You could be fooled for thinking that on the face of it, NHL 2K8 is the same as last years version. However, dig deeper and you'll find a rich and robust game that brings a combination of innovation (the 'Pro Stick' control system) and a subtle tweaking of its most well-renowned features (franchise mode). But for sports games with a new version released annually, what you really want to know is, why should I buy it?

What are the compelling reasons for me to upgrade? Are there any? I can now safely say yes, there are several reasons. Had you asked me that a week ago, I would have derided you for making such a comment. But now, after thoroughly exploring the rich franchise mode and new control system, I've done an about turn.

Firstly, the control system has had a complete overhaul, marked by the implementation of the 'Pro Stick'. Devoid of public relations fluff, the 'Pro Stick' is a control system that allows you to use the right analogue stick to control the exact position of the puck in relation to your player. This sets the scene for some great duels between players and goaltenders that really puts the onus on the player. The player now has the degree of control to wrong-foot the goalie and slot in the backhander - something immensely satisfying that I previously couldn't do with any consistency. However, this isn't the only change to the control system - as I mentioned earlier, it has had a complete overhaul taking the emphasis off the buttons and placing it onto the bumpers and triggers.

The new system involves using the left bumper to pass and the right bumper as a wrist shot (with left trigger as a slapshot modifier) and after playing a couple of games with this system, I switched it back to the old button based system (which doesn't have the 'Pro Stick'). I felt it was too awkward to use the bumpers to shoot. However, after talking about the system with a player on Xbox Live, he convinced me of the benefits and I switched to the new system and haven't looked back. It's difficult at first, but if you stick with it (no pun intended), it becomes very rewarding.

Still on gameplay, the franchise mode is once again robust, staying true to all the previous 2K Sports NHL games. The in-depth statistics, figures, morale and fatigue ratings all return. The most significant addition is the contract negotiation system, which allows you to fine tune your contracts, specifying incentives for awards, the duration of the contract and even initial signing bonuses. I feel this realistically replicates the true negotiation of contracts, with some negotiations taking days and even weeks to complete. Everything is there, with agents representing players and giving feedback on your offers.

If it's a patronising offer, they'll simply refuse it and their status will turn to frustrated with the player threatening to leave the negotiating table. It's certainly a nice touch that adds even more depth of the franchise mode. Another great part of the franchise mode is the dynamic progression system, adding an RPG element to the game. No, your player won't suddenly become a Level 70 Paladin with a mount, but you can now track your player's status as to whether things like their puck handling skills improve (influenced by how much the player used the puck in the previous few games).

Heading down to the ice now, one issue that I've noticed is the collision detection. The physics seem to be slightly off. For example, I'd be skating along at full tilt and press B to bodycheck an opponent and all I would do is skate into them. The animation will appear to complete and it will be timed correctly but there will be no detrimental effect to the opponent on the ice. Although, this doesn't happen so often that it detracts from the gameplay experience. Physics issues aside, the face-off system has had also had a complete overhaul, introducing a system that requires skill and finesse.

Now, players can be warned and forced to abstain from the face-off if they are too aggressive and overstep the mark. During face-off, players now lock bodies, requiring teammates to get the puck out like a rugby scrum and the puck even shoots out randomly when one player just manages to get a stick to it. All in all, it's another aspect that makes NHL 2K8 a far more in-depth and robust game over its predecessors.

The A.I. in the game is nothing fantastic. It's not terrible, but that said, it's not that good either. Often you'll find your defencemen simply gliding back past your red line with their backs turned to the pucks, which can be quite frustrating. However, when playing on the higher difficulties, your (and the opponents) goaltenders will move out and close down the angles if you're on a breakaway. Overall though, I've found that the lack of A.I. intuitiveness on defence is countered by the new control system. With you having total control of the puck on offence, you can guide it to your players to and set up that crucial one timer. This allows the occasional defensive lapses to be overlooked. Of course, I can envisage that this would really frustrate someone if it was game 7 of the Stanley Cup finals and you get stuck with the 'Sally-Robins' take-a-break defence unit.

Graphically, the 2K series of NHL games has always been good, but never outstanding and this year is no different. However, there are some nice touches added to this year's version. The detail of players has had a marked increase. For example, my team, the New Jersey Devils are wearing jerseys that indicate it's their 25 year anniversary and their star players look incredibly detailed and realistic, with beads of sweat pouring down their faces. They also use the correct equipment adding to the accuracy and realism of the game.

All of last years graphical improvements are there as well, including the 'Cinemotion' system and the cool depth-of-field replays. However, the presentation of this game is something that is somewhat average. It looks like someone who has just learned how to use Photoshop has made it, with jagged corners omnipresent in all of the menus. The game's presentation graphics are certainly not as slick or polished as EA's NHL series, but what the game lacks in graphical polish, it makes up for with rich gameplay.

However, one thing that does affect the gameplay is the use of sponsors. You might remember Channel 10's subliminal advertising at the ARIA awards. Unlike their use of a frame flashing up for 1/25th of a second, from the minute you hit the ice you are bombarded with things like the Duracell 'Copper-Stopper' goaltending replays and Duracell 'Chalk-talk' advice. While I understand that things like the 'Dodge Hit of the Game' were present in last years iteration, their (over)use in this year's version is ridiculous. Come on - when the announcers inform me that I'm on the 'Gillette Fusion power play' "with 5 blades on my side" it begins to be just too much. Maybe the game should be subsidised for all this shameless advertising? Some might consider it adding a realistic touch to the presentation, but personally it's just annoying and over the top.

Multiplayer is essentially the same as last year, with all of the game modes, leaderboards and leagues available for use. Roster updates are available as is to be expected. However, for something new, there is an paid add-on (400 points) called the 'Reelmaker', which allows you to create your own NHL highlight reels and submit them online to be viewed by anyone.

If you've played NBA 2K7 you will know what I'm talking about. You can combine your replays, add music from the game's soundtrack, add transitions and choose your own camera angles to show everyone in the world how talented you were when you deked around those 2 defencemen, broke away and slotted one through the 5-hole. In terms of Xbox Live, the games I played online were lag free on a regular ADSL connection, with only some minor lag when playing with people outside of Australia.

As mentioned, you can add your own tracks to highlight reels, provided they are in the game's soundtrack. With huge variety, including tracks from Bloc Party and Korn, my personal favourite is "Cum On Feel The Noize" by Quiet Riot. It's a great track to have playing in the background after you score a goal. The commentary is once again top notch, as we've all come to expect from this series. The commentators call players by their first name and make comments about their characteristics. For example, Zach Parise's stick handling skills are great, which the commentators occasionally discuss. It's a nice touch and adds variation to the commentary.