NBA 08 has a fairly robust feature set,
and this makes for a comprehensive simulation of the sport that should
evolve over time. As you'd expect, the game is fully licensed and each of
the NBA teams and their players are included, along with their authentic
arenas and courts, which makes the game feel quite professional. There are
modes for solo, multiplayer and online games. These include the standard
solo and multiplayer games, practice, season, modes or you can jump ahead
to the playoffs and tournaments to get to the end of the season. In
addition to these standard modes of play, NBA 08 also includes a couple of
cool mini-games such as a three-point shootout, where you have to sink as
many baskets as you can before the timer runs out, an around the world
challenge that has you sinking balls from different positions on the court
and finally a skills challenge mode that allows you to refine your
technique in a fun manner. These are fun additions to an already deep game
that allows for some enjoyable, if somewhat superficial gaming fun.
Additionally,
NBA 08 offers an impressive array of online and multiplayer options. As
mentioned earlier, you can also go into the online hub system and set up,
match and play games easily and simply, as well as download updated stats
and data. One of the biggest innovations in the game this time around is
the "Game of the Week" feature, where you can download a
scenario from one of five actual NBA games played the previous week and
then try and recreate these highlights within the game itself, which is a
really cool idea that seems to have been implemented nicely into the
package. Players can also go back and play scenarios from the previous
season in the NBA Rewind feature, which should make things even deeper.
You'll also be able to see streaming video and get updates throughout the
season, which is a cool idea. These online modes also include the usual
scoreboards, rankings and some interesting community features, such as the
ability to show off their created players to other online gamers, which
makes the online experience even better. One of the more interesting
additions to the game this time around allows you to create avatars or
self-created players. These can be used throughout the game's various
modes in NBA 08's unique progression system. As you play more games and
modes, you'll earn skill points which you can then use to unlock
additional upgrades and content that can only be accessed by playing
through NBA 08's various play modes. This definitely helps to bring you
deeper into the game while adding to you motivation to keep playing.
The game plays just as smoothly as you'd
expect, and while it emphasizes the arcade aspects over sim, its fast-pace
and excellent controls make NBA 08 an exciting game that accurately mimics
the pace and feel of real professional basketball. The game's AI has been
enhanced and the opposing players react more realistically to the player's
shots. Their positioning on defense is also noticeably better, which makes
making shots that much more difficult, which can be frustrating at times.
Each team seems to play together more realistically as well, and they seem
to move in tandem more often, which makes the game feel more realistic.
You'll also probably notice that the players commit fouls and
intentionally block passes, which makes the game feel more like it should.
The basic controls are fairly easy to use, and the intuitive interface
allows you to concentrate on the action with passing, throwing and
shooting controls fairly easy to learn. One of the more interesting and
innovative aspects of NBA 07 are its extensive use of Sixaxis controls,
which can be tweaked and adjusted to the players' liking. Players can
choose to have the motion sensing controls either enabled or disabled, and
can use them for a variety of functions such as dribbling or shooting,
which allows you to feel like you're moving and controlling the ball more
viscerally than the standard controls. It's a bit hard to get used to, but
you can choose to play with these turned off until you can get accustomed
to their nuances.
Despite
the fact that its competitors are likely to get the lion's share of
attention, Sony deserves credit for producing a solid effort this year
thar delivers one of the more enjoyable sports titles on the PS3 so far.
It's a shame that the company's sports titles are so under-rated, because
NBA 08 delivers one of the most engaging and technically excellent
roundball simulations seen on the PS3. It's flashy graphics shine in full
1080p with smooth 60fps action throughout, a key differentiator that makes
for a beautifully rendered experience. Enhanced animations make things
feel even more fluid in your hands. The gameplay hasn't changed too much,
on the court and those who enjoyed the arcade-style action of last year's
game will probably feel right at home with NBA 08's style of play. Its
additional online modes that let you play right along with the upcoming
season as it unfolds, challenge other players, recreate winning moments or
guide a custom player through their careers are extensive and add a lot of
depth to the experience. While it might not be as polished as some other
basketball titles on the market, this represents another solid effort from
Sony's sports division and the PS3 version is easily the showcase version
this year around.
We would be remiss if we didn't mention
that Sony has also released the title for its PS2 and PSP handheld
systems. Both games feature a similar feature set to the PS3 edition,
though they each have their own unique modes and styles of play included.
The PS2 edition feels very much like last year's edition, and even
includes a new installment of "the Life", a role-playing type of
mini-game where players can follow a single baller throughout their
career. The PS2 version has similar play mechanics and plays to its
predecessor, and looks very good for the console it's on. NBA '08 also
includes extensive online modes, and an abundance of mini-games as well.
On the PSP, the focus seems to be on the mini-games, where players can
choose from more than a dozen including around the world, hoops shot and
many others. The PSP edition includes very impressive visuals as well as
good play control that springs right off the portable's screen with
excellent play animation, cut-scenes and extensive commentary. While the
PS3 edition is the best one of the three, all of these versions of NBA 08
are solidly entertaining with excellent production values that make them
well-worth playing.
- Michael Palisano
Grade:
B
