NHL 08
Preview
Crash, hit, bang, crash some more and... score!
by Chris Scott
previewed on X360
Hooked on ice
As a big hockey fan, I have always found it disconcerting that the general public views hockey as a speedy game with fights. Hockey is a very strategic sport, although many people don’t view it as such. The game itself garners an intricate push / pull dynamic where all six players on the ice for a team must work in unison or risk a big play going the other way at ultra high speeds. No other sport in the world gives me the adrenaline rush that hockey does, but game developers have rarely been able to translate the on ice experience to the small screen.
Electronic Arts’ annual NHL series made some good improvements last year and helped deliver one of the better NHL games in recent years but it still fell short of the 2K Sports brand of hockey and neither really delivered the virtual feel of being on the ice. This year EA looks to surpass its previous effort as well as the competition with a slew of new additions, including new modes and control features that will hopefully help you to experience the game like you have never done before.
Sticks
A few years ago EA introduced the Skill Stick; basically you used it to perform special deke moves. Last year they refined the Skill Stick to make it something you might actually want to use. You finally had the power to deke out the opposing goaltenders with a precision not felt before. This year they look to take it to a whole new level, giving you complete independent control of your player’s hockey stick. You can now hold the puck away from an opposing defenseman while pushing it around them. If you get alone with the goalie, the improved handling and shooting accuracy will make you more deadly than ever before.
Of course you will want a way to combat your opponents and in previous games the defense was at a distinct disadvantage because so much was focused on making the game more offensively oriented. Well the developers have heard the cries and have improved the defensive controls of the game, including the hit stick (the defensive version of the skill stick) and an all-new skating engine.
While previous iterations made it difficult to use the hit stick EA hopes the new modifications will allow players to actually mount a defense. The new analog skating control gives you the variety in speed you need to catch up with that speedy winger. Are the days of playing someone who always rushes down the wing, passing in front for a one-time shot gone? Hopefully they are, and hopefully it will force players to try a variety of strategies and plays so that an actual hockey simulation may take place.
