NHL 08 - Xbox360

Another year, another NHL game. Last year EA added the skill stick which added more deking control and felt like you were the one who was moving the puck around the defense, and this year EA has added the feature that allows you to choose were you move the puck.

Let me explain when want try the 1 on 1 deke you press the LB button and then the direction that you want the puck to go in. This has add more offense to the game. Its mainly added to help with the 1 on 1s. EA also has made the goaltender AI stronger and some games it seems like your playing against a brick wall. Along with that EA has also added new features to the dynasty mode. One of the biggest additions to the game is an upgrade to the create a team and player modes. In the past when you created a team you were stuck with the premade jerseys, but now you can create your own jersey and choose the color for it and your teams symbol. Another addition is the mode create a play which allows you to create your own powerplay set up and etc. Its a good idea but its not very useful. Along with those addtions, EA has also added all of the AHL teams along with the Swedish and Finish leagues. 

Their are many different flaws in the game. The first is with the team creation, yes you can choose your symbol color but their are only 12 symbols which can lead to you creating the same team over and over gain. The next flaw is that with the new additions that made deking easyeir, it is now hard to really knock down a guy. You will somtimes be stuck in your zone trying to hit the offense off the puck.

The additions to NHL 08 are a welcomed improvement, the only thing that needs improvement now is the create a team and to even out the defense and offense. If you love hockey as much as i do then what i say doesnt really matter you'll go buy it anyway.