Game Review: NHL 08
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What Parents Should Know
Parents need to know that, as in real life, this hockey game
contains some violence. You can hit other hockey players.
Playing video sports games with your kids can be a great way to
bond. This game also helps teach kids about the sport of hockey
and the NHL. The game has an
online
component that Common Sense Media doesn't recommend for
anyone under the age of 12. Parents of younger children might
want to make sure that this option is not available.
Families can talk about the real NHL, its rivalries, and why the game of hockey isn't as popular with U.S. audiences as it was a decade ago. Is it because of the violence that is a part of the game? But is that violence any more than what happens in a professional football game? Did this game make you feel like a hockey player and does it make you want to play the game?
Common Sense Media Review
NHL 08 doesn't try to reinvent the puck, instead it adds a
few new features and fixes some problems found in
earlier
versions. This game delivers a more realistic kind of
hockey than previous versions of this game.
The biggest innovation in NHL 07 was that EA moved all the stick and puck control from the controller buttons to the right stick. This year they've added much needed game modes to the lineup. First off is an improved Dynasty mode. Players have deeper management and coaching options, including a new negotiation system that lets players settle the athletes' salaries. The new Practice mode is very welcome, since it explains the game to newbies and lets gamers figure out when to use different formations, how to perform a slapshot, and how to knock the puck between an opponent's legs. It also gives players an opportunity to practice skating around to shoot on the goal. Players can even create their own plays in this mode and then use them against the computer or human opponents.
The computer's artificial intelligence seems well balanced. Unlike the NHL 07 where the computer seemed to score 10 points in a single period, this year's version has the scoring set at a more realistic level. EA has also limited, or somehow reduced the number of monster hits and checks in the game -- which seems realistic -- and the result is that when the big hits do happen, they are much more dramatic.
Textures are sharper across all platforms, but the PS3 and Xbox 360's HD resolution almost brings the game to the level of television presentation. Lastly, the online component is smoother and presents a lot less lag than last year. EA Sports is continuing their annoying practice of dropping multiplayer support for earlier versions to "encourage" players to upgrade each year. But the upgrade might be worth it this year, especially since they've added support for online leagues (a fan request for a number of years now). Arranging tournaments, particularly on Xbox Live, is a snap!
While there's nothing revolutionary in terms of changes offered in NHL 08, the game is certainly evolving in a more satisfying direction for hockey fans. NHL 08 is best for true hockey fans or gamers that love multiplayer sport games.
Other sports games worth exploring include Madden 08 and Major League Baseball 2K7 . Families might also enjoy Wii Sports . Young children can cut their puck-shooting teeth on Backyard Hockey for the DS.
Common Sense Media is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing information to help parents make media and entertainment choices for their families.
