NHL 2K8: It's The Stick, Stupid

By Steve West: 2007-08-19 00:28:09

The multitudes can keep their Madden games. What has proved true year after year is that the NHL games are the only ones I’m still playing ten months after release. In the ‘07 itineration EA finally took the lead by introducing right thumbstick play, which was cribbed from the above-mentioned Madden series. The advent of using a thumbstick to gain near total control over the puck made the series deeper than ever before. Never ones to sit around, 2K Sports have laced up their skates and are introducing the ProStick to NHL 2K8.

So what can we expect from 2K Sports this time around? An immerse and realistic style of gameplay, of course. With precise control over the puck you’ll be able to work your magic as you deftly pass and break away to get that game-winning goal. NHL 2K8 is poised to return the beloved franchise to its rightful place as the pinnacle of hockey games. In order to enhance the feeling of realism 2K Sports also enlisted the help of Joe Thornton (who appears on the cover art) to develop the subtlest face-off system to date in a NHL game. We’ve spent so many years mashing a single button, or just trying to get that extra edge during these important moments. The problem is that it’s never felt quite right. As much fun as NHL games have been, they’ve never quite matched up with the feeling of being a part of the game as their successful football counterparts. When you talk about next-gen gaming, this is what we need to see more of. The improved character animations and insane graphics do not a next-gen hockey game make.

As for the actual improvement to the face-off for NHL 2K8 you simply move the right thumbstick to the side and wait for the ref to drop the puck, at which point you have to swipe laterally to attain control. Good luck with that, because there will be warnings and penalties for going too early. If it works anything like the right thumbstick control for kicking in All-Pro Football 2K8 then be forewarned that dumb luck has been removed. You’ll now need the skill to gain possession of the puck. Will the ability to control your stick alleviate the problem with face-offs? Let’s hope so, because come September that would mean gaming nirvana.

This is about total control people. The ProStick will allow precise control that is going to surprise a lot of gamers, NHL 2K veterans and amateurs alike. If you have a defender hounding you on the right side, just slide the stick on over to the left and you’re clear. Got a star player being double-teamed? Reach out to the right and hit the left bumper to pass to your wide-open teammate, who then takes a shot on goal. Gone are the days of playing hockey games like glorified Pong. Hockey fans, gamers, and people who enjoy that which is good can rejoice when NHL 2K8 drops at the beginning of September.

Tips N4G

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