on there too! 2K needs to really get back to the war room and get their act together for NHL 2K9.... because NHL 08 is the only game hockey fans want this year. Get it together 2K!!!

[Savoie06]

How can 2K make a hockey game with NHL 2K8... where the controls are AWFUL!!!!
Hockey is a FAST sport.... where you rip off lighting fast shots in a blink of an eye. But 2K8 now has you performing button presses like it's a fighting game like SF to to get off a slap shot. STUPID!!!!! If your going to do the Right stick control... DO IT.... with shooting on there too! 2K needs to really get back to the war room and get their act together for NHL 2K9.... because NHL 08 is the only game hockey fans want this year. Get it together 2K!!!
Stop listening to those morons at 1UP and form a valid opinion after you actually play the game!!NHL 08 controls aren't all you EA nuts make them out to be.Players facing any direction taking blazing and yet accurate shots is hardly what I want in a "sim" hockey game.The one on one deke is a cool feature in EA,but I would like to see it not be able to be pulled off by just any skater.One of the cool things about the new 2K8 controls.Not all players will have the same deking ability as they do in NHL 08.

[suspectedkiller]

How can 2K make a hockey game with NHL 2K8... where the controls are AWFUL!!!!
Hockey is a FAST sport.... where you rip off lighting fast shots in a blink of an eye. But 2K8 now has you performing button presses like it's a fighting game like SF to to get off a slap shot. STUPID!!!!! If your going to do the Right stick control... DO IT.... with shooting on there too! 2K needs to really get back to the war room and get their act together for NHL 2K9.... because NHL 08 is the only game hockey fans want this year. Get it together 2K!!!

Button combinations are not in the regular gameplay, shootouts only if I can recall correctly. I'm nervous about the control, but not because I read something from people I never talked to in my life and have no clue what I like about video games, but because it might not be as smooth. If they implemented this controller scheme with the same mindset as cinemotion it could be a tragic mess. Makes you wonder why they didnt put a demo out yet...???

Anyways there is classic setting (with alittle active stick work i would imagine on the right stick) and I care less about the skill stick, so either way I'll be happy about the other improvements. Cant criticize it until you play it. EA cant flip me until they buy out 2k..

Besides having the right stick to shoot dosent even work how it should. It's not pressure sensative or remotely responsive to ability. It's the same damn thing as hitting a button. All 2k has to do is pull it off how they said they wanted to and it will be so much better than EA. You only need the skill stick to deke, unless you have pressure sensitive shots. It does not matter to hold the button until you shoot as opposed to flicking the stick. Wasting good breath on this matter.

[suspectedkiller]

I just read that blog on 1up and you immediately begin to realize that people doing reviews either, dont watch hockey or arent hockey fans. Like my previous post, that EA stick rapid fires shots all over the place, WHERE is the bad review on that?! Imagine basketball where you only rifled shots, never using the arch. COME ON ALREADY. I'm sick of this EA god-head of all sports pioneering the movement. I personally LOVE the sound of the new control scheme, having a left-trigger modifier. 2k7 I used the same thing for shot blocks and dragging wrist shots. Which is difficult at first, but then really utilize all of hockey's true-to-life features.

Now, I read that I can now wrist, power wrist and slap, that sounds great. Unlike EA, rocket or missile . 2k fans are going to get exactly what they want and much more, so it seems. Fake passes are new and none of which EA possess. Sprinting past defenders, and getting tired fast sounds pretty real to me. Notice in the NHL when forewards skate their hardest and go to the bench in under a minute... all real, and sounds cool to try and combat the fast players. How many times did everyone see Crosby blow by 4 Rangers... wass that fake, did that not happen??? As long as its utilized properly it will work-and it sounds amazing. 2k I may be wrong, but it sounds incredibly better than last year, and I played 1000+ games last year. What is up with all this bad karma, EA paying the cynics to give bad reviews fearing the nfl 2k nightmares of being outdone in sales??

New in 2k8--

�?? Pro Stick Puck Handling
�?? Pro Stick Defense
�?? Pro Stick Poke Checking, including possible tripping, slashing, or hooking
�?? Pro Stick Total Stick Control
�?? Pro Stick Stick to Ice
�?? Pro Stick Backwards Skating
�?? All-New Face-Offs, including warnings and toss outs
�?? Superstar Moves
�?? Overhauled Goalies
�?? Improved Offensive and Defensive AI
�?? Improved One-Timer realism
�?? Sprinting
�?? New Side Step Dekes
�?? Fake Shots and Fake Passes
�?? Improved Shot Blocking and Sliding

[Rei]

I just read that blog on 1up and you immediately begin to realize that people doing reviews either, dont watch hockey or arent hockey fans. Like my previous post, that EA stick rapid fires shots all over the place, WHERE is the bad review on that?! Imagine basketball where you only rifled shots, never using the arch. COME ON ALREADY. I'm sick of this EA god-head of all sports pioneering the movement. I personally LOVE the sound of the new control scheme, having a left-trigger modifier. 2k7 I used the same thing for shot blocks and dragging wrist shots. Which is difficult at first, but then really utilize all of hockey's true-to-life features.

Now, I read that I can now wrist, power wrist and slap, that sounds great. Unlike EA, rocket or missile . 2k fans are going to get exactly what they want and much more, so it seems. Fake passes are new and none of which EA possess. Sprinting past defenders, and getting tired fast sounds pretty real to me. Notice in the NHL when forewards skate their hardest and go to the bench in under a minute... all real, and sounds cool to try and combat the fast players. How many times did everyone see Crosby blow by 4 Rangers... wass that fake, did that not happen??? As long as its utilized properly it will work-and it sounds amazing. 2k I may be wrong, but it sounds incredibly better than last year, and I played 1000+ games last year. What is up with all this bad karma, EA paying the cynics to give bad reviews fearing the nfl 2k nightmares of being outdone in sales??

New in 2k8--

�?? Pro Stick Puck Handling
�?? Pro Stick Defense
�?? Pro Stick Poke Checking, including possible tripping, slashing, or hooking
�?? Pro Stick Total Stick Control
�?? Pro Stick Stick to Ice
�?? Pro Stick Backwards Skating
�?? All-New Face-Offs, including warnings and toss outs
�?? Superstar Moves
�?? Overhauled Goalies
�?? Improved Offensive and Defensive AI
�?? Improved One-Timer realism
�?? Sprinting
�?? New Side Step Dekes
�?? Fake Shots and Fake Passes
�?? Improved Shot Blocking and Sliding


Great job.

http://eit.utoledo.edu/LSG/Images/thumbs_up.jpg

[Rising Force]

Ive been a big fan of videogame hockey since the "Ice Hockey" for NES came out 20 years ago.
Of Course we all know EA changed the Videogame Icehockey with their "NHL HOCKEY"( "EA HOCKEY " in Europe).
Ive also always enjoyed the 2k NHL series even before they were 2k!( Remember NHL All Star on Genesis and Sega Saturn!?);)
Last Year, while EA had the best game out there with the controls and graphics , 2k won on speed. Seems like year after year, EA goes more towards realism while 2k goes towards action.
Judging from the new EA demo, I would say that EA might have produced one of the best hockey games ever for this year.
People who complain about lack of speedburst, remember, it wasnt there last year either, but the game was very enjoyable. Maybe not as an action game that sk7 was, but the closest you can get to Hockey without losing a tooth!:p

I dont miss the speedburst button, simply because you have to work hard to gain that speed that gets you by the defense. Also I didnt see anyone mention anything about the new and great "release" function. Where you can release the puck and let it go around the defense guy and meet the puck after you go around the guy.

Overall I think both games will be GREAT, the only thing that will kill the PS3 version of NHL08 is the 30 fps.
I wish 2k sports would release a demo soon so we could compare apples to apples.

We should all be happy that we have 2 companies that care enough to release games we can compare and love/hate! We're too spoiled! :D

Last but not least,
Dont judge the game buy the demo... sure the demo is out there to give you a taste, but when you cant change any of the settings, its not fair to the final product and its just a . im,, DEMO !:eek:

thanks for giving me your attention,
peace


:thumbsup:

[Rei]

Ive been a big fan of videogame hockey since the "Ice Hockey" for NES came out 20 years ago.
Of Course we all know EA changed the Videogame Icehockey with their "NHL HOCKEY"( "EA HOCKEY " in Europe).
Ive also always enjoyed the 2k NHL series even before they were 2k!( Remember NHL All Star on Genesis and Sega Saturn!?);)
Last Year, while EA had the best game out there with the controls and graphics , 2k won on speed. Seems like year after year, EA goes more towards realism while 2k goes towards action.
Judging from the new EA demo, I would say that EA might have produced one of the best hockey games ever for this year.
People who complain about lack of speedburst, remember, it wasnt there last year either, but the game was very enjoyable. Maybe not as an action game that sk7 was, but the closest you can get to Hockey without losing a tooth!:p

I dont miss the speedburst button, simply because you have to work hard to gain that speed that gets you by the defense. Also I didnt see anyone mention anything about the new and great "release" function. Where you can release the puck and let it go around the defense guy and meet the puck after you go around the guy.

Overall I think both games will be GREAT, the only thing that will kill the PS3 version of NHL08 is the 30 fps.
I wish 2k sports would release a demo soon so we could compare apples to apples.

We should all be happy that we have 2 companies that care enough to release games we can compare and love/hate! We're too spoiled! :D

Last but not least,
Dont judge the game buy the demo... sure the demo is out there to give you a taste, but when you cant change any of the settings, its not fair to the final product and its just a . im,, DEMO !:eek:

thanks for giving me your attention,
peace


:thumbsup:

Ya know it's funny, whenever a bad point is made about the demo all the EA fanboys scream DONT JUDGE THE DEMO IT'S JUST A DEMO. But when you find something good about the demo you all say just the opposite, WHAT A GREAT GAME! BEST HOCKEY GAME EVER!!!

Seriously, wtf

[Rising Force]

Ya know it's funny, whenever a bad point is made about the demo all the EA fanboys scream DONT JUDGE THE DEMO IT'S JUST A DEMO. But when you find something good about the demo you all say just the opposite, WHAT A GREAT GAME! BEST HOCKEY GAME EVER!!!

Seriously, wtf


Dude
1st of, read ALL that I said! I am no EA fan boy! I love both hockey games,

also get a *****ing life man,, with all the posts you made here,(lots of negative ones Ive noticed), clearly youre the idiot of this village!

You judge people without even payin attention to what theyre trying to say!

I wasnt defending EA for the demo. I will say the same thing about 2k Demo.
All demo's have good and bads. Good things is you can always appreciate the new good stuff... but you should judge the bad stuff AFTER THE GAME is out!

Youre truely an anti-EA dude(which is to EA's benefit)
I support both 2k and EA teams, cause they both have made plenty of great sports games the past 2 decades.

Now change your attitude before I wipe the ice down with you on 2k8, understood!?

[Rei]

Dude
1st of, read ALL that I said! I am no EA fan boy! I love both hockey games,

also get a *****ing life man,, with all the posts you made here,(lots of negative ones Ive noticed), clearly youre the idiot of this village!

You judge people without even payin attention to what theyre trying to say!

I wasnt defending EA for the demo. I will say the same thing about 2k Demo.
All demo's have good and bads. Good things is you can always appreciate the new good stuff... but you should judge the bad stuff AFTER THE GAME is out!

Youre truely an anti-EA dude(which is to EA's benefit)
I support both 2k and EA teams, cause they both have made plenty of great sports games the past 2 decades.

Now change your attitude before I wipe the ice down with you on 2k8, understood!?

Nope not an anti EA "dude". I know when something sucks, and EA sucks. If they didnt suck i'd like them.

Change my attitude? How about you suck my balls.

Yes threaten to beat me on a video game that isnt even out yet.

I read your post so i dont know what you're talking about. You say the demo is great and it's the best hockey game ever, and then you go on to say it's just a demo, dont judge the bad things about it. Let's recap, good things in demo makes it a great game, bad things in demo means it's only a demo. If overlooking flawed gameplay isnt a symptom of fanboyism i dont know what is.

Now change your attitude before i wipe your face with my ***, understood?

[Rising Force]

Nope not an anti EA "dude". I know when something sucks, and EA sucks. If they didnt suck i'd like them.

Change my attitude? How about you suck my balls.

Yes threaten to beat me on a video game that isnt even out yet.

I read your post so i dont know what you're talking about. You say the demo is great and it's the best hockey game ever, and then you go on to say it's just a demo, dont judge the bad things about it. Let's recap, good things in demo makes it a great game, bad things in demo means it's only a demo. If overlooking flawed gameplay isnt a symptom of fanboyism i dont know what is.

Now change your attitude before i wipe your face with my ***, understood?


1st of, you need balls in order for someone to suck on them, 2nd, Unlike you, I prefer WOMEN suckin on my balls,,,, but I am not gonna judge you based on your faqqetness.:lol: Im sure you make many faq's happy with your tongue. Now back to topic, Mr Faqqot

Also get it through your thick head that in the demo you can not change the sliders and the settings to reflect what the game could be.
I said this game COULD be one of the best games made IF EA lives up to what theyve promised. So far Im not happy with the speed of the game. 2k7 with its 30 or less fps, is still faster than this one, but I hope it changes once you can adjust the settings when the actual game comes out.

Good thing in a demo makes you look forward to them, bad things in mind, you should give it a benefit of the doubt.

I will wipe the ice with you and your SHlTTY attitude any day , any game, released or not!

Now ShutThefckUp and be gone! Youre a disgrace to this board!

[Rei]

1st of, you need balls in order for someone to suck on them, 2nd, Unlike you, I prefer WOMEN suckin on my balls,,,, but I am not gonna judge you based on your faqqetness.:lol: Im sure you make many faq's happy with your tongue. Now back to topic, Mr Faqqot

Usually when people are confused about their sexual preferences they'll make jokes about other people's sexual preferance. This is a good example.

Also get it through your thick head that in the demo you can not change the sliders and the settings to reflect what the game could be.
I said this game COULD be one of the best games made IF EA lives up to what theyve promised. So far Im not happy with the speed of the game. 2k7 with its 30 or less fps, is still faster than this one, but I hope it changes once you can adjust the settings when the actual game comes out.

Sliders dont give my players speedburst, sliders dont take care of the constant 100 mph shots that will rocket off any players stick no matter where he's standing, sliders dont get rid of crappy defensive animations.

This could be one of the best games if EA lives up to what they promised? So now this game will only be great if EA does what they say they would, not because of the demo itself. You're starting to change your story already, interesting...

Good thing in a demo makes you look forward to them, bad things in mind, you should give it a benefit of the doubt.

You do that and waste your allowance when the game comes out.

I will wipe the ice with you and your SHlTTY attitude any day , any game, released or not!

Spoken like a true 9 year old nerd. Great Job.

Now ShutThefckUp and be gone! Youre a disgrace to this board!

Says the person that's been here literally 1 hour and has 5 posts. Your opinions mean alot to us all....no really they do....

[Rising Force]

Says the person that's been here literally 1 hour and has 5 posts. Your opinions mean alot to us all....no really they do....


dude , I dont want my opinion to mean anything to you!
Also, The time on this board has nothing to do with what you know about hockey games.
I used to play NHL games back when you used to suck on your moms nips for an oz of milk.
If my opinion dont matter to you, then why the h3ll did you even start bashin on me and my opinions.

Oh,, and , Youre a faqqot :)

[Rei]

dude , I dont want my opinion to mean anything to you!
Also, The time on this board has nothing to do with what you know about hockey games.
I used to play NHL games back when you used to suck on your moms nips for an oz of milk.
If my opinion dont matter to you, then why the h3ll did you even start bashin on me and my opinions.

Oh,, and , Youre a faqqot :)

If you knew anything about hockey games you would not have said, based on playing the demo, that NHL 08 could be one of the best hockey games ever...because it really isnt and wont be.

Your opinions dont matter to me at all, you're just an easy target because you walk in here and decide everyone is going to listen to you and care what you have to say.

Your moms doesnt seem to think i'm all that ***, as a matter of fact it was her nips i was sucking on recently. :)

[Rising Force]

If you knew anything about hockey games you would not have said, based on playing the demo, that NHL 08 could be one of the best hockey games ever...because it really isnt and wont be.

Your opinions dont matter to me at all, you're just an easy target because you walk in here and decide everyone is going to listen to you and care what you have to say.

Your moms doesnt seem to think i'm all that ***, as a matter of fact it was her nips i was sucking on recently. :)


MOMS the word :lol: Its MOM idiot!
So you like MEN and 92 year old women,,, glad you have your hobbies then ,,, she also told me to say HI to you,, altho she likes STRAIGHT MEN, she had to settle for a faqboy!



I do feel like such an easy target,, specially when it comes to a faqqot like you!

[Rei]

MOMS the word :lol: Its MOM idiot!
So you like MEN and 92 year old women,,, glad you have your hobbies then ,,, she also told me to say HI to you,, altho she likes STRAIGHT MEN, she had to settle for a faqboy!



I do feel like such an easy target,, specially when it comes to a faqqot like you!

You have the vocabulary of a 13 year old. faq! faqqot! faqboy! everyone is a faq!!!

[suspectedkiller]

wooow :eek:

[Rising Force]

You have the vocabulary of a 13 year old. faq! faqqot! faqboy! everyone is a faq!!!
I have to get down to your level so you get my point!

You see, when youre in presence of a King, you call him , Your Majesty, your highness,,,etc
When your in presence of the President, you go "Mr President.."
and when in presence of you, its only natural (and polite) to refer to you as a faqqot that you are.

[Savoie06]

Could you two get your own room please so we can talk about the hockey games.

[Rising Force]

Could you two get your own room please so we can talk about the hockey games.
Dude,, look back and read how he bashed me!
With all his posts here, youd think he would have enough common sense to make people feel welcome to this board here,,, but his age and low IQ, prevented him from being as normal and friendly as everyone else here.

Now back to topic please!

When is the 2k8 demo coming out? Tomorrrow!?

[suspectedkiller]

One can only hope the demo comes out tomorrow. Last year the demo was out already. I think it was out two weeks prior to release last year.

[oriolesfan23]

I just played the NHL 08 demo. It was TERRIBLE! I'm definitely buying NHL 2k8 this year. The only good thing about 08 is that Gary Thorne is the broadcaster (I like him 'cause he is the Orioles broadcaster on MASN). But, other than that, the game flat out sucks (compared to 2k7).

[Fuzzy_Bunny]

Some guys were complaining about how 2k8 doesn't have shoot on the right stick and afer playing the 08 demo, I'm glad shooting is left to a button press. I hate trying to deke and then shoot by accident. So I think 2k8 might have a better control scheme.....again. 2K Definitely has a better skate engine.

[AKA AO]

rent both play them alot for a month or whatever time you need then pick one or both, its your money its as simple as that.

[Hurtbag McGee]

Something tells me EA's improvments are really just them catching up to where 2K was a couple years ago (as far as gameplay)....I will play the demo when I get a chance but after reading what people are saying about it - between the lines - it looks like it's a 'smoother' verison of 07 with the same flaws for AI/Glitch/Shooting. 2K on the other hand looks like it will be catching up to EA for presentation/graphics while still having superior gameplay/realism.

[HUSCLES]

I cant help but laugh, if u played NHL 08 and say it's terrible......then I know U ARE A HATER. I love 2K hockey, Basketball and Football (they need to work on baseball a lil mo). But, the fact is NHL 08 is a good game and I can't wait til 2K drops dere demo. I hope it's hot cause if not I've got my replacement. Dat's real talk!


DAMN I LOVE COMPETITION!

[FSOTG]

Have you noticed that in the NHL 08 demo?

When you miss a one-timer, you can't do anything for about 2 or 3 secs. with the player who missed and if the puck stays at his feet, it's even worst.

If you touch a player that is about to make a slap shot, he just stands there with his stick in the air until someone takes the puck from him (it rarely happen, since the control are so bad on defence, you rarely have the time to do so).

[suspectedkiller]

Come on 2k, out with the demo already!

FYI: penguin fans, their new -hopefully not destroyed- jersey gets released tomorrow (wed)

[warrior411]

i have never seen a group of people complain so much before in my life.what are you kids, grow up if you have nothing good to say then don't say anything.one person wrote in another post if the demo don't come out before the 11th i'm not buying it.you know it takes time to get a demo ready to play it's called patience get some already.one more thing i think that the 08 demo is true simulation hockey, and yes the defence is bad why do you need a speed burst button when the players have there true skills ,why can a chris chelios fly down the ice when he's over 40 years old.myself i'm buying both games because, two of them will be totally different.look out come review time because nhl 08 is going to be #1 this year.
p.s i'm canadian i watch hockey, i play hockey! do you?

[Rising Force]

i have never seen a group of people complain so much before in my life.what are you kids, grow up if you have nothing good to say then don't say anything.one person wrote in another post if the demo don't come out before the 11th i'm not buying it.you know it takes time to get a demo ready to play it's called patience get some already.one more thing i think that the 08 demo is true simulation hockey, and yes the defence is bad why do you need a speed burst button when the players have there true skills ,why can a chris chelios fly down the ice when he's over 40 years old.myself i'm buying both games because, two of them will be totally different.look out come review time because nhl 08 is going to be #1 this year.
p.s i'm canadian i watch hockey, i play hockey! do you?


Youre right about all you said except for one thing. The guy that said he will buy the EA game if the demo isnt out before 9/11 has a point. He has tried One demo, while waiting for 2K to give him a demo so he can compare and choose the one he likes the best. Now I bet you the same guy wouldve already purchased the 2K if the hadnt changed the date from 94 to 9/11. Basicaly what it boils down to is competition. You gotta stay on top of things if you wanna win.
I think I am gonna get both games like I did last year, cause I belive that they both will be good in their own way. NHL08 will be great as a sim while 2K8 will be perfect for online play and action style hockey you play against friends.
:thumbsup:

[vanhalendlrband]

Found a weird glitch in the game demo. The anaheim player put the puck in his own net (marchant) by pushing the puck the under the net near the post when the goalie was supposed to have it pinned up under his leg, but the puck wasn't pinned under his leg and it just went in under the net and counted.

Man in NHL 98 they had disallowed goals, even on Sega Saturn. Its not like that never happens but if it does go under they review it and no goal

[FSOTG]

... why do you need a speed burst button when the players have there true skills ,why can a chris chelios fly down the ice when he's over 40 years old. ...


Because players really can speed burst, they don't go an accelerate gradualy. Sure all the players shouldn't have the same speed and shouldn't even have the same duration of speed burst depending their conditioning.

The speed burst is a great feature that NHL 08 don't have and should have, having all the player skating at the same speed and having all the same skills with their sticks (like in NHL 08) is not realistic.

[jclutch2k6]

Because players really can speed burst, they don't go an accelerate gradualy. Sure all the players shouldn't have the same speed and shouldn't even have the same duration of speed burst depending their conditioning.

The speed burst is a great feature that NHL 08 don't have and should have, having all the player skating at the same speed and having all the same skills with their sticks (like in NHL 08) is not realistic.

OMG I could not disagree more, all you 2K fans complain that 08 is not sim enough like. In reality, the real world there is NO SPEED BURST! 08 has it setup so that faster players are faster players and can skate faster than slower players, LIKE REAL LIFE. I don't understand, have you ever watched and NHL game and suddenly a player used his speed burst to burn a defender? NO I have seen them simply go around them because they are faster. Case in point.

[warrior411]

you can complain all you want i'm buying both games like i did last year ea for a sim hockey game,and 2k8 for a arcade game where you can score lots of goals with the one timers ,and then go online where the cheaters are with the wrap arounds. across the front of the net in the top corner, and then there is the little flutter goal you know what i'm talking about right,and i play real hockey in life and after fifteen shifts on ice there isn't any speed bursts left in me.and yes i watch hockey i'm canadian its called hockey night in canada on cbc.hell i watched more hockey than you played in video games. bottom line is nhl 08 is #1 this year so get used to it.cbc was the only channel you could watch hockey back in the 80's and early 90's.
later
i live hockey,i play hockey!do you?

[baandje]

cbc was the only channel you could watch hockey back in the 80's and early 90's.
NBC and CBS broadcast hockey in the 70's. The USA Network offered a full schedule of games as early as 1981. ESPN took over from them in 1986. I remember watching afternoon games from the States back in the 70's. Very weird for those of us who grew up on HNIC every Saturday night :)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ice_hockey_broadcasting

[warrior411]

i thought someone would input there 5 cents worth on this one i also remember when fox sports was showing hockey and they had a blue halo around the puck because the americans couldn't follow the puck around the ice. remember that one. what a joke that was.

[HUSCLES]

EA's hockey might be the sim champ dis year.

[Fuzzy_Bunny]

i have never seen a group of people complain so much before in my life.what are you kids, grow up if you have nothing good to say then don't say anything.one person wrote in another post if the demo don't come out before the 11th i'm not buying it.you know it takes time to get a demo ready to play it's called patience get some already.one more thing i think that the 08 demo is true simulation hockey, and yes the defence is bad why do you need a speed burst button when the players have there true skills ,why can a chris chelios fly down the ice when he's over 40 years old.myself i'm buying both games because, two of them will be totally different.look out come review time because nhl 08 is going to be #1 this year.
p.s i'm canadian i watch hockey, i play hockey! do you?


So, My little Canuck friend. You play hockey , that's cool. But so do I and I am American, and I'm sure a lot of other people on these boards play as well. Usually the players pick 2k. I know I do cuz it feels like hockey, it's great playing after a real game. So I just want more of that. And you admitted the defense is bad, so maybe your just a shooter, fine. I like all aspects of the game offense and defense, but I could care less about goal tending, as long as my goalie is better than there goalie, on the ice not the game.

[FSOTG]

OMG I could not disagree more, all you 2K fans complain that 08 is not sim enough like. In reality, the real world there is NO SPEED BURST! 08 has it setup so that faster players are faster players and can skate faster than slower players, LIKE REAL LIFE. I don't understand, have you ever watched and NHL game and suddenly a player used his speed burst to burn a defender? NO I have seen them simply go around them because they are faster. Case in point.


Sure you're right :rolleyes: all the NHL players skate at roughly the same speed and they can't give a little more to accelerate , just like they all have the same abilities with their stick, like in NHL 08 it's sooooo realistic.

So speed burst don't exist! Have you ever watch speed skating??? Damn they even do it in figure skating, but I guess the NHL players are too stupid to do it.

Edit: Have you ever watch the skill competition the day before the All Star game, when they compete to see the fastest skater, at the start do they just start and accelerate gradually or do they speed burst?

[Rei]

This is in response to the speedburst discussion.

I've played hockey for 15 years, i started when i was 6..you do the math. I'm not the biggest guy out there, in fact i'm the smallest most of the time. The only real advantage i have along with many other small players in the NHL is i can skate faster than 90% of the defensemen i'm put up against. Once i hit the blue line if i have the puck i dont lock on to a defensmen and deke through his legs, i skate around him with the speed i was trained to use. Watch some NHL if your arguement is there is no such thing as a speed burst, watch players like Afinogenov, St louis, Roy, Crosby, Modano, Hejduk..the list goes on.

2k knows this and not only has a speedburst but also has a sprint button which you use to blow past defensmen in a realistic fasion, your player even gets tired after he sprints and will most of the time have to leave the ice from fatigue much like in real life. I think it's a great system and more realistic than no speedburst at all. 2k took their time and made a new feature like sprinting while EA got rid of speedburst all together.

[jclutch2k6]

Honestly all the guys you listed are smaller players who I will agree with you are faster. In NHL 08 those guys already skate around the ice faster than any other players on the ice. Lets be honest in 2K7 all the players had skated the same speed and the only seperator was the speed burst. FSOTG way to rip 08 about guys with their sticks cause thats exactly what this argument is about.

[suspectedkiller]

EA puts speed burst in every one of their sports titles except hockey. So how can anyone have the slightest doubt that players can speed up. (turn on the jets) damn how many times do you hear announcers comment on people turning up their speed. EOA end of argument =P

As for a demo I'm not sure if they are east/west coast time for setting a demo up.
No demo for us 2k fans to base our support for any arguments. Just speculation. Atleast I have a demo of 08 cant complain there.

[Rei]

Honestly all the guys you listed are smaller players who I will agree with you are faster. In NHL 08 those guys already skate around the ice faster than any other players on the ice. Lets be honest in 2K7 all the players had skated the same speed and the only seperator was the speed burst. FSOTG way to rip 08 about guys with their sticks cause thats exactly what this argument is about.

If you're satisfied with the lack of detail in EA's game that's cool, you can have a great time playing NHL 08. For me i'm highly disapointed there is no speedburst, sprinting feature in 08 as there is in 2k8. That's one of the reasons i wont purchase 08.

I felt no noticeable burst of speed in the demo when i skated around with some of ottowa's smaller players so i dont know where you got that info from. Skating a little faster than everyone else is different from a burst of speed.

[suspectedkiller]

There is little difference, but the defenders 'hang' with your player no matter what their speed is.. whoopy!

[FSOTG]

Rei, I hope you're not saying that only the smaller player can speed burst!

I'm saying that all player can do it. Do you remember Messier 6'2" over 200 pounds, Bondra 6'1" over 200 pounds, Paul Coffey 6'0" about 200 pounds, they were pretty fast.

I remember when Donald Brashear (6'2" about 235 pounds) was still in Montreal they did skills competition and he was the fastest skater.

[Hurtbag McGee]

I've been burnt by EA so many times but the demo proves they've improved their framerate, fluidness for skating, and the skill stick. Gotta give credit where it's due. It's got me thinking about going back to EA. I really wish I could try a 2K demo before purchase.

[Rei]

Rei, I hope you're not saying that only the smaller player can speed burst!

I'm saying that all player can do it. Do you remember Messier 6'2" over 200 pounds, Bondra 6'1" over 200 pounds, Paul Coffey 6'0" about 200 pounds, they were pretty fast.

I remember when Donald Brashear (6'2" about 235 pounds) was still in Montreal they did skills competition and he was the fastest skater.

Nope that's not what i was saying at all, by example i may have thrown out a few names of smaller players but my point was speedburst exists and EA fails by not including it in their game.

Good point, i totally forgot about Brashear in the skills competition.

[FSOTG]

It's more the post of "jclutch2k6" that make yours sounds like you were saying that only smaller players could speed burst.