NHL 08 Impressions

[MizzouRah]

I just think it's going to take some practice. I'm going to play game after game on AS until I start to give the CPU a challenge.

I have to basically forget what I did last year.

[GameSeven]

Just standing there, you're body doesn't do enough to stop and it.

I'm not sure I completely agree here. I just finished a pair of games and noticed a lot of would be shots being redirected off target by skates and sticks. Surprisingly, even throwing my stick in the lanes with the poke check button was knocking pucks off target.

Sadly, however I noticed a sizeable glitch in Dynasty mode. I won my first game of the season in a shootout and lost the next 3-1. My record stands at 1-0-0-1, however, with three points

[JRod]

Just standing there, you're body doesn't do enough to stop and it.

I'm not sure I completely agree here. I just finished a pair of games and noticed a lot of would be shots being redirected off target by skates and sticks. Surprisingly, even throwing my stick in the lanes with the poke check button was knocking pucks off target.

Sadly, however I noticed a sizeable glitch in Dynasty mode. I won my first game of the season in a shootout and lost the next 3-1. My record stands at 1-0-0-1, however, with three points

I guess what I meant was that I wish my defender would automatically try to stop a shot instead of just letting the puck hit him and hope its hit his body. Some animation of "getting in the way" would be nice.

[ScoopBrady]

I guess what I meant was that I wish my defender would automatically try to stop a shot instead of just letting the puck hit him and hope its hit his body. Some animation of "getting in the way" would be nice.

Why would you want it to be automatic? Your cpu teammates will automatically get in the way of shots but as a human controlled player I think you should have to press a button to block a shot. You don't see your human controlled defender in basketball automatically contest a shot do you? NHL 08 gives you plenty of ways of stopping shots from getting on net IMO.

[LAking]

I guess what I meant was that I wish my defender would automatically try to stop a shot instead of just letting the puck hit him and hope its hit his body. Some animation of "getting in the way" would be nice.

Why would you want it to be automatic? Your cpu teammates will automatically get in the way of shots but as a human controlled player I think you should have to press a button to block a shot. You don't see your human controlled defender in basketball automatically contest a shot do you? NHL 08 gives you plenty of ways of stopping shots from getting on net IMO.

Because hockey is a much faster game thank basketball. Defense in basketball is more of one on one affair, while in hockey the puck changes possession far more often. Also, in real life a player might stick out a leg at the last second to try and block a shot, while that is impossible to control in a video game.

IMO sports video games are beginning to expect too much from the player. Yes I want to control the entire team but I don't want to feel like i have to do every players job at once, including the little details like knocking a puck down with a leg or arm. Trying to micromanage 5 players at once in the "fastest game on earth" is more frustrating than it is fun.

EDIT: i just thought of a perfect example of what jrod and I would like to see. While I think the sliding shot block animation is good as it requires you to anticipate a shot, just as in real life, there is no simple animation to do a standing shot block. Ever notice how when a player doesn't have time to do a sliding shot block, they will just stand up, pulls their legs and arms in as much a possible to create a kind of wall in order to prevent a shot from getting through? THAT is what needs to be in the game. I wouldn't mind it being automatice since it's kind of a last second decision anyway. However even if they just mapped it to a button i would be happy.

Those kind of blocked shots happed far more often than the lying down sliding variety.

[dbdynsty25]

I don't remember what hockey game it was in, but I coulda sworn that the standing block animation was there automatically in the past.

[vader29]

Sadly, however I noticed a sizeable glitch in Dynasty mode. I won my first game of the season in a shootout and lost the next 3-1. My record stands at 1-0-0-1, however, with three points

That glitch was in last years dynasty mode also where you would get credited with a point for an overtime loss even though it was a loss in regulation, sucks that they didn't fix that.

[Zlax45]

Sadly, however I noticed a sizeable glitch in Dynasty mode. I won my first game of the season in a shootout and lost the next 3-1. My record stands at 1-0-0-1, however, with three points

That glitch was in last years dynasty mode also where you would get credited with a point for an overtime loss even though it was a loss in regulation, sucks that they didn't fix that.

Can they patch this?

[wco81]

They can patch it but will they?

EA Canada seems to be more creative than EA Tiburon. Maybe because their games are in more competitive markets than Madden.

So they may be more inclined to try to cater to their customers.

[Rodster]

Too bad they can't patch in a Season mode for those of us who don't use Dynasty mode.

[Zlax45]

They can patch it but will they?

EA Canada seems to be more creative than EA Tiburon. Maybe because their games are in more competitive markets than Madden.

So they may be more inclined to try to cater to their customers.

Lets hope

[JRod]

They can patch it but will they?

EA Canada seems to be more creative than EA Tiburon. Maybe because their games are in more competitive markets than Madden.

So they may be more inclined to try to cater to their customers.

EA Canada has had FIFA for the longest time and have done little with it. I think they focused on the right things in NHL 08. I think the suits at EA has mandated Tiburon not to screw with the equation of the cash cow madden.


Anyway here's some extended impressions for NHL 08.

I think the game is overly geared toward the offense. It's tremendously hard to get in the right position on defense. Like I've said before, I think they need to add a jostle animation when you are going stride for stride with the guy for the puck. There's really nothing in between a hook and poke check. I can't knock a guy off the puck because they are so good at avoiding it.

On offense some of the problems from last year are back in lesser form. You are still able to skate around the defense. For some odd reason its like they made the defense not skate and precisely as the offense. They are slower and take wider turns.

With quick passing you are also able to evade just about anything the CPU throws at you. They really need to work on pass accuracy and make it so passes go everywhere. I thought there was a pass assist but I might be thinking of 2k.

Back to the offense. They have improved the variety of goals. The 5-hole exploit isn't quite in there. And the over-the-shoulder dribble goal isn't there. If fact, I haven't seen one of those this year. Rebounds and deflections are in but I haven't seen any stick deflections go in. I have seen shots go in off of skates and legs.


For all those that were very loud complaining about one-timers in NHL 2k, you had better do the same thing with NHL 08. I would say over 50% of the CPU shots are one-timers. Check the stats, after you play a game and you will find the unrealistic number of one-timers. I'm just saying this because all the people that complained about 2k should do the same here. One timers weren't a problem last year or atleast they were toned down.

Lastly, I think NHL 08 is like MVP 04. They are getting close but aren't quite there. Well NHL 08 has less problems then MVP 04. They need to tighten the defense. They also need to add more emphasis on the mid-ice and forechecking for the human player. I would like to see more of a messy type of game but I don't think we'll see that because the general public would cry if that happened. And I think the game has achieved a WE type of game system. The anything that can happen in WE should have been in hockey games a long time ago. NHL 08 does pull off the any type of goal. I would like to see more driving towards the net goals but maybe we will see that next year.

[10spro]

Too bad they can't patch in a Season mode for those of us who don't use Dynasty mode.

That's my biggest disappointment with 08.

[TRI]

I agree with JROD, it is too hard to check the guy with the puck. I wish it was easier to put a body on the puck carrier. The CPU defense does a great job blocking shooting lanes, but my defense is not very effective at all. There are also not enough deflected passes like in the real NHL. When you pass the puck it is never deflected to the boards, it is either completed or intercepted. There are so many good things in NHL 08 though and the positives far outweigh the negatives.

[Sully]

On defense, you can rub a guy off the puck simply by bumping into him. No need to use the right analog stick to go for a body check. I also like to use the protect net defense because it keeps my guys closer to the slot.

I am not seeing an abundance of one-timers, mainly because my guys are clogging the passing lanes around the slot. I also rarely use the two defensemen down low, for fear that I'll take them out of position.

I don't know, maybe it's just me, but I really don't think it's that difficult to play defense in this game.

[ScoopBrady]

On defense, you can rub a guy off the puck simply by bumping into him. No need to use the right analog stick to go for a body check. I also like to use the protect net defense because it keeps my guys closer to the slot.

I am not seeing an abundance of one-timers, mainly because my guys are clogging the passing lanes around the slot. I also rarely use the two defensemen down low, for fear that I'll take them out of position.

I don't know, maybe it's just me, but I really don't think it's that difficult to play defense in this game.

You're not alone Sully. I'm having a similar experience as you playing defense. I really like having to work harder on defense and I see passes sail wide all the time to boot.

[tjung0831]

I think they should release a patch called "EA Divorce Attorney 08" because my wife isn't real happy right now with all the attention this game is getting!!!

[JackB1]

For all those that were very loud complaining about one-timers in NHL 2k, you had better do the same thing with NHL 08. I would say over 50% of the CPU shots are one-timers. Check the stats, after you play a game and you will find the unrealistic number of one-timers. I'm just saying this because all the people that complained about 2k should do the same here. One timers weren't a problem last year or atleast they were toned down.

it's not the same problem as was 2k. The problem with 2K was that 1-timers were pretty much the ONLY way to score consistently. In NHL08, you can score all kinds of ways. Also, the AI seems to 1-time when appropriate...like when left alone in the slot. Clog up the middle more and you will ses those 1-timers go away some.

[MizzouRah]

Anyway here's some extended impressions for NHL 08.

On offense some of the problems from last year are back in lesser form. You are still able to skate around the defense. For some odd reason its like they made the defense not skate and precisely as the offense. They are slower and take wider turns.

Back to the offense. They have improved the variety of goals. The 5-hole exploit isn't quite in there. And the over-the-shoulder dribble goal isn't there. If fact, I haven't seen one of those this year. Rebounds and deflections are in but I haven't seen any stick deflections go in. I have seen shots go in off of skates and legs.

Totally agree with you JRod!

On defense, I've been letting my defensemen stay in control by the CPU as I take one of my forwards and try to defend. This has REALLY helped me not allowing so many goals.

[ScoopBrady]

For all those that were very loud complaining about one-timers in NHL 2k, you had better do the same thing with NHL 08. I would say over 50% of the CPU shots are one-timers. Check the stats, after you play a game and you will find the unrealistic number of one-timers. I'm just saying this because all the people that complained about 2k should do the same here. One timers weren't a problem last year or atleast they were toned down.

it's not the same problem as was 2k. The problem with 2K was that 1-timers were pretty much the ONLY way to score consistently. In NHL08, you can score all kinds of ways. Also, the AI seems to 1-time whrn appropriate...like when left alone in the slot. Clog up the middle more and you will ses those 1-timers go away some.

I have been vocal about the one-timers in 2k and I don't see them as an issue at all in 08. I don't see an abundance of them at all and I see the cpu score all kinds of goals. In 2k's past I could give up a breakaway and I wouldn't even care because I knew they weren't going to score in 07 and now 08 I'm worried because more often than not they will. And as Jack and Sully have stated if you clog the middle and force the puck to the outside you won't see any one-timers.

[TCrouch]

I don't even know how many games db and I played last night, but the one timer was hardly the most effective play.

I had a wrap-around goal that went off the goalie's back and in.

He had a shot from the corner that sailed past Jiggy's foot, off his other skate and in.

A slapshot that flew right through the 5 hole from the blue line.

A shot that the goalie actually got a piece of but still flew into the corner.

A redirect on a slapshot from the blue line that went in.

We had far more success doing anything OTHER than one timers.

Hip checks, though...well, those might be a bit too effective. It seemed that every time I was skating backwards and near him that I could just hip toss him. It could be countered by simply dumping it in (or completely juking me), but the hip check seems to be way too effective online...from completely bizarre angles. As long as my defender is skating backwards and near the puckhandler, you're about to see a flip of epic proportions that gets guys injured. At least it has a counter, though.

[LAking]

I don't even know how many games db and I played last night, but the one timer was hardly the most effective play.

I had a wrap-around goal that went off the goalie's back and in.

He had a shot from the corner that sailed past Jiggy's foot, off his other skate and in.

A slapshot that flew right through the 5 hole from the blue line.

A shot that the goalie actually got a piece of but still flew into the corner.

A redirect on a slapshot from the blue line that went in.

We had far more success doing anything OTHER than one timers.

Hip checks, though...well, those might be a bit too effective. It seemed that every time I was skating backwards and near him that I could just hip toss him. It could be countered by simply dumping it in (or completely juking me), but the hip check seems to be way too effective online...from completely bizarre angles. As long as my defender is skating backwards and near the puckhandler, you're about to see a flip of epic proportions that gets guys injured. At least it has a counter, though.

The one timers are not a problem with human players, only the AI. To me it seems like it is their number one priority to get off a one timer. Only when you completely get in the lanes (and this can be VERY hard) and give them a wide open lane to the goal will they just take a regular shot. I'm not saying that the don't score other ways or try other methods, it's just that the one timer is used just a bit too much.

After a few more games i've gotten better at D but i still feel their should be a way to put the body on a skater if you are going stride for stride with them just like jrod mentioned. I may up the poke check effectiveness as a workaround. I have also yet to win a game on AS. i came close vs. the sharks. Lost 3-2 in OT. The tying goal came late int he 3rd and was just a stupid turnover by Cloutier/me.

[TCrouch]

My perception is skewed, I'm sure, since my dynasty team is the Ducks.

I rarely, EVER see one-timers from the CPU because I have Beauchemin (mid 80's) teamed with Scotty Niedermayer (96), and Schneider (88) with Pronger (96) as my top two lines. Very rarely do they not clog the lane and force them to work the puck around.

But I hardly ever see a one-timer from the CPU.

[kevinpars]

I have been playing this game a lot - much like most of us have. I suck so bad that I setup a tournament (on pro level) where I was the Columbus Blue Jackets and 6 of the other teams were AHL or Swedish league teams.

I am still having some trouble getting used to scoring. What I like to do - probably because it was the way I played when I played hockey (pond hockey and intramural hockey in college) is to put people in front of the net and hope for screens/deflections/rebounds. Personally, I think the one timer is toned down from last year. I find myself using it too much and getting stopped and when i change strategy it often leads to more scoring.

I am still trying to figure out the best way to score. If you listen to the announcers, they will tell you what they think - for example if you keep forcing the puck into the slot and are getting stoned by the goalie, they will say this in the game. One time, right after hearing this, I let go a bad angle off balance shot from near the boards and it went in the net. I think that the AI "learning" is pretty simple - if you spend 2 periods taking the puck down the ice and throwing passes in front of the net and taking shots, the AI will start to expect that - and a shot from a place on the ice the AI expects a pass will sometimes result in a goal. I also think that when you play good offensive position hockey and pass the puck to the point and move it around the zone, that it increases your percentages of getting a shot in the net. What I have found most effective is that when you shoot and you don't have an open hole, a quick deek can often get the goalie to commit and this leaves you an opening.

Defense is hard to play. It is frustrating because sometimes I feel like I am chasing the puck with no chance of catching up with it. It is hard to get a good shot in at the guy with the puck. I get frustrated and end up diving in front of the puck - which often leads to tripping penalties.

But the variety of games i have seen is great. I have found that if I turn the sliders down to slow the game to a realistic pace that it is impossible to get anything but a 1-0 or 2-1 game with 5 minute periods. I have had too many games with low shot totals for both teams. I may just go with 10 minute periods - although 7-8 would probably be the sweet spot.

[MizzouRah]

This was in NHL 07 last year, but I really love how easy it is to tell who's fast without having to mash speed burst buttons anymore.

When Paul Kariya is on the ice for me, I know it and for the line shift that he is out there, I can usually muster some great scoring opportunites. Now, when my checking line is out there... I can tell that too.. which makes me clear the puck down the ice to get them off the ice.