NBA 2K8 (PlayStation 2, 2007)

NBA 08
Ea Sports goes for an easy lay-up instead of the slam-dunk.

Features, for instance, don't serve any real purpose. Offensively, players swivel the controller around to control the ball's dribble motions, although it opens up the chance of losing the ball if they get sloppy. On defense, players move their defender's arms with up and down motions, although it just seems simpler to jump up and get in a shooter's face with the tap of a button, rather than jerking the controller and getting sore wrists.

Good portion of the game's audio captures the essence of being smack dab in the middle in an arena for an NBA game, although the commentary needed work. Mark Jackson and Kevin Calabro keep up with the on-court action, but repeat comments way too often

Presentation-wise, the game displays in full 1080p, with sharp details with the court and player animations. It runs at a soft and smooth sixty frames per second, with very few slowdown or glitch issues. However, a few player models look hideous up-close

NBA 08 still has a lot going for it. The mini-games are a lot of fun, especially Own the Court, where players shoot as many successful shots as possible in different spots marked on the court. Players also have Season and Playoffs modes on hand, with plenty of player-creation and team-balancing options. Those eager to create their own NBA legend will find customization options galore, with the ability to expand their attributes with each victory and challenging others online through the PlayStation Network.

Still, it's just not enough to be a true NBA contender – not yet, anyways. NBA 08 shows fine progress, but a few minor things hold it back from achieving the much-needed victory. Basketball fans may want to give it a rental, if only to check out the fully stacked NBA Replay mode or construct their own warped little creations. Everyone else, though, may want to wait for next year's contender.

OVERALL 6.5/10

NBA 2K8
First of all i must admit 2k7 was amazing game last yr. I had never played any of the 2k games(BASKETBALL) and i've always played live but the moment my friend let me play the 2k8 I Sold my NBA 08 and bouught NBA 2K8. Nba 2k8 as a whole is way better then Nba live and It will only continue to be better with every version they make of it. I am Very pleased with my new purchase.This is the Best basketball game out there

OVERALL 9.5/10