NHL 08 Impressions

[10spro]

NHL 2k8 doesn't "suck".

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

Take my advice, go to training first to learn the new control scheme, there's more of a learning curve in 2K8, but once you're used to it, (in fact, they give you so much control over what you can do with your player) it plays a fine game of Hockey. Give the game time and it'll grow on you. Both games have its good moments and not so good, and as a puckhead I can't recall a year where I enjoyed both games equally for different reasons. At a time I am leaning more towards 2K8.

[TRI]

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

In your opinion. Not everyone shares your opinion however.


I am not really sure which is better overall. They both have flaws and it all comes down to what you like most and dislike most.

[webdanzer]

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.

This has been my experience to this point as well. Please let us know what you think of 2k8!

[ScoopBrady]

I don't know what to tell you guys. I just played a game on Superstar and the cpu only tried 10 one-timers and they had 33 shots. I gave up 3 goals and all of them were from defensive mistakes. Not one from a one-timer. In the offensive zone the cpu AI was not passive at all. There were times when I could set up my offense but in no way could I consistently set up without pressure.

This game forces you to play defense. If you can't handle that you won't like this game in single player. When I take away the slot the cpu will work the perimeter. When I start expanding my defensive box they will feed the slot. If I leave guys camped out in front of my net they will either feed the puck to them if they can or put the puck on net like they should. If you don't see this type of attack I don't know what to say. That's what I'm seeing by playing as sound a defensive game as I can. I love the challenge of playing defense in this game and I like how I see the cpu react to how I'm playing it.

If Bill Abner can call bullshit when I say there's a total lack of penalties in 2k8, I'm going to call bullshit when people say that the cpu offense only does one-timers and the cpu defense plays too passive in 08. Play sound defense (not just trying to prevent one-timers) and play on Superstar difficulty and you will see a variety of attack by the cpu offense and more pressure from the cpu defense.


This game is not perfect by any stretch of the imagination but I think it best represents the game of hockey this year. I'd like to see them take the 3-on-3 online play and really bulk it up. Give us lobbies, up it a full 6-on-6, etc. I'd like to see more offline passes. I'd really like to see more pinning along the boards as well. I think the cycling aspect of the board play is handled well but there's not enough scraps in the corner for possession. I'd love to see them steal the faceoff system from 2k as well. Outside of that this game has provided me the most enjoyment I've ever had from a hockey game and that's why I game.

[Leebo33]

When people don't like something about a game the response invariably turns into "you can't play *insert facet of game here.* It's funny because I never really give up more than a few goals a game. I just don't have much fun doing it.

[ScoopBrady]

When people don't like something about a game the response invariably turns into "you can't play *insert facet of game here.* It's funny because I never really give up more than a few goals a game. I just don't have much fun doing it.

Yeah, because that's what I said. I shared my experience with playing defense in this game. I said if you take away the slot they attack the perimeter, loosen up they feed the slot, leave a man open in front of the net they feed him or get the puck on net for a possible rebound opportunity. I'm sorry if you took it as saying you can't play defense.

[Gangrel]

Another cool thing about the PC version (maybe it's in Xbox too).

I was playing the Wings in the first game of my Franchise, and it must be their home opener, because there was a cut scene before the game of Nick Lidstrom being presented the Norris Trophy.

Doesn't happen in real life like that, but I thought it was neat.

[Leebo33]

When people don't like something about a game the response invariably turns into "you can't play *insert facet of game here.* It's funny because I never really give up more than a few goals a game. I just don't have much fun doing it.

Yeah, because that's what I said. I shared my experience with playing defense in this game. I said if you take away the slot they attack the perimeter, loosen up they feed the slot, leave a man open in front of the net they feed him or get the puck on net for a possible rebound opportunity. I'm sorry if you took it as saying you can't play defense.

I incorrectly assumed that "This game forces you to play defense. If you can't handle that you won't like this game" was essentially saying "if you can't play defense then you won't like the game." My bad. No worries.

[JRod]

You can stop the one-timers but that means you play unrealistic defense.

You have either to stop the one-timer or to play good sound HOCKEY defense. You can't have it both ways. I'm sorry. Let's say I play as center and not switch on defense. I can shut down the point. And I can case the puck when it get up high. But relying on the CPU teammates to get in front of the guy living just outside the crease is going to lead to one times. If I play as a defender and worry about that same guy, the CPU will cycle the puck endlessly and dominate defense because my teammates do a poor job of chasing the puck and attacking those down low.

I don't really like to play sit and withstand the barage defense. I want my CPU teammates to do their job and worry about guys sitting outside the crease when I'm dealing with the perimeter.

Right now that doesn't happen.

[GameSeven]

I want my CPU teammates to do their job and worry about guys sitting outside the crease when I'm dealing with the perimeter.

For those of you dealing with this aspect of playing defense, do you find that the offensive/defensive strategies help at all? For example, in the scenario you mentioned, would calling the Quick Play/Pressure "Protect Net" or Defense "Collapsing" on defense make any difference?

[ScoopBrady]

I incorrectly assumed that "This game forces you to play defense. If you can't handle that you won't like this game" was essentially saying "if you can't play defense then you won't like the game." My bad. No worries.

You know, it's posts like these and attitudes like this that have me wanting to take a vacation/retire from these boards. Everything has to be negative with you Leebo. Hell, you even started a negative thread about feeling like you can't be negative without people being negative. God forbid I actually try to point out a games finer points as well as what I think can be improved. But I guess it has to be all negative or all positive around here now. There's just simply no more room for leaving honest opinions and... gulp... actually having fun with a game and admitting it.

I honestly didn't mean to imply that people suck and can't play defense. I meant that this game forces you to play defense, as in you can't constantly player switch like most people have a tendency to do while on defense in a sports game. For success you need to pick a player and play defense with him.

There's a difference between being critical of a game and being over-the-top negative about every goddamn release. I do my best to point out positives in games because I feel it's too easy to walk around pointing out the negatives. Sometimes a game will frustrate me (see 2k8) and I'll simply walk away after I feel I've given it a fair shot and be done with it. I came to a realization after having my daughter that I'm into this hobby for fun. If I spend my time chasing the always elusive perfect sim sports game why should I bother continuing on with this hobby?

And now, after being accused of being a 2k-hater and taking low blows against 2k Sports in one hockey thread and now being accused of being a mindless "You don't like it because you suck" asshole instead of a "Hey guys, I'm not seeing that, this is what I'm seeing and how I think I'm seeing it" in this hockey thread I am officially stepping down as a mod. This place is changing and it's not for the better. There's just way too much negativity floating around here and it's getting to the point where it is drowning out the free flow of ideas and impressions. I will not be spending nearly as much time here, if any at all, so it would not be fair to Jared to call myself a mod.

I'll still keep an eye on what's going on around here and when there's poker nights but I don't plan on reading or contributing to any impressions threads, at least for sports games. And, as always, you'll see me on Live and PSN.

[Leebo33]

Wow. I literally meant "my bad (meaning it was my fault)" and "no worries". I didn't know you had these deep philosophical feelings and resentments against me or I would have literally said "I'm sorry" to make it clear. I considered you a "virtual" friend, but I guess that was one-sided.

I'm sorry to see you go, but you have to do what you feel is best for you. I hope you find the community you are looking for.

[kicko]

one of these days ...again


well i have been playing nhl08 on the pc, and i have to say it plays very well, I am happy it might not be as pretty as on my 360 but the modding community makes up for that. I have not tweaked the sliders too much so if anyone has suggestion that would be great, thanks

[pk500]

Where's Rodney King when we need him?

Scoop is right, though. The amount of dissection of games recently around here is ridiculous.

Subtle reminder: THEY'RE F*CKING VIDEO GAMES. Emphasis on GAMES.

Ask yourself: Other than Abner, who writes about games for a living, are video games really that important to where we're breaking them down as much as a coach breaks down film of an upcoming opponent? I get the impression that some around here buy games just so they can rip them apart like a frog in 10th-grade Biology lab instead of actually playing and enjoying them.

The expectations of some gamers here are RIDICULOUS. Again, they're F*CKING GAMES. Yes, they will have flaws. Yes, they are worth pointing out. But double-digit page threads and endless droning about flaws, problems, errors, etc.?

Progress is being made in all games. Games are better than they ever have been. Are they perfect? No. But reading some impressions around here, you'd think we're back in the Blades of Steel era when it comes to hockey video gaming.

Holy f*ck. I've gone from being a gaming critic to someone who just enjoys firing up the PC and playing. I'm with Scoop on this one, fellas.

Take care,
PK

[Slumberland]

There's no need to pick a side against or pile on Leebo when his last post before Scoop's 'farewell letter' was basically a friendly 'my bad'.

Oh, and my impression of '08, even on Superstar, is that the AI defense is always standing around like it's some weird 5-on-5 power play. And so as not to be too "dissect-y", last year I could skate anywhere but loved it. This year I can pass anywhere and I'm bored, maybe because I played so much last year, or maybe because hockey ain't really my sport.

But then again I'm coming to the realization that almost no single player sports games rock my world anymore (except maybe MLB '07). I'm sure it's awesome with online team play.

[Jimmydeicide]

Well after starting a dynasty and settling on some sliders im starting to see Scoops side realy, all those little nuances i thought were missing from 07 are now starting to appear.
As ive gotten better at defence the whole experience has changed and im starting to see the variety in the games.
I now think that playing defence in this game might be the best portrayal of actualy being an Nhl defencemen in any game so far. Im loving playing D now if i take a D man you can keep guys out the slot get inside position on them all the while not trying to screen or even stop them from screening.
Im finding myself being able to player switch in my end to apply a little more pressure also, and having a lead lets you take more risks its done realy well.

And to G7's point on Strats, yes i absolutely think Strats work/help i just wish it was easier to do, sometimes i change before the game starts only to find it reverts back to default, a real pain as i find myself wanting to change constantly as the cpu adjusts.

Im loving it right now very fun again and ive been playing both Ahl and Nhl games and you can feel the difference for sure.
I did notice a error in my games played stat right away i almost think as i played an Ahl game first it counted it on my Nhl record but its only happened once so far and it was a loss.

COME BACK SCOOP IM FEELING YOU DUDE (softball down the middle)

[pk500]

There's no need to pick a side against or pile on Leebo when his last post before Scoop's 'farewell letter' was basically a friendly 'my bad'.

I'm not piling on. If I was referring specifically to Leebo, I would have addressed him. I don't play the "behind people's backs" games.

My comment was general, about the shifting tone of this board in regards to sports games.

In general, I think there's a lot of nitpicking and negativity at DSP in regards to sports titles. It's one thing to point out flaws; it's another to sh*t all over someone's enjoyment of a game because they don't hold the same "sim values" as you or dissect games like cadavers in med school.

Take care,
PK

[pk500]

Back to topic: I find changing strategies sometimes is a very good tactic in the PC version of NHL 08. Teams do reflect your choice of strategy in their play -- it's not just a gimmick, at least in the PC version.

Take care,
PK

[Jimmydeicide]

No lets get back to the arguing for a sec. Last year 07 was such a blast to play that i was able to overlook any floor it had as it was just pure old skool video game crack.
The games ARE getting so real now the set them selves up for this heavy disection and why not ? Its just since NHL07 i did take a step back and am just trying to enjoy what we have for what they are which maybe helping me with 08 i dunno .

[webdanzer]

In general, I think there's a lot of nitpicking and negativity at DSP in regards to sports titles. It's one thing to point out flaws; it's another to sh*t all over someone's enjoyment of a game because they don't hold the same "sim values" as you or dissect games like cadavers in med school.

I actually don't think there is more negativity around here lately, as for the most part the same guys who are crititical or indeed overly negative are the same ones we have always had. I think there are less POSITIVE posts around here lately. You know, the I'm playing game X and I like it because of....

In short, I don't think we're seeing a increase of negativity, I think we are seeing a decrease of people posting about postive experiences with their gaming.

And back to topic for me, too...I'm glad you are seeing the game improve for you Jimmy. As I said previously, I allow that my experience with playing D could be colored by an "I Suck' factor. I'm glad to see that with some improvement, there is hope that I can see a change in that aspect of the game!

EDIT: What sliders did you change, Jimmy?

[Sudz]

would it kill them to give us a f***in manual?

would it?

bastards.

[pk500]

I actually don't think there is more negativity around here lately, as for the most part the same guys who are crititical or indeed overly negative are the same ones we have always had. I think there are less POSITIVE posts around here lately. You know, the I'm playing game X and I like it because of....

In short, I don't think we're seeing a increase of negativity, I think we are seeing a decrease of people posting about postive experiences with their gaming.

You make a good point, Web!

Take care,
PK

[10spro]

Wow! I do see Scoops's point of view that at times games get dissected like a frog in a biology class while we are all mainly here for the enjoyment of the game, at least I am. As PK would point out where's the FUN these days? I always read your impressions with interest and after playing both games it was obvious that you found 08 a better Hockey experience. If you saw the ice rink too small in 2K, I wanted to know why this guy would say something like this, but that's it, I wouldn't say that you would be wrong, call people names, I would disagree and life goes on. That's what a forum is for me : An exchange of opinions, sharing ideas and a learning experience all together.

Scoop, I don't recall anyone calling you a 2K hater.

And after Leebo's apology, perhaps your decision to withdraw from this forum is a hasty one, moderators will come and go, but I personally hope that you take it just as a misunderstanding between two parties and contribute once again in a near future.

[Naples39]

Warning...non-NHL related thoughts:

I come down in the middle. Games are for fun, I don't really care about finding the perfect sim, so as I posted, the fact that the CPU in 08 is overly passive doesn't really take too much away from the game for me.

That being said, there should be a number of negative comments. This is messageboard for discussing sports games, and the discussion would be meaningless without a lot of negative comments.

What bugs me is how other people's negative thoughts are ruining an individual's personal enjoyment. So Leebo gave up on NHL 08? So? That's his choice, but I still enjoy 08 because the issue he cited doesn't ruin my enjoyment. I have no problem with him posting about why he chose to quit.

The entire community basically gave up NCAA 08 because of interceptions, but I made some adjustments and now I'm on season 4 of my dynasty. Negative opinions are part of evaluating a game, and I hope to see people continue to post them so I can gain a better perspective on the game and make a more fully informed opinion about how to spend my gaming time.

My philosophy: we all don't have to agree that one game is 'the best,' but both negative and positive comments help everyone finds the game they enjoy.

[webdanzer]

Very well said, Naples, and I agree 100%.

Specifically, I also don't understand how someone else's negative comments would affect my enjoyment of a game. If a criticism raises an issue that would be a point of contention for me, that's great! I appreciate hearing about it and perhaps the poster saved me money! If the person is upset about somethat that doesn't bother me, then no biggie, I just keep on playing and enjoying!

Maybe people need peer approval on their gaming choices?

EDIT: I guess if people are saying things like 'if you like X despite the criticisms then YOU SUCK', that would be a crappy-ass trolly kind of post that we could do without, but are people doing that here? Or maybe some people are just internally feeling the 'YOU SUCK' directed at them after reading negative comments that they don't agree with? If so, stop that!