NHL 08 Impressions

[Leebo33]

I've had a very strange experience with this game. First, I played the demo almost non-stop. Then when I got the game I was frustrated by the difficulty level increase from Pro to All-Star. I ended up selling it, but recently traded for it again.

I'm not sure if it is due to a game update, Mudtiger's sliders, or if it is just because I got better but I'm back to loving it again. When I owned it previously I could never beat the CPU on All-Star and now I can win about 40% and rising. I couldn't even win a faceoff before but now I'm winning almost half and sometimes over 50%! I can even outshoot them on occassion.

One thing that helped me TREMENDOUSLY was changing my defensive settings to high pressure and tight point. It plays like an entirely different game IMO. It's cut down on the one-timers and garbage goals for the CPU as well as given me more breakaways and odd man rushes (can't really explain this because I really don't know about hockey strategy...maybe I also changed an offensive strategy that caused this).

I haven't created any plays yet (didn't really *need* to because I am scoring with good regularity but maybe I can start winning games I'm losing by one), but I'm going to try soon. My biggest complaint right now is probably user error, but I'm giving up too many big leads. I won't call it "catchup logic" because I've improved so much over the past week, but I'd definitely appreciate any advice on how to hold on to a 3rd period lead.

NHL 08 is back to my sports game of the year

[Naples39]

You had to post that Leebo, just when I was feeling good about putting the game away for single player. I have been playing on SS and almost finished my first dynasty season, but just found playing the game too frustrating. I'm in the playoff hunt and playing competitive games, but I just feel like there are too many stretches where the game is simply out of my hands. I'll try those defensive settings and see if that does anything for me.

[RallyMonkey]

I'm with you guys. I took a brief break from the game because i went 0-15-2 on SS prior to the roster update and got so frustrated with the stretches of seemingly scripted dominance by the CPU. I recently started another dynasty with the update and have played 8 games with varying results...........but also still varying frustrations. I've been better, going 2-5-0-1 including a 4 goal comeback against the Canadiens but then losing a three goal lead with 7 minutes to go to the Blackhawks after dominating for two periods. I don't care that this happened as it's part of hockey, it was more HOW it happened where my team lost every race to the loose puck and no matter what i did i couldn't win any one on one battles in front.

So often i feel this game being flat out perfect and then there will be those points where i want to toss my controller out the window.

If i could somehow get rid of those 6-8 (real life)minutes per game where i feel out of control of the action this might be the best sports game next to MLB that i've ever played.....and i'm a guy who has played and coached hockey for more than 30 years so i'm relatively picky.

[wabash97]

If anybody has the magic bullet sliders to help save this game for me (or any other magic bullet), fire away. I am ready to destroy my Xbox and everything else within sight. This game is, for me, so close to perfect it makes it all the more frustrating.

Simply: I cannot score with any consistency. I have drawn up plays. I have changed my strategies. I have done every thing I've read that other people are doing. I've tried myriad settings, and it doesn't matter.

And, it isn't that I can't score at all. It's just the scoring has no organic feel game-to-game for me. I get nice goals. I get games where I score 2 or 3 goals. But I never get goals early. I never get easy goals. I never, ever get deflections. I never blow anyone out. I never feel in control of scoring.

And, most frustrating, this game doesn't reward any stretch of dominance I have.

I know that happens in hockey. I know the fluke goals happen. And the goals at odd times, or when you've just been hammered for three minutes. But in this game, those goals only seem to happen for the CPU.

Everything but the scoring is perfect. But that (along with the goalies), is sucking the life out of the game for me. They are never out of position, never flop, and most importantly, never allow rebound goals (if anyone has any tips on tucking in rebounds, like some magic button I should be pressing when the puck is sitting there waiting to jammed home and my guy can't do a damn thing with it ... I'd love to hear them ...). That, I think, is the worst part. I work to get good shots, they leave a rebound, and 100 percent of the time I can't do anything with it.

Ok. Fire away.

[wco81]

I've only been playing OTP games.

I think there's a lot of scripting in this game. If for instance a goalie gets a lot of easy saves early on, he becomes "hot" and stops everything.

Then there are times when the team on defense can't clear the puck to save their life, because the other team pokes it away every time, or every pass you make is offline and it ends up on their sticks.

Then there is also the fact that you can't body-check sometimes. You go into them and they bounce off the boards without losing the puck or much momentum while you're slowed down and watch superman go past you.

The "money" play seems to be to move the puck left to right to get the goalie leaning one way and then at the last second, almost when you're in the crease, to flip it back the other way.

Not very realistic because often, in breakaway situations, most players are able to flip it in the net without having to go that near the goalie. Without having to wind up for a slap shot either.

[Inuyasha]

I've only been playing OTP games.

I think there's a lot of scripting in this game. If for instance a goalie gets a lot of easy saves early on, he becomes "hot" and stops everything.

Then there are times when the team on defense can't clear the puck to save their life, because the other team pokes it away every time, or every pass you make is offline and it ends up on their sticks.

Then there is also the fact that you can't body-check sometimes. You go into them and they bounce off the boards without losing the puck or much momentum while you're slowed down and watch superman go past you.

The "money" play seems to be to move the puck left to right to get the goalie leaning one way and then at the last second, almost when you're in the crease, to flip it back the other way.

Not very realistic because often, in breakaway situations, most players are able to flip it in the net without having to go that near the goalie. Without having to wind up for a slap shot either.

turn the AI Learning slider down and it will take care of the AI comeback and scripting you're talking about. The deke doesn't work all the time in the game either. I still have a very hard time scoring in the game.

Online, beware of the people who use the senators. They are mostly the cheesers in the game since the deke with the senators seems to work more than less in this game.

[dbdynsty25]

After playing 2k8 for the past month or two (and barely playing at that) I went back to 08 and since the update/patch & the roster update I'm seeing a lot more things I like about 08 than I did previously. Maybe it's just because it is "new" again, but it's a damn fine game.

[MizzouRah]

Nice to see db back posting!

I've come to the conclusion that I like NHL 2k8 for solo play and NHL 08 for online and vs the neighbor play.

[dbdynsty25]

Nice to see db back posting!

I'm sure your sentiments aren't echoed by all, but f*ck'em.

[MizzouRah]

Nice to see db back posting!

I'm sure your sentiments aren't echoed by all, but f*ck'em.

I think your contributions to this forum speak for themselves... but what do I f'ing know?

[10spro]

One thing I really liked in 08 is how you can set up your PP's compared to 2K8. Having said that, more tip-in goals, or tic-tac-toe plays would add further to the enjoyment of the game when you have an extra man, but as it is now, scoring during the man advantage seems only of the shooting variety.

[MizzouRah]

One thing I really liked in 08 is how you can set up your PP's compared to 2K8. Having said that, more tip-in goals, or tic-tac-toe plays would add further to the enjoyment of the game when you have an extra man, but as it is now, scoring during the man advantage seems only of the shooting variety.

2k8 has so many ways to score goals due to the way the goalies animate so much better than in 08. I think I'm finally done with 08 as my 2k8 franchise gets all of my playing time.

I love the way your players redirect slap shots in 2k8 and I love how the CPU doesn't play tic-tac-toe passing like in 08.

That being said, both games need work, and as much as I like the 2k8 game this year, I think they have more work to do - one big thing is they need to refine their control scheme.. it's not bad, it just needs to be tighter and maybe a tad simplier.

[fletcher21]

I noticed something that annoys me... The cpu goalie seems to always clear the puck on his forehand... If you dump it in and chase it, just look which way he's facing and bring a guy up along that side of the boards and more times than not, the puck comes right to my guy. The big problems are well known. I definitely think that the puck hits the posts way too much. Also, what ever happened to the boards and glass kinda shaking when you are checked into them? They had this on the PSX so surely the 360 should have it. Goalies never butterfly either which bugs me... Hasek is NOT a stand up goalie, but in this game he is.. I don't think any game will ever get it 100% right. I am looking for fun but some flaws are hard to enjoy. Any chance the developers will even listen to our issues or will 09 be mailed in due to them making big strides and now they think they can just pull a Madden next year and then improve it for 2010.... I love the game but I feel like the 3 big problems are:
1: super goalies
2: bad defense in the offensive zones for both your team and cpu
3: comeback and scripted parts of each game

This game is 2x better against a human player, but I don't have Live and I'm not sure if I want it. Do I need the updates or are they all roster changes? I care about gameplay changes but not so much roster updates since I probably don't know the player anyways unless he's a star lol.

[MizzouRah]

Well, much like Leebo.. I think I'm finally "coming of age" in NHL 08.

I've played it non-stop this weekend and with using high pressure as my defensive setting as well as positioning myself in front of my goal to block/knock away shots, I'm doing quite well.

I started a dynasty with the Blues on Pro and told myself once I start winning games, I'll move up to AS. I lost my first two games and then won two straight, the last game was a 4-0 shutout.. my first ever, at least that I can remember with 08.

If I win my next one by a good margin, it's time for AS - and then from there I'll really see where I'm at.

The AI is so much better than in 2k8 - that I will definitely give NHL 08 as well as my defensemen can actually score in 08.

[LAking]

Well, much like Leebo.. I think I'm finally "coming of age" in NHL 08.

I've played it non-stop this weekend and with using high pressure as my defensive setting as well as positioning myself in front of my goal to block/knock away shots, I'm doing quite well.

I started a dynasty with the Blues on Pro and told myself once I start winning games, I'll move up to AS. I lost my first two games and then won two straight, the last game was a 4-0 shutout.. my first ever, at least that I can remember with 08.

If I win my next one by a good margin, it's time for AS - and then from there I'll really see where I'm at.

The AI is so much better than in 2k8 - that I will definitely give NHL 08 as well as my defensemen can actually score in 08.

But the problem is that once you move to AS you'll probably lose the majority of your games, no matter what team you use.

I'm looking to get 2K8 on the cheap (preferably on PS3). If anyone wants to sell or trade, please PM me and we can negotiate.

I played a game of 2K8 over at a friends house and when I scored on a sweet deflection I just had to have the game. =I also like having board play back, something that is completely missing in 08.

Anyone know if there is difference in frame rate between 360 and PS3? I didn't notice any slowdown on PS3 but I haven't played the 360 version. NBA 2k8 was choppy as hell on PS3.

[MizzouRah]

We'll see.. I certainly hope not.

You'll start hating being knocked on your butt as you get ready to shoot in 2k8 though.. that's one BIG thing that really bugs the heck out of me.

I play them both, 08's back to the front runner for now.

[MizzouRah]

I can't play a game anymore, I'm getting DDE's every single time, same thing with my neighbors copy. Rock bank plays fine.

Anyone know how to fix this?

[Jimmydeicide]

That sucks, found this ,it may help or it may be RROD on the horizon good luck mizz i know your just getting back into it aswell.


Here are some tips that have seemed to help most people getting the DRE:

1. Never start up your system with the disc in the drive.
2. First power your system on by pressing eject.
3. Wait until the dashboard loads, and then put your disc in.
4. Never power your system down from the controller with the game still in
the system. Again. press eject, remove disc, and then turn off your 360.
5. If you're still getting the DRE, put in another game and play it for a while to fully clear the cache - then repeat the above steps to play another game (the x,x,lb,rb,x,x method of clearing the cache will not work for some reason in dealing with the DRE cache problem).

[10spro]

I've been getting the DDE message quite a lot on Fifa 08 lately. The first match is always almost unplayable and after a reboot is fine.

[MizzouRah]

That sucks, found this ,it may help or it may be RROD on the horizon good luck mizz i know your just getting back into it aswell.


Here are some tips that have seemed to help most people getting the DRE:

1. Never start up your system with the disc in the drive.
2. First power your system on by pressing eject.
3. Wait until the dashboard loads, and then put your disc in.
4. Never power your system down from the controller with the game still in
the system. Again. press eject, remove disc, and then turn off your 360.
5. If you're still getting the DRE, put in another game and play it for a while to fully clear the cache - then repeat the above steps to play another game (the x,x,lb,rb,x,x method of clearing the cache will not work for some reason in dealing with the DRE cache problem).

I'm trying one more game replacement first, but I'm expecting it to be my Xbox.

If the ps3 could be connected to my 24" Dell monitor, I'd probably get one today.

[vader29]

I completed my first season last night by winning the cup with the Penguins over Nashville in 5 games, finished 3rd overall in the regular season behind Ottawa and San Jose. My AHL club finished with the best record in the minors and ended up in the finals and I had a 2-0 series lead against the Grand Rapids Griffins and ended up losing the next 4 games.

Stanley Cup Presentation from this years game, shorter celebration than last years: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rfgfChXOumY

[Jimmydeicide]

well done ,what level?

Just watched the vid a little short for sure but i loved the shots of the losing team very cool. EA realy does nail the presentation, you'd think if 2k were going to copy something it would be their presentation to the game.

[MizzouRah]

New game, so far so good. Played two games, no issues so far and the DVD looks good still, no scratches so far.

As I get older I feel like I jump the gun too often with video games. NHL 08 is no exception...

Now that I've learned how to play defense somewhat, this game amazes me much like MLB The Show does you ps3 owners.

This game feels so much like watching a real hockey game, it's errie. I take my game of the year back, it's NHL 08. Power plays feel like power plays, goals feel "earned" and when you get a cheap goal you say, "I'll take that" because you know the CPU has something for you at any time.

I won 3 straight games and thought I was getting "too good" laugh... just got smoked two games in a row and I'm loving it.

It's one of those games that when you get a DDE, you feel like crying.

[vader29]

well done ,what level?

Just watched the vid a little short for sure but i loved the shots of the losing team very cool. EA realy does nail the presentation, you'd think if 2k were going to copy something it would be their presentation to the game.

I played on Pro with default sliders, the higher levels are just too crazy for me and I had a lot of close fun games, many of which went into overtime. Had a playoff game against Ottawa go into the last minute of the second overtime.

[MizzouRah]

This is the ONLY game where I can shutout a team 3-0 and then lose 8-1 the very next game!