I said teh graphics have improved and I really mean it. The players look real, though they still have that zombie effect, but that is a tech issue that will plague us for some time. I just wish they would incorporate the import picture interface that Tiger Woods has. I think this is a great feature that should be in all EA Sports games.

Many fans will scoff at this game, and I think part of the reason is that they have been burned in the past. I understand this, and, after having rented 07, I can see why an owner of that game wouldn't want to spend another 60 bucks for a game that is only 20% different. If however, you are like me and have avoided hockey games for the last few years, this one is refreshing.

The online play is great over Xbox Live, with shootouts to me being the best. It's quick, intense action. The graphics are imporved, the deke system, where you fake out your opponents is dead on, and many of the things that have been broken over the last few years have been fixed. The addtion of a third person goalie mode, though complicated, is a nice addition.

The game is still at times a bit too action oriented, and I find that the difficulty levels jump around too much. There is too great a difference between the rookie and pro settings and that should be tweaked. Where previous iterations were too arcady and sort of nonchalant, this one gets a bit more serious. 2K's game is still the more simulation-type game, but NHL 08 blends action and simulation better. For a digital hockey fan, there is really no better option.