EA SPORTS – pioneers in the Golden Age of hockey videogames – continues to lead the charge in the next gen era with advancements in AI intelligence, innovative controls, online depth and an unmatched level of authenticity to the sport.

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.

Showcasing true horsepower, On-The-Fly AI and playbook customization have added depth that will keep even the most experienced gamer transfixed. The intelligent CPU functionally coaches against you to counter your tendencies, and forces you to adjust your strategy. With Create-a-Play, you can hit the whiteboard and showcase your own strategic wisdom by customizing plays, recording them in practice mode and bringing them into game to outsmart your opponent. With unlimited control, unmatched depth and infinite possibilities, no game is ever the same with NHL 08.

Key Features:

Skill Stick Moments—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 the opposing defenseman with complete control  Tap the puck into space and between the defenders legs to walk around him. 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.

On the Fly AI—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.

Create Custom Plays—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 AI executes them in gameplay.

All-New Skating Engine—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.

All-New Interactive Creation Zone—Create lifelike, fully customizable characters, team uniforms, and authentic equipment that affect how players perform on the ice. Test out how the stick flex impacts shot speed and accuracy, or the skate rocker affects turning radius and speed.

American Hockey League— 29 AHL teams – the top developmental league for the NHL – are exclusively featured and fully playable. Develop your talent with their AHL 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.

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

3 vs. 3 Online*—Play online with up to 6 players on 6 different consoles located anywhere in the world.

Shootout Online—Demonstrate your skill stick prowess with the game on the line or be the goalie and shut down your opponent.

Online Custom Leagues—Create your own online league with up to 32 teams and put your skills to the test.  

Authentic Presentation—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.

Credit: EA