Every year, the same slapshots, big hits and blaring horns erupt on the TV screens of hockey fans who love video games. This happiness comes from the trademark Electronic Arts NHL video-game series. The latest game, "NHL '08", brings the same intensity and fun, but in different ways, including improved pictures and graphics, faster game play and more realistic action.

The newest twist to the game is the controls. In the older NHL games, it was the same old touch of a button: hold it, and shoot the puck as hard as possible. Whether it ended up in the net or in Section C, Row 24, it was still pretty easy game play. In the new and improved '08, the right analog stick, rather than the side buttons, is used for shooting, which makes scoring a much bigger challenge. It also acts as a hit-stick to deliver those bone-crushing hits that have become famous in the popular NFL Madden series. "With the joy tick, there is more advanced control and you are able to do a lot of cool tricks and shoot the puck accurately," said senior Mike Bover.

In addition to the fast-paced, intense player movements comes a new future in jaw-dropping graphics, literally putting the gamer on the ice, where all the hard-hitting action takes place.

Ever score that rare goal that leaves eyes glued to the screen, watching every movement, only to have it immediately skip straight to the next face-off? No need to worry about that with '08, as the player has full control over nearly every angle of every play, both on and off the puck. Observe the fans' reaction to a game-winning goal, or experience the goalie's view as he makes an unbelievable save. Easy-to-manage controls lead to bragging rights as monstrous hits or impossible goals replay for astonished friends.

All gamers out there: put down Madden and pick up "NHL '08". It doesn't take a great love of hockey to get hooked. In the next generation of sports gaming, the puck starts here.