NHL 08 Impressions

[Zeppo]

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

would it?

bastards.

probably not, but it would kill a heck of a lot more trees!

I agree with Web and Naples on this one. The problem isn't that there is too much or more dissection and negative nitpicking (there always has been), it's that it's not balanced well by positive posts. If you want to know what I think about this game, go a few pages back to where I was trying to explain to Will Hunting (I think it was he) that he would be CRAZY to stick with NHL07 rather than get the latest-and-greatest version.

From where I sit, all of these nitpicking discussions revolve around one central thing: playing v. CPU. There are plenty of problems with the game engine that make the game less than perfect when playing head to head, but for the most part this game is as fun or more fun for ME as any sports game I've ever played. It's just f***in FUN all the time because it's extremely well built for playing head to head, and dare I say it, two on two.

But hey, I don't really play v. CPU very much, and I don't really care about the finer points of AI tactics or whether or not the CPU has a speed boost advantage or whatever. People aren't saying the game is broken because weird phantom deflections like what db posted are rampant, or the offside rule is improperly called, or something like that. They've made one hell of a good, smooth-playing, fun hockey game here, what's wrong with picking some of the nits to try and see if it can be improved?

The positive posts are there, but once you've said something positive, you don't really feel the need to keep reiterating it over and over. It's sort of like how some people here seem to think Dirt was poorly received, or died a fast death around here. Just because people aren't posting incessantly about how much they love a game doesn't mean no one is playing it, or people think it sucks. I'd bet those perceived to be the most nit-picky about NHL08 are actually enjoying the game a lot most of the time, they just get frustrated with some of the problems they keep seeing over and over. Why do they see them over and over? Because they are playing the s*** out of the game!

[Slumberland]

Just visit your local MLB '07 thread for a non-stop dose of positivity. It's the most boring thread ever.

Sorry for accusing you of piling on, PK. The way the thread was building, Leebo seemed to become a figurehead for what Scoop was decrying, and I fell victim to fuzzy application of transitive properties.

[pk500]

No worries, DICK.

(How's that for a mix of positive and negative? )

Take care,
PK

[webdanzer]

Well said too, Zep, and I do praise you for being one of the best examples of someone here who makes the time to post positive impressions of games they enjoy.

[sportdan30]

Just visit your local MLB '07 thread for a non-stop dose of positivity. It's the most boring thread ever.

Sorry for accusing you of piling on, PK. The way the thread was building, Leebo seemed to become a figurehead for what Scoop was decrying, and I fell victim to fuzzy application of transitive properties.

Yep, that thread is a snoozer. Best all around sports game I've ever played (MLB '07). Which is why perhaps I was put off by short time playing NHL '08. Even though it's two different sports, MLB seems to have the most well rounded game. I guess that's what I was expecting from NHL '08. Sure, it's definitely an enjoyable game, but too many little things turned me off rather quickly. During the demo impressions, there was this excitement and declaration for the best sports game of the year. Well, it seems the wheels fell off the game rather quickly once the retail version was released.

[wco81]

Are there other ways of attempting goals than flicking the right stick down and up?

How do you do one-timers or quickly hit rebounds in?

My guys are winding up and then holding the stick back but not hitting it. They often get the puck taken away while holding the stick back.

If I flick it too fast, it doesn't seem to generate too much power.

Also is there a turbo or speed burst of some kind like there used to be in the old NHL games?

[Leebo33]

The funny thing is, I didn't give up on the game. I just need a break to try something else and see how 2K felt hockey should be represented.

Unless a game is total garbage, I usually criticize a game to try and find a workaround. I wouldn't even bother posting if I didn't care. I mistakenly took Scoop's post as akin to the Madden advice to not fumble or throw interceptions as "learn to pass" or "learn to run" rather than an honest attempt to help. I apologize for that.

In over 10,000 posts here and SR I was probably "negative" in 10%, but that's what people will remember, I guess.

[JackB1]

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.

What would help this game immensely is a "switch to the guy nearest the goal" button, like the "last guy back" button in hoops. They you could switch to a forward and if you see someone alone in front of the goal, you could quickly switch to him and clean up in front of the crease. The issue is that is sometimes takes too long to switch to the "right" player. What I end up doing is switching to a D and if there is a loose puck near the forwards, switch to them. You just have to pick your spots and be smart about your switching. It throws an extra element of startegy into the game....some like it.......some don't.

[Jimmydeicide]

Heres something you wont even find in the manual Sudz, if you hold RB you can use your right stick as manual pass/ dump whatever, so you can now dump whilst in the opponents end shoot wide passes for deflections wherever you aim the left stick. Props to Simpucker for that find.

Sliders are All star 10 min .
Game speed 0
Puck control 0
fatigue max
recovery 0
player Accel 3
hitting 2 thinking of dropping to 1
aggression 2 (still tinkering)
poke 2
pass speed 4
saucer 4
pass int max

Goalie pas 1
shot acc 3
shot power 2 (down from 3 as i got better at scoring)
Shot blocking 3(still tinkering . trying to minimize the d going down all togetheron a wind up)
Hook 2 for now(still tinkering to get pins)
goalie cover 5

[Jimmydeicide]

Are there other ways of attempting goals than flicking the right stick down and up?

How do you do one-timers or quickly hit rebounds in?

My guys are winding up and then holding the stick back but not hitting it. They often get the puck taken away while holding the stick back.

If I flick it too fast, it doesn't seem to generate too much power.

Also is there a turbo or speed burst of some kind like there used to be in the old NHL games?

Down and up is a slapper, just up is a snap shot and how you would hit a rebound in , side and up is a wrister.

Check your controler Wc it sounds something weird is happening

[TRI]

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?

The strategies do help from my experience playing the game. There is so much that NHL 08 does right and I only wish the CPU would play more aggressive defense against the guy with puck. The AI of the players on the team controlled by the CPU is better than your teammate AI and this is part of the problem. Every game has weakness though and NHL 08 has many more good things than problems. Littman has really turned this game around and with a little more work it has the potential be really great.

[ScoopBrady]

First off, I'm sorry Leebo for making it sound like you are the problem around here. I don't think that but your initial post saying that I was doing the typical You suck thing was the straw that broke the camel's back. You've contributed plenty over the years but I do think you've started to become more negative over the past month or so. It started with your We can b*tch if we want to but you can't b*tch about us bitching thread. I do consider you a cyber friend and I'm sorry for making it seem like I don't. I felt sucker punched when you said I was pulling the You just suck thing and that comment made me come to the conclusion that I just don't care anymore. I'm here to talk about a hobby I enjoy. A hobby that I have fun with. If after 6+ years between here and SR I'm viewed as the guy who is going to proclaim you just suck or being a EA fanboy and 2k hater than it truly is time for me to hang it up because it is obvious nobody is paying attention to what I thought I contributed.

I'm not leaving DSP, I'm simply stepping down as moderator and staying out of sports game related threads. I know this is a sports gaming forum but there's still plenty of non-sports gaming discussion of which I plan on being a part of. I will also still be playing with you guys on Xbox Live or the PSN as well so I'm not disappearing.

We've always nitpicked games around here but at least we'd share our fun experiences with them. When every impressions thread turns into "This game does this wrong." "This game still does this wrong." "I'm still playing and this game still does this wrong." "Wait a minute, let's not start to post positive experiences about this game, it still does this wrong." it becomes a bit tiring. I used to remember impression threads that discussed things that needed to be addressed but didn't harp on them. I used to remember reading complaints from guys who also shared something really cool they experienced in the game. That's just not who I am. I am probably on the opposite side of the spectrum. I like to gush about the positives and bring up the negatives and let them go. When I get negative on a game it's because I have found more than 1 thing I don't like about it (I'm talking about you NHL 2k8) and I vent about it out or mere frustration.

I honestly can't say whether this place is more negative now or if Web is right and it's just less positive. In the end it doesn't matter to me because either way you look at that it sucks. I liken it to soda pop. Soda pop needs both syrup and carbonation to be good. If you have all syrup and no carbonation it's too sweet. If you have too much carbonation and no syrup it tastes like s***. The syrup might still be here but the perfect blend I used to love to drink is gone.

[TCrouch]

During the demo impressions, there was this excitement and declaration for the best sports game of the year. Well, it seems the wheels fell off the game rather quickly once the retail version was released.

Not for everybody. I have to review the game for OS, and I can guarantee a lot of people here are going to wonder what I'm thinking. I, for one, haven't seen anything to make me not consider it sports game of the year for me. It's fun against the CPU, it's unbelievably fun against another human, and I haven't quit playing it yet. I guess it might help that I can't break down hockey AI like I can a football game, but it's a smooth game, INCREDIBLY fun, and it is a good representation of the sport I watch on TV. I just don't make many posts anymore about it due to what was mentioned before. Everybody pissing on everybody else's parade no matter what.

[webdanzer]

Everybody pissing on everybody else's parade no matter what.

When every impressions thread turns into "This game does this wrong." "This game still does this wrong." "I'm still playing and this game still does this wrong." "Wait a minute, let's not start to post positive experiences about this game, it still does this wrong." it becomes a bit tiring .

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.? .

As I said, I do think we have been missing some positive threads around here lately, and I really do think we used to have more, but I also really think that some of you guys overestimate or imagine the amount of negativity around here. I mean, I just re-read this thread, and pages 1-7 of it is near constant praise. 8-9 is more negative, but 9-10 is folks very positive about the PC version. 11-14 is more give and take from various viewpoints, and then things explode on 14.

I'm not sure that this perception that DSP has become a horribly negative place is a reality.

[FifaInspected]

Just picked this up a couple of days ago.. Damn this is fun game! Can't wait to try some 2 v 2.

[JRod]

This is a discussion board about games. Not the little league everyone gets a trophy forum.


Everybody takes it so personally if someone disagrees with you. Personally, I don't care if you disagree with me just don't be a dick about it. I think that rule should apply to all of the posts here.

It's okay to have a different perception and analysis from another poster. Just leave the personal stuff out of it.

And if you want to write a thesis on the flaws of NHL, do it. If you don't want to read it or dare I say respond to it then don't. Someone else might find it helpful. Someone else might call you out on it.


Lastly, Web is right. All you guys that say that DSP has turned negative are just looking at the negative and leaving out the positive. Case in point and I'll say it again, NHL has closed in on WE in the type of goals. I can't give it higher praise. Not too many picked up on that. But NHL has when it comes to hockey.

[pk500]

This is a discussion board about games. Not the little league everyone gets a trophy forum.

OK, then I'll put it this way: Some of you cats take this sh*t WAY too seriously.

Seriously, when you put a game in your console, what's the first thing you do? Play it for enjoyment and then pinpoint the flaws or pinpoint the flaws and then maybe find enjoyment in it? I take the former approach; I know many here take the latter.

Different strokes. I guess I'm not hardcore enough for this joint anymore. Time to start a new board: sportsgamesforfunandstressreliefnotaPHDthesis.com

And if you want to write a thesis on the flaws of NHL, do it.

There's no need, JRod. You already have.

Take care,
PK

[JRod]

Seriously, when you put a game in your console, what's the first thing you do? Play it for enjoyment and then pinpoint the flaws or pinpoint the flaws and then maybe find enjoyment in it? I take the former approach; I know many here take the latter.

I strongly disagree with that. I think the more you play a game the more the issues come to the front.

[Sully]

I strongly disagree with that. I think the more you play a game the more the issues come to the front.

I think what PK is trying to say is that there's far too many people that are more concerned with identifying every negative aspect of a game right out of the box, rather than playing it and letting the negatives find them.

It seems that everyone these days wants to be a game tester, the first one to identify some major game-killing glitch/bug.

I'm not saying that this is you, JRod. It's just something I've noticed at several message boards that I frequent.

[ddtrane]

Minor threadjack. I don't mind people pointing things in games that I don't see. Whether negative or positive is a great thing to have, and is why I visit this forum several times daily. I just hate the personal attacks on others for their thoughts and posts, and the thread policing. OK, time to move on, nothing to see here, back to your thread for NHL 08 impressions.

[pk500]

I strongly disagree with that. I think the more you play a game the more the issues come to the front.

Yeah, but are you playing the game more to find more issues or to have a good time with it? What's the priority? I sometimes wonder with you, John.

I think what PK is trying to say is that there's far too many people that are more concerned with identifying every negative aspect of a game right out of the box, rather than playing it and letting the negatives find them.

It seems that everyone these days wants to be a game tester, the first one to identify some major game-killing glitch/bug.

Ding-ding! Winner. Spot-on analysis, Sully.

Nobody wants to turn a blind eye to flaws. But are you searching for flaws or letting them expose themselves?

If everyone at DSP other than Abner -- who reviews games for a living -- swears they don't pop in a new game and search for flaws, then I think we have a few people here who are lying to themselves, full of sh*t or both.

Again, it's people's prerogative to treat the hobby anyway they want. As I said before, this place might be getting just too hardcore for the status that gaming holds in my life now. It was different two or three years ago, where I was one of the critics.

Take care,
PK

[Naples39]

Okay, here's some positive impressions.

I've been playing a dynasty, and after winning my first two games easily on Pro, I bumped up to allstar, promptly losing 3 in a row. I've turned a corner however, outshooting the CPU in my last two games, and getting 29 shots and 5 goals in my last against Brodeur.

Now that I've had the game for a week and really know the controls and ins and outs of 08, the games, even against the PC, are really fun. Tense, exciting, variety of goals...etc. I've also started using the 'slap-pass', which can be pretty nifty if you have the puck at the point and have a clear lane to a forward near the crease.

Also, my new defensive technique is a button free approach. I just clog the passing lanes, and when I have the opportunity, I charge the puck-carrier without hitting any buttons or the right stick. Usually you'll knock him off balance leaving a loose puck that is easier to claim if your player isn't in any checking or poke-checking animations.

One negative though--this game seems to crash a lot, particularly when I play two dynasty games in a row. Just gets stuck or goes to black screen and I have to power off the xbox. Can't get to dashboard or anything.

[Jimmydeicide]

This is where im at in my gaming life right now, i only realy care about a few sports anymore , hockey ,footy and racing so when someone starts out getting all negative i stop reading and go to the next i dont wanna here all the negative stuff , well i do but not the game killers or potential game killlers i like hearing peoples opinions but i dont wanna know i can score every time from spot a or spot b i would rather find out this stuff on my own and 9 times out of 10 i dont even see them cause i play differently or i dont even care , like the goalie has player skates on.

Im the first to pile on with the negative hey im English but i do try to defend the good stuff too but its usualy totaly different any way ,the rink size in 2k for instance Scoop says too small and ive been saying its way to big all those years.

I do think its just buisness as usual around here so if you think its getting too negative try my method of skipping through it an continue to enjoy your game, crap ive gone back and forth on 08 more than PK thinking of paying for another pc game.

I love you all and see you at the next 3 on 3 meet if im allowed to play because of my router... oops sorry that was negatve and a personal attack... wasnt it ?

[grtwhtsk]

I've actually avoided this thread for a while, and not because of anything I had read prior. I bought the game, enjoy it, and didn't need anymore than that. Reading the dislikes of my fellow DSP brethren often breeds similar thoughts. I have my own mind, but it can be influenced! I decided to essentially "check in" on the thread and saw that the tide had totally changed.

Scoop, I hope you keep posting. I enjoy reading your impressions and feel that they would be sorely missed.

[pk500]

I do think its just buisness as usual around here so if you think its getting too negative try my method of skipping through it an continue to enjoy your game, crap ive gone back and forth on 08 more than PK thinking of paying for another pc game.

Wait, mate: That makes no sense. I never think about BUYING a PC game ...

Take care,
PK