Game Overview
The revolutionary Skill Stick System evolves in NHL 08 and delivers an unparalleled level of control. An all-new deking system enables you to move the puck off your stick, to walk around a defender and give you space in front to challenge the goalie. Enhanced analog speed control and a new skating engine give you the precision and fluidity to play like you would on the ice.

Features:

The Skill Stick gave you the power to deke the goalie in NHL 07 ' now you can own the 1-on-1 matchup and undress opposing defenseman with complete control Use your stick to push the puck into space and walk around your defender. Once you're all alone in front, improved stick handling and shooting accuracy will give you the toolset to beat your goaltender for that decisive goal.

Dynamic AI adjusts to your every move both on offense and defense, promising to challenge even the most skilled hockey players. The intelligent CPU scouts your tendencies like a coach and makes the necessary adjustments to shut down your money plays, forcing you to adjust your style of play.

Take any team into practice mode and train them to run custom rush and in-zone plays in game. Do you want your team to run cycle plays down low? Or feed the point for a one-timer? Record the exact movements of each player in practice mode and watch as your team's AI executes them in gameplay.

New analog speed control of the left stick gives you the variance you need to glide into the zone with control or get a burst of speed to step up on a defender. With new skating animations and responsiveness, you have the control to perform crossovers to maintain speed or carve tight turns for an immediate change in direction.

29 AHL teams - the top developmental league for the NHL - are exclusively featured and fully playable. Develop your talent with their minor affiliate until you are ready to call them up for the show. Be the GM and manage your team from the ground up while staying under the salary cap.

Take on the hardest job in sports and seize control of your goaltender with a new 3rd person camera. Stack the pads, butterfly and make glove saves with your entire team depending on you.

From player likeness, to the signature jersey tucks and sock preferences - each athlete is rendered with a meticulous attention to detail to create a truly authentic on-ice experience.

Our Conclusions
Oh what a game, everything is there that you need from an NHL game. It's fast paced, keeps you on the edge of your seat, you'll never have the same game twice so offers tonnes of replay ability. If this doesn't get people in to Ice Hockey then nothing will. Graphically you won't find any better and barr a few problems with the shooting and the players feeling a little bit heavy at times, gamers will be very impressed with what we reckon is the best NHL title to date (although we are yet to play Take 2's NHL 2K8).

Overall Score: 9/10

Thanks to EA