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>EA like to release sports games on a yearly basis as we all know, so it’s no surprise that NHL action returns for another year this time with the excellent NHL 08, but what does this version have over NHL 07?>

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One of the main differences this year is that as well as the NHL teams, you can now select from the American Hockey League, the AHL is used for the up and coming youngster before they make it to the NHL. As well as the two American leagues you can also choose squads from National and European Elite leagues meaning that this year there are more teams to choose from than ever.

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The main bulk of the game is the Dynasty Mode, where you will play over 15 seasons and try to be the best team around. You will participate as general manager, coach and player, as GM you will have the options to buy and trade players for the squad and as coach you will change the game strategy, jersey numbers and also edit play lines, finally as the player you will be responsible for scoring those all important goals, growing in confidence and receiving boosts to your stats the more time you spend on the ice.

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As well as the league games during the Dynasty Mode; you will also have the chance to play post season, off-season and the NHL All Star game.

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A few of the new features to NHL 08 include the ability to edit the play line, here you can directly order a player to take a certain approach, making it possible to set up great crosses and also defensive plays rather than relying on the AI all of the time.

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You are also able to create you own player, goalie or if you like a whole team and not only can you change the attributes and looks but also the kit that they use.

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As with all EA games at the moment, the training has been greatly improved, allowing you to train for shooting, skating, team practice and goalie practice. There is also a training video showing the new improvements on the control system. One of the better improvements is the 1 on 1 mode, with the right bumper you are able to trick the oncoming player, sliding your player around the opposition and knocking the puck to the side of them, this makes for more high paced action in front of the goal, and when you pull this off, it is really satisfying.

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As well as the tweaked controls, the graphics seem a lot crisper than last year, also the player animation is a lot smoother. There did appear to be one problem that took a lot of the fun away from the game, pauses in game play. For example, when you play for the drop puck, there is a slight delay in the action, it does not destroy the game, but it does deter from the otherwise fast pace of the game.