[360,PS3] - NHL2K8 vs. NHL08

[bapenguin]

Very few video game sports franchises are left with competition thanks to companies snapping up monopolistic licenses. Thankfully hockey isn't one of them. The competition should allow for more features, and more innovation from year to year. With games from EA Sports and 2K Sports both out within days of each other, it's sometimes difficult to decide which title to choose. So with that I've played a bunch of games (at least 15 in each) of this year's Hockey titles to tell you the low down.


The Fight

Graphics: While NHL2k8 has a beefed up graphics engine compared to last year, the overall look is still somewhat behind NHL08. NHL08 has vibrant colors and incredible lighting engine, while 2K8 just has a flat look to it. The real problem comes in the default view. That's not to say 2K8 looks bad, in fact the crowds in 2k8 are much better looking than NHL08, but overall the effects and the small touches go to NHL08. NHL08 just seems to sport better animations which yields a much smoother looking hockey experience.

Winner: NHL08
http://www.evilavatar.com/images/thumbs/nhlvs.jpg

Presentation: NHL2K8 got a complete overhaul for it's presentation including the menus, stats overlay and more. While this is a much needed upgrade, the new menus still bury options quite a few levels deep. I do like the new slider types, and there are quite a few new replay cams that offer a unique look at the action. NHL08 features the same menu system that we've seen in the past 2 years on EA Sports games, and that's not a good thing. I really can't figure out who designs the UI at these studios but they need a severe talking to about usability. In game presentation is top notch on EA's game, including improved statistical overlays, some great audio and music.

Winner: Tie


Audio: NHL2K8's audio is definitely a weak point. While the music isn't bad, it's nothing to write home about. The commentary is simply atrocious with flat monotone delivery and broken flow to the play by play. The same audio bugs still exist as well, with the wrong player names, team names and just general errors being said. NHL08 is an overall solid experience with the audio. The commentary just sounds natural and the music seems to have more punch to it. It just sounds like you are watching a hockey broadcast.

Winner: NHL08


Franchise: The franchise mode on NHL2K8 is extremely deep and customizable. You are able to adjust anything from the salary cap, to the games played, and even have a fantasy draft. There are even advanced options like growing the salary cap from year to year and player development. While the Dynasty mode on NHL08 is decent enough, it simply lacks the depth and options of 2K8. If adjusting prices for popcorn is your idea of deep, then NHL08 is for you, but if you want to tweak with the core of a franchise 2K8 takes the cake.

Winner: NHL2k8


Controls: Last year EA innovated video game hockey by bringing out their Skill Stick control. Using the right analog stick players had complete control to deke, check and shoot all without tedious button combos. This year the Skill Stick returns and has been tweaked up to allow easier use on defense for poke checking. There is also a lack of speed burst in NHL08 which I find frustrating, but not detreimental. Not to be out done, 2K Sports created their own version of the Skill Stick system dubbed ProStick. The 2K version of this system is much deeper and allows not only advanced shooting options, but deking and passing. It does this leaving little room for error with your intended action. On EA's method I've found it easy to accidentally shoot, while on 2Ks your action is much more defined. Unfortunately this yields a much higher learning curve to the control method in 2K Sports. Everything is very contextual on not only where your guy is and where your stick is in relation to the puck. The be all and end all of this is that it yields an incredibly realistic experience, which unfortunately doesn't necessarily translate into a more fun experience. The controls are frustrating at times, and also yield some serious hand cramps. 2K Sports also added SuperStar moves which are initiated with a two button combo while on break aways. While these moves are incredibly awesome to pull off, they are incredibly difficult to cash in on and actually score.

Winner: NHL08


Gameplay: With any hockey game, gameplay should be the most important factor. How does the game feel? How do the players move? Do they use plays? I'll start with NHL2K8. The default settings in the game are incredibly arcadey with big hits and frantic non stop end to end action. I immediately changed the sliders to the Sim setting which yielded slightly better results. The hitting was toned down, and the speed bursts in the game weren't as pronounced. I found that if I wanted to play an end to end style game, it wasn't difficult, but it was much easier to cycle the puck and just generally play a good game of hockey. The goalies in NHL2K8 seem exactly the same as last year, with obvious bounding boxes for stopping pucks instead of pucks realistically reacting to their pads. Other than that, the puck physics are done extremely well and the yield fairly realistic results.

NHL08 on it's default settings is a much more realistic experience out of the box. Players move to open spaces, defense men pinch in, and cycling the puck to set up one timers works beautifully. Goalies react to the puck extremely realistically, and there's even different style of goalie play based on the player. The puck physics seem pretty accurate, though there are times I wonder how a puck got moving as fast as it did. If there's one downside to EA's game it's the hitting. Using the right stick to hit just seems silly, and a lot of times you'll find your guy "snapping" to the opposing player to trigger off the hitting animation instead of actually being next to him and checking him. It's a minor annoyance, but an annoyance none the less.


Annoyances: Honestly, when it comes down to it neither came is anywhere close to perfect. I thought I'd list my annoyances with each title, so in essence you can see which game has the lesser of two evils.

NHL 2K8 Annoyances:
The controls have a REALLY strong learning curve.
The graphics really aren't that much of an improvement. Only in closeups.
The default slider setting is horrible, for anything close to realistic SIM must be chosen.
Some really odd puck physics

NHL08 Annoyances:
The controls are touchy, it's easy to shoot when you don't mean to.
The passing game is atrocious. The inability to pass to open spaces is sorely missed.
Lack of separate line changes for defense is inexcusable.
"Snap to" checking animations
Constantly Checking for Rosters to Play Online


Bottom Line: The bottom line is that NHL08 has more hockey things happen in it than 2K8. NHL08 yields a much smoother hockey experience that's simply more fun to play. It really is a shame as to what has happened to the NHL2K brand in the past few years, as the series used to be the definitive hockey game. Thankfully competition allows for growth, as we've seen with EA stepping up to the plate (or puck) with the NHL franchise.

Scores:
NHL08: 4 out of 5 http://www.evilavatar.com/images/icons/e4.jpg
NHL2k8: 3 out of 5 http://www.evilavatar.com/images/icons/e3.jpg

[Haemorrhage]

Excellent synopsis of both games Bap. I have seen you online playing both games a lot lately so I was curious if you would be posting a review like this soon. I have been a 2K fan for many years now, but have recently switched back to the dark side.

NHL 08 is the first EA hockey game I have owned since the classic NHL '94. Overall the game is very well done, especially the online play and the new Team Play option.

Keep up the good work.

[Serapth]

You missed my biggest complaint with NHL08.

It cheats, like a motherfucker. I am not playing Franchise mode anymore, because on pro settings, simply put this game cheats.

If I have a solid first period and walk away with a 3-0 or 4-0 lead, I KNOW I am going to lose. All of a sudden my goalie ( Kippy ) goes from a .900%+ save percentage, to about a .400% save percentage. At the same time, the oppositions goal tending goes to a .999% percent save percentage. Its fucking irritating as hell. I have seen my goalie let 4 goals on 10 shots probrably half a dozen times now... and I have only played about 15 - 20 games sofar. Hell, I had one game where I outshot the opposition about 95 to 12, and lost 3-1.

On the gameplay side, you can tell they are happy with their new deke system, as dekes and fakes are by far the best way to score against the AI. Simply put, one timers just dont seem to work. Goalies all develop Hasek like reflexs and bound from post to post, save after save after save. Lastly, normal checking seems gimped and poke checks uber.

None of these complaints seem to carry over to on Live. Scoring is more balanced between types, one timers work, all checks seem more balanced, and goalies cant dont decide the game near as much.

Simply put, cheap AI tactics really ruin the Pro mode. Online though, seems great, minus some poor controls when lag sets in.

[Suave Peanut]

Very well written. Admittedly, I'd prefer 2K to have the better sports game so that we wouldn't have to support EA :rolleyes:, but in the end, this competition will lead to better hockey games, and 2K should learn from their mistakes this year.

Another complaint, or annoyance perhaps, is that several people (myself included) have repeatedly been getting disc errors with NHL 08 which results in an unnecessary loss in online play. An option to take the win or not when your opponent disconnects would be very nice. I'd also like for the online leagues to be more or a full-features fantasy experience, but maybe that's getting my hopes up too much.

[Haemorrhage]

You missed my biggest complaint with NHL08.

It cheats, like a motherfucker.

Isn't that what EA refers to as "Adaptive AI" :D

[NationalKato]

I bought both games this year, where in the previous three years I've bought and played only 2K's offering. I find something to like in each, but still gravitate to the customization options of 2K8 over EA's version. Yes, the new default ProStick controls are awkward, but I am finding the ProStick Classic mode, which keeps the pass and shoot buttons on the face of the gamepad, to be a suitable and comfortable compromise.

I also haven't tried out the NHL08 online league feature, but trust 2K to deliver every year in that regard.

Ultimately, since my online sim league is using 2K8 this year, I will be putting most of my hockey playtime into that game.

[gzsfrk]

I never thought of myself as a graphics whore until I played the 360 demos for both NHL2k7 and NHL07 earlier this year. 2k7 seemed to play better, due to a smoother frame rate, but the visuals in NHL07 really hooked me. Now, with the solid 60fps on the 360 version of NHL08 to go along with the fantastic looks, NHL08 once again got the nod.

Having talked with a bunch of NHL-game-players on my friends list, I got the impression that last year, 2k7 was the choice for the serious player due to the smoother gameplay and good online support. Haven't talked to any of them about the 2k8/08 offerings yet, but I wonder if a good number of them haven't jumped ship?

[grandepolloloco]

You missed my biggest complaint with NHL08.

It cheats, like a motherfucker. I am not playing Franchise mode anymore, because on pro settings, simply put this game cheats.

If I have a solid first period and walk away with a 3-0 or 4-0 lead, I KNOW I am going to lose. All of a sudden my goalie ( Kippy ) goes from a .900%+ save percentage, to about a .400% save percentage. At the same time, the oppositions goal tending goes to a .999% percent save percentage. Its fucking irritating as hell. I have seen my goalie let 4 goals on 10 shots probrably half a dozen times now... and I have only played about 15 - 20 games sofar. Hell, I had one game where I outshot the opposition about 95 to 12, and lost 3-1.

On the gameplay side, you can tell they are happy with their new deke system, as dekes and fakes are by far the best way to score against the AI. Simply put, one timers just dont seem to work. Goalies all develop Hasek like reflexs and bound from post to post, save after save after save. Lastly, normal checking seems gimped and poke checks uber.

None of these complaints seem to carry over to on Live. Scoring is more balanced between types, one timers work, all checks seem more balanced, and goalies cant dont decide the game near as much.

Simply put, cheap AI tactics really ruin the Pro mode. Online though, seems great, minus some poor controls when lag sets in.

I've been playing dynasty on pro since the game came out. I'm not sure why you're having so many issues cause as it stands I'm like 30 games in and I've already gone on two 5 game winning streaks and I'm now at about 18 wins and a few overtime losses . I really don't have any issues with them cheating at all.

[Suave Peanut]

I've been playing dynasty on pro since the game came out. I'm not sure why you're having so many issues cause as it stands I'm like 30 games in and I've already gone on two 5 game winning streaks and I'm now at about 18 wins and a few overtime losses . I really don't have any issues with them cheating at all.

You, sir, are lucky. The AI pretty much hates the rest of us.

[Serapth]

I've been playing dynasty on pro since the game came out. I'm not sure why you're having so many issues cause as it stands I'm like 30 games in and I've already gone on two 5 game winning streaks and I'm now at about 18 wins and a few overtime losses . I really don't have any issues with them cheating at all.

I am starting to wonder if maybe its a team thing. The fact I always pick the Calgary flames. I have noticed as a trend, going with my backup goalie seems to result in alot more wins, which is BS as McLennon is shit compared to Kippy. Infact, the only shutout I have acheived was with the backup in net. I should try another team, but frankly, I dont want to.

On the other hand, I was talking to a friend lastnight who recently got the game and said he is experiencing almost identical issues to me and he is a (misguided) Leafs fan, so I doubt its a team thing. [ Unless of course Van is uber in the game, given where the game is made ]


Note, on Normal ( or easy, whatever not pro is ), non of this happens.

[grandepolloloco]

I am starting to wonder if maybe its a team thing. The fact I always pick the Calgary flames. I have noticed as a trend, going with my backup goalie seems to result in alot more wins, which is BS as McLennon is shit compared to Kippy. Infact, the only shutout I have acheived was with the backup in net. I should try another team, but frankly, I dont want to.

On the other hand, I was talking to a friend lastnight who recently got the game and said he is experiencing almost identical issues to me and he is a (misguided) Leafs fan, so I doubt its a team thing. [ Unless of course Van is uber in the game, given where the game is made ]


Note, on Normal ( or easy, whatever not pro is ), non of this happens.


I'm not sure how you play as we haven't played each other on live yet but I have noticed that if you just play kill the man with the puck it never works. I tried that for the first few games I played and I was getting owned. Now whenever I play I actually cover the open man and take out the passing lanes. It really limits the chances they get. You might want to try play a bit more of a defensive style see if that helps.

[bapenguin]

@Serapth

You know...honestly every sports video game seems to cheat. That's just how it is. It's funny, but if you read my NBA 2k8 preview one of the features the developer touted was that the AI doesn't cheat. He specifically used those words and described how the AI would play the game. So with that, I think that's a blatant admission that the AI does cheat in sports videos games, and the only thing to do is to exploit the game and cheat yourself. :)

[Serapth]

I'm not sure how you play as we haven't played each other on live yet but I have noticed that if you just play kill the man with the puck it never works. I tried that for the first few games I played and I was getting owned. Now whenever I play I actually cover the open man and take out the passing lanes. It really limits the chances they get. You might want to try play a bit more of a defensive style see if that helps.

90 - 12 shots on goal is a pretty good defensive game. :)

I generally play position, cycle the puck to create offensive chances, drop in low to protect the goal area, etc.. Majority of time, attack zone is massively in my favor, as are almost all other meaningful stats. I try to play defensive hockey in my zone, it just doesnt seem to matter. Hell, if the game decides the opponent is going to score, a blue line dump in can go in.

And like I said, gameplay online is completely different. I only experience this in pro franchise.

[Serapth]

@Serapth

You know...honestly every sports video game seems to cheat. That's just how it is. It's funny, but if you read my NBA 2k8 preview one of the features the developer touted was that the AI doesn't cheat. He specifically used those words and described how the AI would play the game. So with that, I think that's a blatant admission that the AI does cheat in sports videos games, and the only thing to do is to exploit the game and cheat yourself. :)

See... I only play NHL games and this is my first since 04. So, no, I dont know that. :D

It completely ruins the game for me, to be honest. Its sorta like the game is playing itself and you are just a viewer.

[grandepolloloco]

90 - 12 shots on goal is a pretty good defensive game. :)

I generally play position, cycle the puck to create offensive chances, drop in low to protect the goal area, etc.. Majority of time, attack zone is massively in my favor, as are almost all other meaningful stats. I try to play defensive hockey in my zone, it just doesnt seem to matter. Hell, if the game decides the opponent is going to score, a blue line dump in can go in.

And like I said, gameplay online is completely different. I only experience this in pro franchise.

Thats really really strange.. I mean I've had some games where the AI has had some really good comebacks but I can always manage to shut them down and limit the ammount of goals they score. I think I've only allowed more than 3 goals once since I started playing and I'm usually scoring 4-6 goals a game. Maybe you just need to realize that canadian teams suck? :D

[Serapth]

Thats really really strange.. I mean I've had some games where the AI has had some really good comebacks but I can always manage to shut them down and limit the ammount of goals they score. I think I've only allowed more than 3 goals once since I started playing and I'm usually scoring 4-6 goals a game. Maybe you just need to realize that canadian teams suck? :D

Them is fighting words!

I am curious, are you using the same team every time in franchise mode?

[grandepolloloco]

Them is fighting words!

I am curious, are you using the same team every time in franchise mode?

Yes, I'm using the devils. I know Brodeur is god and all but I've actually had to pull him once.

[Serapth]

Yes, I'm using the devils. I know Brodeur is god and all but I've actually had to pull him once.

Now I know the game is fucked! There is no way the devils could score 4 - 6 goals a game!!!

:D

[grandepolloloco]

Now I know the game is fucked! There is no way the devils could score 4 - 6 goals a game!!!

:D

LOL then apparently you haven't been paying attention to preseason hockey :) And oh how everyone forgets 2000 and 2001 when the devils were the highest scoring team in the league :)

[Knite]

Yes, I'm using the devils. I know Brodeur is god and all but I've actually had to pull him once.

Brodeur reminds me of that old commercial that ESPN used to run where the a goalie was blocking all sorts of rediculous shots in practice. Then the goalie skates away for a second and a slapshot comes into the screen and bounces off a sheet of plexiglass that was put in front of the goal. hehe.

Speaking of amusing hockey commercials...
Q4ghL3yWD-I

[sprankton]

I'm not sure how you play as we haven't played each other on live yet but I have noticed that if you just play kill the man with the puck it never works. I tried that for the first few games I played and I was getting owned. Now whenever I play I actually cover the open man and take out the passing lanes. It really limits the chances they get. You might want to try play a bit more of a defensive style see if that helps.

I agree, I have yet to have a game like that. I have yet to out score someone 4-0 and have them come back and win. I have had some good shootouts resulting in a 3-4 win or 4-2 because of an empty goal score, but I thought the game was good and took advantage of what it was doing wrong and fix it.

I would understand if it got cheap goals and my goalie sucked all of a sudden with missing pucks that should not be goals.

[Ted Huge]

On the other hand, I was talking to a friend lastnight who recently got the game and said he is experiencing almost identical issues to me and he is a (misguided) Leafs fan, so I doubt its a team thing. [ Unless of course Van is uber in the game, given where the game is made ]

I think there's a syntactic error in your post, above. I believe you meant to say "He is experiencing almost identical issues to me and he, being wise beyond measure, is a Leafs fan..."

;)

[Ted Huge]

LOL then apparently you haven't been paying attention to preseason hockey :) And oh how everyone forgets 2000 and 2001 when the devils were the highest scoring team in the league :)

Though perhaps YOU, in turn, are forgetting last year, when the only Eastern Conference team to score less than Jersey was Philly.

I think Serapth is right....the only way Jersey gets 6 goals this season is if Sutter gets all of his brothers to come play for him (though this would put them astronomically over the 23 man roster limit......Ma' Sutter was a busy woman.)

[ColdForged]

The goalies in NHL2K8 seem exactly the same as last year

Then either you haven't spent time in NHL2K7 or you haven't spent time in NHL2K8. The goalies in NHL2K7 were atrocious, falling back to pre-NHL2K5 levels instead of moving forward. They were unbeatable aside from very fast one-timers which wouldn't be so bad if that was because they were positionally sound but they weren't. They stood on the goal line and simply had an inhuman glove. They didn't work angles, they didn't come out to challenge, they were simply dumb walls.

The goalies in 2K8 are completely revitalized. You'll often see certain goalies -- at least on difficulty levels higher than Pro -- popping out of the crease to challenge shooters, sprawling for multiple saves and trying desperately to gets views of the puck through screens. I never thought I'd be able to say it, but to me the goalies in 2K8 play better goalie than NHL08's goalies. They have realistic weaknesses and realistic strengths, they play the angles and challenge quite convincingly when appropriate. They seem to have more variety to them than EA's games have had. I was amazed last year when the Panthers came to Raleigh and I watched Alex Auld play as playing NHL07 really looked just like how Auld plays... but that doesn't help much if you're seeing, for instance, Hasek in-game since there's not enough variety to tell him apart. 2K goalies have that variety. And I've yet to see a "bounding box" save that the goalie wasn't positionally in place to handle. Both games, unfortunately, have "puck suction" in them to some degree or other.

NHL08's goalies unbelievably took a small step backwards from '07. They will quite often misplay a puck at their feet or lose sight of a puck nearby and just sort of freeze leading to entirely frustrating garbage goals. They seem to have gotten rid of '07's terrible goalie reactions to pucks that creep toward them from the blue line -- in '07 the goalie would deflect this slow-moving puck like a shot, leaving it at their feet for the charging CPU foward to tap between their feet -- but they did it at the expense of an overall feel of not quite being observant enough. Well, unless it's the CPU's AI goalie on All Star or better...

People have mentioned cheating AI. What's worse is the difficulty gap and the affect on your AI team in NHL08. At Pro difficulty I really can't lose anymore. With the over-cautious CPU AI letting me set up at will in the zone and the less-than-stellar defensemen at Pro AI giving me decent chances on even 2 on 2 rushes, it's a matter of very little patience to get goals. Then I just lock down the D hard and the CPU has no chance. On All Star, the next highest difficulty, I cannot win. Sure, I get my chances and can set up plays in the zone still, but even the worst opposing goalie in the league is just perfect. Perfect, fast one-timers are covered with ease, slappers from the point have no chance at all, and even garbage goals are few and far between. In contrast the CPU lasers top shelf shots from just about anywhere on the ice directly over my goalie's blocker side at will. Even moderate shots at the point have a good chance of finding net past my goalies. The CPU defensive AI on All Star for your teammates is actually harmful, causing you to madly switch back and forth between defensemen because you simply can't rely on the CPU to handle the defense appropriately. Leave it in the CPU AI's hands and the opposing CPU AI will find cross-crease one-timers over and over and over.

I'm really amazed at the "controls controversy" and the only thing I can think of is that people got so used to NHL07's controls -- and I include myself in that number as I played NHL07 until my fingers were numb whereas I sold NHL2K7 before the end of 2006 -- that any change feels wrong. I will preface this by saying you should go right now, all of you with 2K8, and switch to the option to skate backwards with only the left trigger. By default backwards skating works as a toggle by pulling both triggers and is the single worst change to the controls. Luckily, there's a preference setting for it. Now, ignoring the "superstar moves" which seem like fluff to me anyway, the only real big change is that you don't shoot by pushing forward on the right thumbstick in 2K. You push a bumper. Oh and you check with a button too. That's it, that's the big "God, they're so hard" moment.


In both games you skate with the left thumbstick and move the stick around with the right.
In both games you push some button -- a trigger for '08, a bumper for 2K8 -- to pass.
In both games you push a button -- a bumper for '08, X button for 2K8 -- to saucer pass or pass to the open (for shame, bapenguin, you can pass into the open in both games and some people complain because they're both too analog as you get no pass assist at all).
In both games (if you switched the control preference above as I suggested) you pull the left trigger to skate backwards except in 2K8 it actually listens to you all the time instead of NHL08's quirky implementation where it decides that you really need to be skating backwards through the neutral zone.
In both games you push a button and move the right thumbstick around to stick sweep on defense.
In both game you push a button to lay the stick across the ice to block passes.
In both games you use the thumbstick to take draws on faceoffs, and 2K added the new faceoff mechanism that adds a bit of zing to it.


That's the essential controls right there. 2K also gives you your speed burst and sprint button, of course. Those don't seem too complex and, frankly, seem to provide more realistic hockey play than EA's "no speed burst" gameplay as anyone who has seen a Pavel Bure or, more recently, Erik Cole blow around the outside of a defenseman can attest.

I came close to not buying 2K8 this year. I had so much fun with '07 and so many good things were being put into '08 -- you didn't mention the create-a-play for '08 which seems cool but has so far proven to be of very little actual utility in-game -- that I figured it was game over before it even began. But somehow I'm managing to have more actual fun in 2K8 than in '08 right now. The next roster update from EA might change that if they find a way to make the All Star CPU goalies a bit more realistically beatable and your own All Star goalies a bit less stupid.

Regardless, it's a great year to be a hockey videogame fan.

[roboninja]

All I know is, the best way to play these games I have never seen mentioned anywhere else. When NHL2k5 came out for PS2, I got it, and friends would come over to play. We started going 2-on-2, and that was good. But, then there were only three of us sometimes, and since 2-on-1 is not great, we would actually all 3 join the same team. Eventually, this became so much fun, we created our own team in Dynasty mode, created a player each (and with 2k5 having a huge list of names the announcers can say, most of us even got to hear our own names), and we would always play all of us (3 or 4) on the same team against the highest ranked AI settings. I tell you, this was the closest to real hockey I have ever played in a video game. Since there were 4 players human controlled at all times, you rarely switched players, and really got into the positioning aspects of the game. I highly recommend it.

[sticky]

NHL 08 is the first EA hockey game I have owned since the classic NHL '94. Overall the game is very well done, especially the online play and the new Team Play option.



NHL 94, the only reason I keep my sega genesis connected. The greatest hockey game ever created.

I too have switched back over to EA this round.

[bapenguin]

In both games you push a button -- a bumper for '08, X button for 2K8 -- to saucer pass or pass to the open (for shame, bapenguin, you can pass into the open in both games and some people complain because they're both too analog as you get no pass assist at all). - I'd really like to see how to do this as I tried passing around guys off the boards up the ice and failed in 08.
In both games you push a button and move the right thumbstick around to stick sweep on defense. - actually in 2k8 it does it without a button press


The biggest difference between the two is the contextual nature of NHL2k's controls. It really makes you have to think about what you are doing instead of just playing the game. I just found myself fighting the controls so many times in it.

As for the goalies I just don't see it. I played both games on All-Star difficulty levels and the same tricks that worked last year in 2K7 worked this year.

Maybe it's because I only played a handful of games on NHL07 but the goalies just seem fresher and more accurate, especially with puck physics in 08.

The one thing I forgot to mention was hitting the goalpost in NHL08...I mean...JEEZ.

[sprankton]

Also someone brought up Vancouver being unreal in NHL, it is the same every year. I could only get 1 or 2 goals on them in NHL07... bastards.

[shunoshi]

After hearing that NHL2K had "control issues" and the fact that they failed to deliver a demo on Live before the release date, I went with NHL 08. We've been playing the online league for a couple weeks now and I find the online play very fun and exciting.

I have to agree a little with Serapth on the AI cheating though. This is not new to me though as I'm a long time Madden fan. EA's classic form of good AI is cheating and I've been "Maddened" more times than I can count over the years. I've learned to shrug off those games and continue on. I have to say that it's much easier in NHL since you get to play 82 games...not 16.

The one thing I forgot to mention was hitting the goalpost in NHL08...I mean...JEEZ.

This is an understatement. The post gets rung at least 10+ times per game...it's ridiculous.

[grandepolloloco]

Though perhaps YOU, in turn, are forgetting last year, when the only Eastern Conference team to score less than Jersey was Philly.

I think Serapth is right....the only way Jersey gets 6 goals this season is if Sutter gets all of his brothers to come play for him (though this would put them astronomically over the 23 man roster limit......Ma' Sutter was a busy woman.)

rofl, coming from a leafs fan.. shame on you sir.. make the playoffs then talk. LOL islanders > leafs

[Ted Huge]

Playoffs? It's about the Cup!

Number of Cups the Devils have < Number of Cups the Isles have < Number of Cups the Leafs have

[Serapth]

Playoffs? It's about the Cup!

Number of Cups the Devils have < Number of Cups the Isles have < Number of Cups the Leafs have

I am only 32 years old, fuck ancient history.

Now do the same formula, just stating at 1975? :)

Even my Flames are beating your lafs!

[grandepolloloco]

Playoffs? It's about the Cup!

Number of Cups the Devils have < Number of Cups the Isles have < Number of Cups the Leafs have

bahaha how many of those have you been alive for? Funny cause I've gotten to see all 3 that the devils have won.

[Serapth]

bahaha how many of those have you been alive for? Funny cause I've gotten to see all 3 that the devils have won.

... your team also invented the trap though.! :mad:

[grandepolloloco]

... your team also invented the trap though.! :mad:

Correct me if I'm wrong here.. but aren't you supposed to do whatever it takes to win? Or are they supposed to say screw it lets just try and score.. forget defense.. and they may have started it.. but how many teams have tried to duplicate it? MANY

and for that matter they don't play the trap anymore

[Serapth]

Correct me if I'm wrong here.. but aren't you supposed to do whatever it takes to win? Or are they supposed to say screw it lets just try and score.. forget defense.. and they may have started it.. but how many teams have tried to duplicate it? MANY

and for that matter they don't play the trap anymore

Yes, and that one defensive play almost completely killed the sport of hockey! ( Along with dumbass owners, shitty GMs and greedy players. Oh, and the goatfucker Bettman ).

[shunoshi]

... your team also invented the trap though.! :mad:

Guilty! .....wait..... GO WILD! :D

[grandepolloloco]

Yes, and that one defensive play almost completely killed the sport of hockey! ( Along with dumbass owners, shitty GMs and greedy players. Oh, and the goatfucker Bettman ).

Almost only counts in horseshoes

[II ZoiD II]

I love hearing leafs fan chirp about how many cups they've had. For the most part, any modern day leafs fan has never even seen a conference Final(I think it was TO vs LA with the gretzky incident 92/93 i think may be wrong too lazy to check online), never mind a CUP(oh 1967 how many times have we heard that). And to whomever it was bringin up 00/01 season with the devils winning the scoring title. Have you watched the devils play the past 2-3 years. Its shit hockey, its teams like the devils that made the league have to revamp some of the rules. That hockey is not entertaining. Yes I know you have to do whatever you have to do to score, but it is all about entertainment to me. And well watching Devils hockey is just shit! Hopefully they'll be more exciting to watch this year. I am a Marty fan he is #1 in my eyes, well maybe #2 Luongo takes the cake in goaltending.


Thank you Bap for the great write-up Im still not sure if Im goin to pick up one of these games but the write-ups help my decision making!

[II ZoiD II]

Almost only counts in horseshoes
It might as well have killed the sport. I live north of the border and well its still going strong here and Im sure it always will. But look at nashville a top tier team that gets like 14000 fans a game I think the # is. And what did the GMs do there they completely cleared that roster. Now they're gonna be shit this year! Its a great game and I think for the most part the northern States get it and love it but once you start getting south well you'll find the stanley cup winner on page 4 of the paper.

[grandepolloloco]

I love hearing leafs fan chirp about how many cups they've had. For the most part, any modern day leafs fan has never even seen a conference Final(I think it was TO vs LA with the gretzky incident 92/93 i think may be wrong too lazy to check online), never mind a CUP(oh 1967 how many times have we heard that). And to whomever it was bringin up 00/01 season with the devils winning the scoring title. Have you watched the devils play the past 2-3 years. Its shit hockey, its teams like the devils that made the league have to revamp some of the rules. That hockey is not entertaining. Yes I know you have to do whatever you have to do to score, but it is all about entertainment to me. And well watching Devils hockey is just shit! Hopefully they'll be more exciting to watch this year. I am a Marty fan he is #1 in my eyes, well maybe #2 Luongo takes the cake in goaltending.


Thank you Bap for the great write-up Im still not sure if Im goin to pick up one of these games but the write-ups help my decision making!

LOL what makes it so shit hockey? Cause they play as a team and don't just sit back and let the other team score.. its called teamplay my friend... complain about it if you like but all I hear is crying when your team gets shut down by good defense. They don't play the trap anymore so I dont even get how you can say its shit hockey.. so what if they dont score 5 goals a game.. you apparently haven't seen a devils rangers game before..

[II ZoiD II]

LOL what makes it so shit hockey? Cause they play as a team and don't just sit back and let the other team score.. its called teamplay my friend... complain about it if you like but all I hear is crying when your team gets shut down by good defense. They don't play the trap anymore so I dont even get how you can say its shit hockey.. so what if they dont score 5 goals a game.. you apparently haven't seen a devils rangers game before..
Dont get me wrong I will chear for the Devils if my team doesnt make it,(I love brodeur) but I just dont like watching them play. No I havent watched any Preseason with jersey, and from what I remember dont quote me here but I think the NJvsNYR games are out of control! Really physical with lots of action. Now thats what I like!

[Ted Huge]

bahaha how many of those have you been alive for? Funny cause I've gotten to see all 3 that the devils have won.

@ Serapth

Sweet! I love the impose-arbitrary-boundaries and ignore all the other data game! In that case I move that we ignore every year except 85-86, so Montreal has the only cup (and they beat Calgary for it!). More importantly, it was Wendel Clark's rookie season!

@ grandepolloloco
In total honesty, I would rather my team play entertaining hockey and lose then play trap hockey and win. The Leafs suffered under Pat "Dump. Chase. Wash.Rinse.Repeat" Quinn hockey for far too long. Luckily, Leafs fans have built up a +12 Resistance To Suffering.....and we earned it the hard way. ;)

[II ZoiD II]

@ Serapth

Sweet! I love the impose-arbitrary-boundaries and ignore all the other data game! In that case I move that we ignore every year except 85-86, so Montreal has the only cup (and they beat Calgary for it!). More importantly, it was Wendel Clark's rookie season!

@ grandepolloloco
In total honesty, I would rather my team play entertaining hockey and lose then play trap hockey and win. The Leafs suffered under Pat "Dump. Chase. Wash.Rinse.Repeat" Quinn hockey for far too long. Luckily, Leafs fans have built up a +12 Resistance To Suffering.....and we earned it the hard way. ;)

What have you earned? You have a team that does well enough to chear for but not quite shitty enough to give up on. You've been waiting for 40years and its always we'll get it next year. Quinn was definately not good for the team. But what the leafs need to do is get rid of Fergy. Stop signing 40year olds to 1 year deals take a beating for a year or two and regroup!

[grandepolloloco]

@ Serapth

Sweet! I love the impose-arbitrary-boundaries and ignore all the other data game! In that case I move that we ignore every year except 85-86, so Montreal has the only cup (and they beat Calgary for it!). More importantly, it was Wendel Clark's rookie season!

@ grandepolloloco
In total honesty, I would rather my team play entertaining hockey and lose then play trap hockey and win. The Leafs suffered under Pat "Dump. Chase. Wash.Rinse.Repeat" Quinn hockey for far too long. Luckily, Leafs fans have built up a +12 Resistance To Suffering.....and we earned it the hard way. ;)

So its been so long since your team has actually done anything that losing has become entertaining to you? Boy it must suck to be a leafs fan

[II ZoiD II]

So its been so long since your team has actually done anything that losing has become entertaining to you? Boy it must suck to be a leafs fan

LOVE IT! Oh what a curse it is to be a leafs fan!

[bjornbarspingvinen]

Well, some issues I find really annoying with 08 which to me prevents it from being "king":
No seperate line changes (D and O should be seperate), there´s really no real difference in players in 08, grinders? Pointless? PK specialists? Pointless, everybody dekes and acts like scorers and that´s a huge minus. Where´s the close crease action in 08? Garbage goals? THere´s none of that, quick taps sure, but no close crease gabage goals and holmstrom-ish action. Goalies are undynamic and static, although what´s there is good, they simply don´t have enough moves to seem dynamic.

All in all I would say that if NHL08 had decent D (still limited) and didn´t havve the above mentioned flaws it would be a winner, as it is now I am not sure I can crown a shallow game like NHL08 the king. NHL2k8 has a steep learning curve and puzzling controls, but what´s there is deep and the goalies are dynamic and fun, and have differnt deke skill depending on players, seperate line changes, and players actually can play roles. And the important close crease play is great. It´s weird, both games are dissapointing to me, 2k8s controls and NHL08s overhyped brilliance, it´s mostly , again, fun in scoring but oh so lame in depth and important aspects like role players.

[DubiousQuality]

90 - 12 shots on goal is a pretty good defensive game. :)

I generally play position, cycle the puck to create offensive chances, drop in low to protect the goal area, etc.. Majority of time, attack zone is massively in my favor, as are almost all other meaningful stats. I try to play defensive hockey in my zone, it just doesnt seem to matter. Hell, if the game decides the opponent is going to score, a blue line dump in can go in.

And like I said, gameplay online is completely different. I only experience this in pro franchise.

Then it sounds like you should bump it up to allstar, or superstar. You should not be getting 90 uncontested shots a game in NHL 08.

[TheSlup]

Excellent write up. While I haven't played 2K8, I do own and love NHL08. I bought 07 and hated it because everything was sluggish and didn't seem right. 08 seems like they fixed everything and I am loving it. Haven't really come across any "cheating" yet. I am considering bumping up the difficulty because I am undefeated through 16 games with a 97% save average. I think I've had 12 goals scored on me total.

[Rune_74]

Must say I like 2k8 better especailly once you get the sliders right, EA still does not understand hockey, yes they have made it more americanized but that does not make it better.

[jtp1978]

Now I know EA Sports is supposed to be the "King of all sports franchises", but it seems to me reading the comments here about the weaknesses of the two games and added to what I have experienced, that 2K sports is the way to go right now.

Last year my best friend and I each bought a 2007 hockey game, I bought 2K7 and he bought NHL07, needless to say after just an hour of comparing the two, we were only playing 2K7, the more realistic gameplay of 2K7 completely overshadows the little bit of graphic issues the game has.

Also to comment about the AI cheating, EA sports version of the NHL series is notorious for AI cheating, the game controls itself, for years there were only certain ways to score on the computer and those ways remain, there are ways you will never score. It is completely impossible in the EA series, to score on a blast from the point or a sharp angle shot, most goals are on one timers or cheap goals. In the 2K series, I have seen more realism in what can or cant go in. You can fly into the zone and take a shot from the circle 10 different times and true to form like the real game, 1 time it may go in under the left leg pad, another under the arm, there is a different result each time almost, and that is much more realistic than EA's version

I also completely agree with the Pro being too easy and All-Star being too hard, its to the point where I stop playing. I have Madden 05, and stopped playing for this reason. It takes all the fun out of playing if I will either go 82-0 in a season or 0-82, there is no middle ground it seems. In the 2K series there is a middle ground, competition seems much more realistic. EA may win on graphics, but 2K wins on realism and gameplay.

[DubiousQuality]

Now I know EA Sports is supposed to be the "King of all sports franchises", but it seems to me reading the comments here about the weaknesses of the two games and added to what I have experienced, that 2K sports is the way to go right now.

Last year my best friend and I each bought a 2007 hockey game, I bought 2K7 and he bought NHL07, needless to say after just an hour of comparing the two, we were only playing 2K7, the more realistic gameplay of 2K7 completely overshadows the little bit of graphic issues the game has.

Also to comment about the AI cheating, EA sports version of the NHL series is notorious for AI cheating, the game controls itself, for years there were only certain ways to score on the computer and those ways remain, there are ways you will never score. It is completely impossible in the EA series, to score on a blast from the point or a sharp angle shot, most goals are on one timers or cheap goals. In the 2K series, I have seen more realism in what can or cant go in. You can fly into the zone and take a shot from the circle 10 different times and true to form like the real game, 1 time it may go in under the left leg pad, another under the arm, there is a different result each time almost, and that is much more realistic than EA's version

I also completely agree with the Pro being too easy and All-Star being too hard, its to the point where I stop playing. I have Madden 05, and stopped playing for this reason. It takes all the fun out of playing if I will either go 82-0 in a season or 0-82, there is no middle ground it seems. In the 2K series there is a middle ground, competition seems much more realistic. EA may win on graphics, but 2K wins on realism and gameplay.

Except that 08 has zero ai cheats. The ai doesn't get artificial speed boost on higher difficulty like the 2k series has had for years now. The AI can actually produce offense in different ways unlike the 2k AI that has relied on the one timer for years now. I play on Superstar and get varied scoring with realistic shot totals, usual 25-35 a side.

Add in the better graphics, pbp, and a crowd that doesn't phone it in ala 2k for the past 4+ years and that will get my 60 dollars every time.

2k5 was the last great hockey title 2k made, its been all downhill since. The fact that 3 years into next gen the game barely looks better than an xbox 1 title and I'd say theres a problem.

[bapenguin]

Except that 08 has zero ai cheats. The ai doesn't get artificial speed boost on higher difficulty like the 2k series has had for years now. The AI can actually produce offense in different ways unlike the 2k AI that has relied on the one timer for years now. I play on Superstar and get varied scoring with realistic shot totals, usual 25-35 a side.

Add in the better graphics, pbp, and a crowd that doesn't phone it in ala 2k for the past 4+ years and that will get my 60 dollars every time.

2k5 was the last great hockey title 2k made, its been all downhill since. The fact that 3 years into next gen the game barely looks better than an xbox 1 title and I'd say theres a problem.

Your joking right? I think the AI is a horrible cheater in 08. They DO get cheats. In fact, the last couple of games I played I swear stuff that was happening was scripted. I'm so frustrated with the cheapness of the AI in 08 that I'm about ready to stop playing the computer and just play online.

[Serapth]

Your joking right? I think the AI is a horrible cheater in 08. They DO get cheats. In fact, the last couple of games I played I swear stuff that was happening was scripted. I'm so frustrated with the cheapness of the AI in 08 that I'm about ready to stop playing the computer and just play online.

So you are finally on the same page as me eh? Only took you a month! ;)


Its so blatantly obvious that its cheating it takes all the fun out of dynasty mode. The game determines who is going to win in advance and their isnt a damned thing you can do about it. Having the opposing goalie turn into Hasek on crystal meth is just bullshit.

Then you go play online and realize just how much the single player does cheat. Suddenly one timers work again, goalies actually let goals in, your own goalie can make saves, etc.

[bapenguin]

So you are finally on the same page as me eh? Only took you a month! ;)


Its so blatantly obvious that its cheating it takes all the fun out of dynasty mode. The game determines who is going to win in advance and their isnt a damned thing you can do about it. Having the opposing goalie turn into Hasek on crystal meth is just bullshit.

Then you go play online and realize just how much the single player does cheat. Suddenly one timers work again, goalies actually let goals in, your own goalie can make saves, etc.

This past week really got me. I had back to back games against the Kings/Ducks.

I played one night, lost to the kings 5-1 with the Kings scoring 2 in the first 5 minutes. Then lost to the Ducks 6-0 with the Ducks scoring all 6 goals in the last period. I quit the game, didn't save my progress and replayed it a few days later.

Guess what happened? Same scores, sames 2 goals within the first minute same 6 goals in the last period. Bull shit coincidence right? Quit again, didn't save.

Came back again and wouldn't you know it, 2 goals within the first 5 by the Kings and this time a 5-2 loss. And against the Ducks? 6-3, with the Ducks scoring 6 in the final period.

Not only that I've noticed that the computer player is always faster in relation to your player when they have the puck. Regardless of player skill. At least, on the All-Star difficulty.

[Serapth]

This past week really got me. I had back to back games against the Kings/Ducks.

I played one night, lost to the kings 5-1 with the Kings scoring 2 in the first 5 minutes. Then lost to the Ducks 6-0 with the Ducks scoring all 6 goals in the last period. I quit the game, didn't save my progress and replayed it a few days later.

Guess what happened? Same scores, sames 2 goals within the first minute same 6 goals in the last period. Bull shit coincidence right? Quit again, didn't save.

Came back again and wouldn't you know it, 2 goals within the first 5 by the Kings and this time a 5-2 loss. And against the Ducks? 6-3, with the Ducks scoring 6 in the final period.

Not only that I've noticed that the computer player is always faster in relation to your player when they have the puck. Regardless of player skill. At least, on the All-Star difficulty.


See, thats how I noticed it too. That said, I noticed it alot earlier then you because I am anal about starting off a series on a loss. First game was against vancouver and I lost 3-2. I was winning that game 2-0 going into the third. So I am like, SCREW THAT, and quit without saving.

Played it about 5 more times with almost identical results. No matter the lead I managed, in the third luongo becomes unstopable and Kippy becomes a complete sieve until Van had the lead again. At this point I know the game was broken. Once you notice it, it pisses you off everytime you goalie has an 'off' night. Makes it feel like your contribution ( you know... actually playing ) has nothing to do with winning.

Never noticed a speed difference though.

[jtp1978]

The EA game has been notorious for cheats, its sad, it takes away from the true competition of the game, and therefore ruins the whole game itself

My best friend and I are diehard hockey fans and have been playing hockey video games for years, so we know alot about it and like I said last year, we bought both brands and ended playing only 2K7

I could care less if the graphics are a bit better on EA's version, I want better and more realistic competiton, 2K series has that

I have a story for you:

My best friend and I did a playoff last season in 2K7, where we would play all 8 matchups in the playoffs and just pick teams

We had a first round game, it was Game 5 between Vancouver and Nashville, series tied at 2. We had the game on 20 minute periods, with an accelerated clock. This game ended up being the best one we ever played. None of the goals were cheap, there were 4 fights in the game and the game ended in the 3rd OT, when he scored on a beatufiul set up from Kariya to Sullivan.

Final shots were 69-66 Vancouver, he won 4-3, if it were a real game it would have been on ESPN classic, we have never ever had a game that good in the EA version.

[jtp1978]

While it is true that the computer will always cheat, it is much much less frequent in the 2K version, you can keep up with the computer, the game is more realistic, sorry its just the way it is

[Micasa]

"Except that 08 has zero ai cheats."

Seriously? Seems like a lot of people just suck in the third period then, when the non-cheating AI starts pouring in cheap goals.

[DubiousQuality]

There's a new 1 on 1 article up on the EA Sports NHL 08 site with Lead Producer David Littman. In it he discusses a couple changes he would like to see in NHL 09

"We've made great strides in the last year to ensure that we take care of our most loyal gamers - the NHL 08 community. To that end, one thing we're doing is sending out a patch to fix the majority of online issues that you have called out and that we know are there. Personally, I've gone online over the past two weeks and haven't had any issues. I've had great experiences and played great games against the community. Most of you are playing a realistic style of hockey and it's great! I still think one-timers are used too much. We will be watching a lot of NHL hockey over the next few months and I promise that NHL 09 will be an even more realistic representation of the sport. Again, there will be a patch that will address the online issues, including the online team play problems.

I have also seen some complaints that people are losing to CPU teams late in the game, or that CPU teams score just after you have. I can tell you with 100% certainty that there is absolutely no catch-up logic in our game. What will happen is the CPU teams will turn up pressure and become way more aggressive offensively. Just like in real life hockey, when you have a lead during the last two minutes, dump the puck out of your zone, dump the puck at the offensive blue line, block shots, and do the things you see a real life team do at the end of a game


Like I said, 08 has zero cheats.

[Micasa]

They can call it "turning up the pressure" all they want - it's catch-up AI at its worst.

[Serapth]

They can call it "turning up the pressure" all they want - it's catch-up AI at its worst.

Well... as part of that turning up the pressure, all their players get 50% more accurate and you goalie gets 50% worse. .... technically, the AI isnt cheating... :rolleyes:

[Knite]

I dunno how much I buy into the cheating thing in 08 (at least compared to 07 and 2k7). I've tried an experiment similar to penguin, where I had a really rough game against the Devils, and lost 4-3 after going into the 3rd with a 3 goal lead. Got frustrated, quit, played Halo 3. Next night tried again, again went to the Devils and was winning 3-1 going into the 3rd. At about the same time in the 3rd (around the 10 minute mark), the Devils scored 2 goals within 90 seconds of each other. So.... I swapped goalies. Nittymaki held the Devils the last 10 minutes, and I won on a blue line slapper in OT.

I'm just wondering how much is "cheating" and how much of it is not adjusting playing styles and game strategies. I'm not saying that I don't think the game could possibly cheat. I'm just saying that I wonder if the "cheating" that's seen is truly cheating, or just as much of us as players not changing our playing style (agressive/conservative settings, set plays, etc) during a game and the AI taking advantage of that fact. Then again, I wondered these same things on 2k7 quite a few times too. *sigh*

Oh, jtp. I've been a loyal 2k player for years, and bought nothing but the 2k series of NHL since 2k for the dreamcast, up to 2k7, and tried NHL07 as well. I can tell you this much at least. 08 feels COMPLETELY different to me than 07 did. I didn't like what little I played of 2k8. I'm probably going to rent it soon to give it more of a chance, but it still felt an awful lot like 2k7 and 2k6 (especially the apparent inability for 2k to program a D man AI to hold the blue line properly....).