NHL 08
Platform: XBOX-360
    
    Sports have always done well in the video game world. It’s the only place where out of shape people like me can hit a major league pitch, race at Daytona, or golf against Tiger Woods.

For all of us who wish that they were good at sports, video game versions give us the opportunity to pretend that we can compete. Hopefully, most of us understand that it’s just pretending. For example, I might be able to whup Undertaker’s butt in the video game world, but I’m gonna be mighty respectful if I run into him in a dark alley. 

For those of us who dream of playing in the NHL, EA’s new installment of the popular NHL series will put you as close to the ice as most of us will ever get.

Each year Electronic Arts tries to out do itself and expand upon the franchise. Some years the difference from the previous year’s installment is marginal at best. Last year the introduction of the skill stick was a major change but it was met with mixed feelings.

EA tied almost all of the skaters actions into the thumb sticks. How you moved and how you handled the puck was suddenly tied into the two thumb sticks. This was a radical change from the NHL installments of the past. Some gamers hated it and preferred to play the game with the “classic controls”. Other gamers enjoyed the breath of fresh air that the altered controls brought to the franchise.

This year the skill stick is back. This offers the players greater control over their movements than ever before. New player dekeing abilities allow you to outplay your opponents and get the puck up the ice quicker than ever before. The game offers some pretty substantial hits as well (there’s nothing like hip checking someone out of the blue, then trying to look innocent as the ref skates over). The game just feels right!

The graphics are outstanding!  The game looks great and it plays exceptionally smoothly. The player creation controls are truly robust and they allow you to change just about every detail imaginable. I’ve bought every NHL installment since ’04 and this is easily the best of the bunch. If you like hockey, then do not hesitate to buy this game.