NHL 08

The NHL 08 is the part where the putter controls finally work as intended. Throwing, feinting and passing are controlled by the movement of the stick rather than by selecting from a set of buttons, which is why attacks feel more natural. Goalkeepers learned to play on exits and keep the near corner, so a goal became more expensive and a victory more enjoyable. Defensive actions also improved: interceptions, power moves and tackles ceased to be a lottery, and the arrangement of players began to change during the match. Artificial intelligence began to punish careless passes in its own zone, which makes the puck more valuable. In Dynasty Mode you have to do everything that a manager should: sign contracts, work with the budget, monitor injuries and the mood of hockey players, look for young people in the reserve. Online leagues and friendlies provided the opportunity to test the roster against real people, and not just against the computer. It is also worth noting that the clubs differ in character: some have a composition tailored for speed, others for physical combat, and you have to select tactics for each. Training youth and finding reserves turns team management into a long game, rather than a set of matches. All this together makes the NHL 08 the part where the simulator finally worked as the developers promised. Match presentation, commentary and arena sound are all done to perfection - the NHL 08 sounds and looks like a real broadcast. This installment is considered one of the best of the old era of the series and a great place to explore its origins.