The visuals have gotten a boost with more animations, more vibrant arenas, and even slicker presentation on cut scenes and replays. Gone are the transitional animations making way for smooth moves on the ice from dekes, shots, and big hits. Everything looks fantastic and true to life. It's a great feeling when you see your sniper flip the puck along his stick only to fake out the goalie and wrist one in for the kill. While the ESPN license still seems all but absent, EA's brand of sports still allows gamers to feel as if they are watching a real telecast. Great cut scenes that show emotion in the box provide that little something extra between puck drops. While some of the players faces aren't quite spot on, the player models are extremely detailed, so much so that you wince when your favorite player takes one hard to the boards.

Audio also is a player in this game with loud, boisterous crowds, authentic hockey music, and riveting play by play by hockey's best in the business. The surround sound is done remarkably well allowing you to hear not only chants from the crowd, and calls from your player boxes, but even the shaving of the ice from your skates can be heard behind you as you intercept that huge pass.

Game play has stepped up big time as you will find a noticeably more difficult game this season. The A.I. is tough as nails and for those thinking that they can just simply shoot one timers to victory will find they will either be stoned by the goalie, or blocked by a defender more times than not. The A.I. is even more aggressive leaving very little time for thought process, so you must plan your strategy quickly and on the fly. The skill stick is back once again, and allows you to really get the edge on your opponent if you can master it. You can instantly flip the puck back and forth along your stick, setting up for a quick wrist shot, or take a slap shot by all defenders into the twine. This year EA even allows for you to create custom plays that will allow you to pin point the moment of a rush or set up for that critical one timer. The sense of speed is wonderful which is huge since the turbo button is gone from the series. Never fear as the game moves at such a blistering speed that you won't miss it after a few passes up the rink.

NHL 08 is even deeper than before with new creation zones that not only allow you to make that pivotal player, but test them out before they lace up for real. A new goalie mode puts you in a 3rd person camera and allows you to personally perform those butterfly and glove saves. You now also have the control of the AHL teams so you will know who's performing well in the minors and who's the next big star ready to be called up to the NHL.

Online has gotten a shot in the arm with 3 on 3 matches, shootouts, and finally online leagues! You can now create your own 32 team league and see who the best is, and who's just left shivering on the ice. The 3 on 3 matches allows you to play with 6 players on 6 different consoles online from anywhere in the world.

I can easily say without a doubt that this is not only the best EA hockey game since NHL 05, but quite possibly the best hockey game ever. Fans can be happy to know that the series they grew up loving has finally delivered in all department to create the most realistic and authentic hockey game on the market. Second place is the first loser, and that means you 2K Hockey.