Presentation and Graphics: Hockey games have the ability to look very good because the ice surface can really shine. NHL 08 may be the finest looking hockey game to date. At a very nice 1080i, the player models look outstanding. The faces are a little hard to see on account of the helmets, but they do make a very strong resemblance, especially the big names. EA games have always had easy to control menus and this game is no different. The goalie animation has been upped this year. The new uniforms really look superb with the new Reebok designs. The crowds also look really good. 4.25 of 5

Sound and Music: EA Trax again make a cameo and there are some decent songs, usually upbeat. What really is noticeable is the announcing team. Hockey is so fast paced and they duo of Gary Thorne and Matt Clement do a phenomenal job. You rarely ever hear the same drab comments which is a change of pace from some recent EA games. The commentary actually mirrors the gameplay which means you don’t have to mute the game and put some music on to compensate. 4 of 5

Gameplay: , This is by far the best hockey game I have ever played. Period. The players act and react exactly how hockey players are supposed to. What is especially alarming is how well the opponents’ AI is. The days of just skating through the zone unchecked are over. You need to cycle the puck to avoid heavy hitting defensemen or use the new saucer pass(RB) to lift it over an opposing stick. You will also notice the subtle nuances like the players using their arms for leverage and point blank shots not going to a corner and not the goalies chest. The shot speed has also picked up.The skill stick has not changed and there is no turbo which is a blessing. Finally, not every check is a full on car crash. Too many times last year to could line up anyone with the smallest of players and lay a bone jarring hit. Guys like Martin St. Louis and Sidney Crosby are not going to lay out Zdeno Chara. The game is not perfect, but as far as hockey games go, this is the best there is. 5 of 5

Lasting Appeal: Hockey is a great multiplayer game for a number of reasons. The games are quick, its very hard to cheat, and there is a great deal of parity among the teams. Sure there are a few above the rest, but you can play online 5 times in a row and face 5 different teams. It is that varied. The lobbies are easy to use and there have been little network complaints. This a great game to get a few friends together, some beers and just have a round robin. Basically what I did on Friday’s last year for that awkward 3 hours between happy hour and when you need to go back out. There is an especially deep Dynasty mode for those who rather play offline. Online tourneys are also easy to find. 4.25 of 5

Final Word: Trying not to repeat myself, but this is the best hockey game to date. Hardcore hockey fans probably already have this, but I would venture that you will have the casual gamer picking this one up and becoming instantly hooked. This game may be lost in the shuffle with some of the monster titles coming out, but this is a must have especially when things settle down after the new year and hockey becomes more mainstream after football and baseball have concluded.

Overall: 4.5 of 5

1 = Not worth the bandwidth.

2= Demo is enough, not worth your money.

3= Game is good, depending on the price, seriously consider picking it up.

4= Worth your money. Should provide some good times for quite awhile.

5= Buy the game. Lock your door. Pick up a case of beer. This could take all night.