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The new NHL season is upon us and with it comes the latest instalments of
everyone's favourite hockey game franchises. When it comes to annual sports
games the obvious question is always...Are there any improvements? Wonder
no more as the whistle blows and the puck is dropped on our hockey gaming
deathmatch.
NHL 2K8
Platform: Xbox 360
 Overview
The grizzled old veterans are back proving they have some tricks up their
collective sleeves but the series has been getting a little long in the
tooth over the years. The biggest change 2K has brought to the table is
the reworked control scheme which is a letdown. The 'ProStick' function of
controlling your stick handling with the right analog stick returns better
than ever giving the game another notch of realism. Although kind of
arcadish, the 'Superstar Moves'' which allow players to replicate some
trademarked hockey techniques such as the 'Double Deke' and 'Spin-O-Rama',
are kinda cool.
Sights and Sounds
As the 2K franchise announcers, Bob Cole and Harry Neale's familiar voices
bring an air of authenticity to the proceedings but the repetitive nature
of their commentary soon wears thin. The in-game sounds of steel slicing
through ice and bones being crunched are all truthful to the experience.
Where 2K made some significant renovations this year was in the graphics
department. As compared to previous editions, everything from the uniforms
to the arenas themselves have been visibly upgraded but there is still room
for enhancement when it comes to the player's faces and the cut-scenes. The
colours and details in both are bland and washed out. They are just not up
to par with what next-gen gamers would be expecting to see.
 Gameplay
Rapid fire action from end to end but not as crisp and clean as in NHL '08.
The new control scheme makes things a whole lot more difficult and
confusing. Having the left trigger modify shots confuses matters. For
example: To let a slap shot go, you have to press the left trigger and the
right bumper. That's not exactly convenient when you are fighting off
attackers as you crash the net. Until you have sorted the new combos out,
prepare to be fumbling around as you are the victim of many giveaways and
intercepted passes.
The 'Superstar Moves' are fun if you can manage to squeeze them off and at
least 'ProStick' really allows you to have full control of the puck. That
alone gives 2K a discernable edge over other hockey games.
Since they are the veterans, 2K by default has more depth and more options
for the hardcore fan. Franchise, season, tournament, challenge and all
those entertaining mini-games. Thing is, none of those selections have been
expanded in any meaningful way in 2007.
NHL '08
Platform: Xbox 360
 Overview
This franchise has come a long way from the days when a quick skate through
the crease and a speedy wrist shot would beat out any goalie each and every
time. Just like 2K, the pace and momentum of the game itself has been
perfectly replicated. The arcade feel is gone. This is now a true hockey
simulation. The most notable enhancement is in the clever AI who aren't as
easy to fool any more.
Sights and Sounds
Already one of the best looking sports games ever made, EA's graphics
engine has been tweaked even more with better player movements and
everything just seems to have been sharpened up a notch. You gotta love the
scuffed up ice and boards. It is great to hear Gary Thorne and Bill Clement
on the mikes again. They are far less cyclic than their 2K counterparts but
they tend to speak in more generalities about the teams and games themselves.
 Gameplay
You can forget about employing the same tried and true techniques to deke
out your opponents. EA's enhanced AI gives your computerized foes the
ability to adapt to the strategies you employ. You can still fake them out
here and there, it is just they won't fall for your tactics all the time.
You will find you are rewarded for working the puck well to set up shots
instead of blazing in and peppering the goalie hoping one lucky shot will
go in.
The 'Skill Stick' option of using the right analog stick to snap off wrist
shots and slap shots seems far more fluid and natural than 2K's shooting
system especially when you push the stick down to wind up and press up to
let the shot go. The dekeing techniques are far more complex. They need to
be practiced to get your timing right.
Although you will have AHL and international teams to pick from, all of the
modes just aren't as deep as 2K's.
Conclusion
NHL '08 and NHL 2K8 are two very different games for two very different
gamers. With more gameplay options due to its longevity, 2K8 is more of an
arcade style sports game. NHL '08 is going for simulation not recreation.
With the superior AI, NHL '08 is more challenging and therefore more
gratifying.
Final Score
NHL 2K8 : 7 / 10
NHL '08: 8.5 / 10
Winner: NHL '08
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