NHL 08 Impressions

[ScoopBrady]

So you're rather get taken out by a check when you try to hit slap shot from 40 feet away? That's not hockey.

You know, I think that bothers me the most. NHL 2005 was crucified on these forums for that exact reason and now 2k8 plays the same way, I mention it, and then get accused of hating on 2k and being an EA lover. I also get accused of taking a cheap shot or low blow for it. The only difference I can see between the two games that are known for being checkfests (2k8 and NHL 2005) is that they are made by different companies. I think that goes a long way in saying which company gets hated on the most.

[MizzouRah]

I love how the CPU players attack you in NHL 2k8 when you approach the blue line. Yes, there's a little too much checking you off the puck, but it works to create a better overall experience, imho.

In NHL 08, I can sit there with stick in the air as I await my shot.. in 2k8 you'll get knocked off the puck if you take more than a second or two.

So you're rather get taken out by a check when you try to hit slap shot from 40 feet away? That's not hockey.

I'm not always getting taken out by a check.. if I take too long they take me out. They attack the puck carrier so much better in 2k8. For me, it feels better trying to work the puck around as well as not every pass is tape to tape like NHL 08. I also love the fact my CPU controlled players play defense.

FWIW, I don't look for a perfect representation of a sport via a console game... everything does not have to match RL. Shot totals are much better in 2k8 and I think the goalie animations are better in 2k8.

I didn't play NHL 2k7 very much last year.. but it's definitely a different experience for me.

[dbdynsty25]

I'm not always getting taken out by a check.. if I take too long they take me out. They attack the puck carrier so much better in 2k8. For me, it feels better trying to work the puck around as well as not every pass is tape to tape like NHL 08. I also love the fact my CPU controlled players play defense.

That's all fine and dandy, but I'd love to see a real-life example of a guy at the point getting destroyed in his backswing. It just doesn't happen. If it happens once, it's too often...and it happens multiple times per game. There is a thing called too aggressive and 2k managed to even go above that. It's almost comical. I thought it was hockey, but it plays like football...and not even Madden...it's Blitz.

[MizzouRah]

That's all fine and dandy, but I'd love to see a real-life example of a guy at the point getting destroyed in his backswing. It just doesn't happen. If it happens once, it's too often...and it happens multiple times per game. There is a thing called too aggressive and 2k managed to even go above that. It's almost comical. I thought it was hockey, but it plays like football...and not even Madden...it's Blitz.

Happens all the time? That's debateable.

I don't mind the aggressiveness.. it's better than having tons of room to skate in NHL 08.

[webdanzer]

The 'one-timers' stat must be one-timers attempted. It is not one timer shots, because I had a period last night where there were more one timers than shots!!!

[dbdynsty25]

Happens all the time? That's debateable.

I don't mind the aggressiveness.. it's better than having tons of room to skate in NHL 08.

Has everyone seen it? I have, you have, scoop has, some reviewers have. Where's the debate? Now, you can not mind it, but it really isn't debatable. It's there, and it annoys some of us.

[MizzouRah]

Happens all the time? That's debateable.

I don't mind the aggressiveness.. it's better than having tons of room to skate in NHL 08.

Has everyone seen it? I have, you have, scoop has, some reviewers have. Where's the debate? Now, you can not mind it, but it really isn't debatable. It's there, and it annoys some of us.

Meaning, I have had times where I could shoot the puck just fine.

[Leadfoot5]

Are you guys having success with checking?

I'll admit right now that I am more of an arcade style player when it comes to hockey, and NHL 08 has been an adjustment. I've never tried working the puck around the offensive zone like I've been doing with this game. It's rewarding when you finally find the shot you are looking for, but more often than not I'm too late pulling the trigger on the shot or my pass is intercepted.

Defense was also giving me fits the first few games until I read a post about using the poke check. Ok, now that I have the poke check under my belt and can force a few turnovers a game with it, I want to be able to put some guys on the ice with a good check as well. I'm finding it near impossible to do however.

The manual says just to push the RS to do a check. Is that really it? Because I am having no luck with the move. Now, I'm sure the problem is that previous hockey games have made it too easy to use this move so if that's the case, I'd love some tips on how to be in position for, and execute on a brutal check. I've played about 6 games now and have yet to blow anyone up. Video-game hockey doesn't seem complete without some over the top checking here and there. (And no, I don't want to play 2K8 just for the checking, thanks)

[dbdynsty25]

It is very difficult to check in the game. Which is why it's a great game because rarely do you see guys just get destroyed in a game (like what happens 10 times per period in 2k8). The easiest check seems to be the hip check when the offensive guy is to your left or right (while you're skating backwards), just push right into them and they'll go flying. That's the one check that seems to be a little too easy. The rest are all about timing and lining the players up. It's a feel thing...no one can really explain how to line someone up.

[Leadfoot5]

It is very difficult to check in the game. Which is why it's a great game because rarely do you see guys just get destroyed in a game (like what happens 10 times per period in 2k8). The easiest check seems to be the hip check when the offensive guy is to your left or right (while you're skating backwards), just push right into them and they'll go flying. That's the one check that seems to be a little too easy. The rest are all about timing and lining the players up. It's a feel thing...no one can really explain how to line someone up.

That's cool, you answered my question. Thanks!

[Airdog]

Happens all the time? That's debateable.

I don't mind the aggressiveness.. it's better than having tons of room to skate in NHL 08.

Has everyone seen it? I have, you have, scoop has, some reviewers have. Where's the debate? Now, you can not mind it, but it really isn't debatable. It's there, and it annoys some of us.

The 2K series has had this issue for a few years and it's one of the reasons why online or offline PvP is so much more rewarding than offline. Luckily I play in a very good online league, so I probably see the game at its absolute finest.

Would I be able to play the game for an 82 game offline league? Probably not, and that has something to do with the aggressive play at the blueline. I'm not saying that's it, but when you're used to awesome games online and then you have a few ridiculous moves pulled on you by the AI every game, it gets rather grating.

[wco81]

Did you get the PHp stuff to work, Air?

What's your league site look like?

[10spro]

The key to playing defense in this game is to not be constantly switching players and leaning towards the puck because then you've always got guys out of position. If you maintain good position and you are selective about when you go after the puck and pokecheck at the right time, your CPU defense seems to play a smarter game overall.

[Airdog]

Did you get the PHp stuff to work, Air?

What's your league site look like?

The league's site is still up at www.xshockey.com but we don't use the PHP stuff anymore because of the automation being setup on 2K's end. It's not quite as robust as what I had going, but it also provides for trades and changing rosters though.

I think my setup ran for about 2 full seasons, and maybe one half season though.

[TRI]

I guess it is different strokes for different folks. I played a game of NHL 08 last night and dominated puck possession time 24 minutes to 3 minutes, but the score was only 3 to 2. I agree that the hitting is too frequent in 2K8, but a lot of the hits with my settings are really shoves and pushing. Most are not over the top at all. I also can get off slap shots from the point, although you cannot just stand around You must execute your play quickly.

I like NHL 08 and it does a lot of things right but the CPU is too passive on defense.

[Leebo33]

I like NHL 08 and it does a lot of things right but the CPU is too passive on defense.

I totally agree, especially if you have to play on Pro like this old man does. I lose all my games on All-Pro almost every single time by one goal. I almost had a controller-throwing incident last night for the first time in ages. On Pro I can have good games, but the CPU pretty much allows me to walk into the zone and gives me everything but a police escort. On All-Pro they really don't forecheck either except they have superhuman tape-to-tape passing ability. I can pretty much keep the CPU to 2-4 goals on All-Star with 10 minute periods by playing "stop the one timer" defense (I don't even look at the puck much I just guard against one-timers and it works) but I always score 1-3 goals a game. It's very frustrating and the stupid sliders don't help.

I'm not giving up on NHL08 yet because there is a lot to like, but I need a break. Maybe if 2K8 sucks as bad as some have indicated I'll come running back.

[MizzouRah]

I like NHL 08 and it does a lot of things right but the CPU is too passive on defense.

I totally agree, especially if you have to play on Pro like this old man does. I lose all my games on All-Pro almost every single time by one goal. I almost had a controller-throwing incident last night for the first time in ages. On Pro I can have good games, but the CPU pretty much allows me to walk into the zone and gives me everything but a police escort. On All-Pro they really don't forecheck either except they have superhuman tape-to-tape passing ability. I can pretty much keep the CPU to 2-4 goals on All-Star with 10 minute periods by playing "stop the one timer" defense (I don't even look at the puck much I just guard against one-timers and it works) but I always score 1-3 goals a game. It's very frustrating and the stupid sliders don't help.

I'm not giving up on NHL08 yet because there is a lot to like, but I need a break. Maybe if 2K8 sucks as bad as some have indicated I'll come running back.

NHL 2k8 doesn't "suck".

[TRI]

I like NHL 08 and it does a lot of things right but the CPU is too passive on defense.

I totally agree, especially if you have to play on Pro like this old man does. I lose all my games on All-Pro almost every single time by one goal. I almost had a controller-throwing incident last night for the first time in ages. On Pro I can have good games, but the CPU pretty much allows me to walk into the zone and gives me everything but a police escort. On All-Pro they really don't forecheck either except they have superhuman tape-to-tape passing ability. I can pretty much keep the CPU to 2-4 goals on All-Star with 10 minute periods by playing "stop the one timer" defense (I don't even look at the puck much I just guard against one-timers and it works) but I always score 1-3 goals a game. It's very frustrating and the stupid sliders don't help.

I'm not giving up on NHL08 yet because there is a lot to like, but I need a break. Maybe if 2K8 sucks as bad as some have indicated I'll come running back.

Yeah the one timer problem is an issue in NHL 08 too. Last night the CPU had a lot of one timer shots in the slot. You are pretty much on your own in NHL 08 stopping one timers also because your AI teammates often just stand there. You often have to make all the plays on deffense and it is hard to do all the time because you cannot control all the players on defense and their postioning . There is also some catch up logic, sometimes when you get a big lead the CPU will score like three goals on the next four shots. I know that come backs happen in real hockey but the come from behind CPU is a little too blatent.

There is a lot to like though in NHL 08. The puck phyics are great, the CPU AI is good for the CPU team and the offensive controls are by far the best. They need more defensive options and less tape to tape passing and the CPU needs to pursue the puck carrier a little more if you just pass the puck back and forth. Overall it is good hockey game and I like it a lot and still play it.

[dbdynsty25]

2k8 doesn't suck. It just isn't as good as NHL 08.

[Naples39]

I've been playing on allstar, and I don't think the passiveness of the CPU defense is that big an issue. Is a little more passive than it should be? Yes, but the defense makes it tough to create scoring chances--isn't that what a defense should do? As soon as you go into scoring areas you meet stiff resistance.

To me the bigger problem is human team defending, as the CPU sets up in my zone seemingly forever. I have learned to passively clog passing lanes to prevent one-timers, but the result is a ton of attack time for the CPU. Add to this that the the CPU on allstar seemingly wins all the '50-50' loose pucks and it gets pretty frustrating being under siege. I'm still trying to learn the game better before I mess with sliders, but to me that is my biggest concern at the moment.

[JRod]

I've been playing on allstar, and I don't think the passiveness of the CPU defense is that big an issue. Is a little more passive than it should be? Yes, but the defense makes it tough to create scoring chances--isn't that what a defense should do? As soon as you go into scoring areas you meet stiff resistance.

To me the bigger problem is human team defending, as the CPU sets up in my zone seemingly forever. I have learned to passively clog passing lanes to prevent one-timers, but the result is a ton of attack time for the CPU. Add to this that the the CPU on allstar seemingly wins all the '50-50' loose pucks and it gets pretty frustrating being under siege. I'm still trying to learn the game better before I mess with sliders, but to me that is my biggest concern at the moment.

I agree. If I play passively the CPU just controls the puck. If I play agressive, my team leave the one-timer open 50% of the shots in the game. There's no middle ground.

[Leebo33]

NHL 2k8 doesn't "suck".

That's good to hear because I just bought it!

[Diablo25]

I'll probably rent 2K8 but I cant see it sniffing 08.

[MizzouRah]

NHL 2k8 doesn't "suck".

That's good to hear because I just bought it!

Me too. Traded NHL 08 towards it.

[MizzouRah]

2k8 doesn't suck. It just isn't as good as NHL 08.

Says who? Zack Morris?