In my opinion, after reading previews for both games i would say that i am very impressed with the strides that both EA and 2K have made with there hockey franchises. Here is a quick rundown of improvements of both games.
NHL 08
* Improved Gameplay: With the new addition of the playbook creator, and the improved defensive A.I. this game plays like NHL hockey more than ever before. Teams adjust to your schemes, which means you must exploit there defense with new plays, line mix ups and strategy like never before
* Franchise Mode: With the addition of a longer franchise( Last year only 10 years). And the addition of the AHL leauge, which means you can call up and send down players to the minor leauge just like in real life. BTW you can also play as the AHL teams which is a nice added bonus.
* Real NHL Look: Of course EA brings back great graphics to the table, but with so many different types of skates, sticks, goalie equipment and player gear, along with the new NHL jerseys, (some players even wear there jerseys tucked in!) Create a player and team have been revamped also, making it the most deepest ever.
NHL 2K8
*Improved Graphics: Finnaly, 2K sports goes next gen with the graphics!. 2K sports has never looked so good on the Xbox 360 and PS3(Sorry current gen owners, still the same). With 2k signature style, almost every player has been face mapped to there exact likeliness, players have there signature skates, jersey type, sticks, helmets, goalie gear and much more!
*Gameplay: 2K returns with more great realistic gameplay, this time finnaly adding Special moves!!!. Adding moves like Sweden 94, batters up and much more this looks like the most exciting 2k hockey game ever.
*Franchise Mode: Realistic salary cap features, player negotiations actually is a tug of war battle featuring you, the player, your owner and the players agent. Player progression and player types have been tottaly revamped. Ice time, chemistry, awards, performance and winning now all factor into player development to determine what type of player you will get.
All in all both games look great, which are you most excited for?