NBA '08 Review

Every year, Sony tries to take its long-running basketball series to the next level. With each release, it achieves a modest level of success, with only a few small setbacks keeping it from going neck and neck with EA Sports' and 2K Sports' competition. NBA 08 bests its predecessors, though that's not saying much. It's like Baron Davis charging in for the slam when the crowd expects it – and going with a weaker lay-up.

It's not like SCEA San Diego didn't improve things. The game's Progression Mode motivates players to strive forward and give it their all. By coming through with so many objectives in a game (like defensive blocks, dunks and so on), you earn rewards, which range from player cards to unlockable throwback gear to fantasy court elements. Ever try to play a game of basketball on a cruise ship? Now you'll have the opportunity.

Another option that b-ball fans shouldn't miss is NBA Replay mode. It divides into two sections – a 2006/2007 season recap simulation, where players attempt to relive great moments from the past year, and Games of the Week, where fresh new goals (straight from the development team) await those eager to test out their elite basketball skills. This mode ties into the game's expansive online community, where players have the option to show off their customizable players and NBA stats.

This would be great if the gameplay had a better overall feel. The SIXAXIS 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 SIXAXIS and getting sore wrists.

Some gameplay issues also hamper the product. For example, the new key control system attempts to introduce new team-based elements, with one player and his teammate out to set up a drive to the basket or clearing up the opportunity for a solid three-pointer. However, you only have four pre-set plays on the D-pad available at a time, rather than a full array of on-the-fly tactics.

Furthermore, the artificial intelligence is a bit ridiculous. During a game with the Pacers, Jermaine O'Neal, sporting some kind of miraculous Michael Jordan-esque strength, ended up with 62 points in a game – on easy difficulty, with a full team in his face.

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. While players perform their motions like the real deal, only a few resemble their actual counterparts, which is somewhat strange.

A 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. For instance, whenever Marcus Camby of the Denver Nuggets charges down-court, Mark refers to him as the "Camby-man", right on cue, every single time. That's just one of the many nicknames that wear out their welcome.