This game is soo good, I even got my girlfriend hooked. We each play and scream at the TV as we face off on the ice. It feels so real! We love it. It is tricky to learn, but once you get the hang of it, it is the most fun.

Rather than write a lengthy review, I'll just put the pros and cons in my own opinion.

Pros: Offense and defense sets up in zones automatically. Positioning is extremely important in Defensive zone.
The most realistic NHL game I've played.
great graphics
The opponent's goalie will challenge you.

Cons: I don't know if it's my xbox or the game, but it freezes/restarts/disc unable to read errors frequently.
The music soundtrack is awful, some of the songs are ridiculously stupid, and sometimes extremely annoying.
Half the time your goalie wont even try to stop the puck, so don't count on them being any help. I suppose I could make my own goalie tho.....
The Refs will always be biased against your team, so you'll be on the PK more than on the PP.

nhl 08 rocks better than o7 easy to learn not hard to play so much fun to play a must for any nhl hockey fan.

I don't have XBox 360, but for those that do and are interested in purchasing NHL 08' who haven't, don't hesitate! I played this with my boyfriend at his house on his XBox 360 and now I want an XBox! It makes gaming a lot more fun and exciting, especially NHL 08'. The graphics are more realistic, you have control if you play against the CPU. You vs. CPU is good even multi player is good. I didn't find any delays as they are typical in the older versions of NHL when there is too much action going on around the net and goal tenders-not the case this time! The background music is better to listen to. The commentators this time around are right on target. I found with the older versions the commentators would be saying something not even related to the current actions and would cause confusion. Playing shoot out mode is more fun! I love how you have more control on your team players skating/movement and the skill drills are fun too! The skill drills improve your over all playing skill. I recommend this to anyone as I'm very picky when it comes to gaming such as this! Playing this game on XBox 360, makes my PS2 NHL 08' go to the bottom of the list in ratings. Don't think about it if you are a hockey fan and love hockey, buy it! You won't regret it!

I've not owned a version of NHL in several years, but it didn't matter.

Instantly recognizable and playable for the NHL veteran and the newbie, this is an excellent job by EA of updating the game and making some serious improvements. As others have noted, the AI is pretty up to snuff, actually being competent, sharp and tough. The defense swarms, the computer-controlled D poking, bumping, and of course making bone-crunching, somersault-causing checks. They put up opposition, in short, as do the goalies who are generally very, very good.

The game looks fantastic, even without HDTV graphics. All of the faces, arenas, and almost too many uniform options (you can change the player's gloves, helment and stick to a different brand?) Absolutely addictive, all of the previous action is here but vastly improved. One-timers, slappers, beat-downs, insane saves, and even fights have returned. Oddly, though, they seem to have done away with five-minute majors (except for the rare fighting), and double minors, and some penalties altogether (goalie interference, and boarding). Also, it seems like faceoffs get dominated by one team over the other quite often. But these are minor gripes when you look at the whole game.

There's a dynasty mode that is clearly for obsessists, as you control the team, the minor league affiliate, the books, the salary cap, the morale, etc. In addition to the NHL and Olympic teams, there's the entire AHL, as well as the Finnish league and Swedish league. Plenty of small gem teams and players to find.

Highly recommended game for XBoxers. Completely addictive, and this time with a very competent computer that will have you swearing at the screen as Finland runs up the score.