| NBA 2K8 is video game that is available exclusively | | | | properly accommodated. The post-game show is |
| for PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3, and the Xbox 360. | | | | definitely a sight to behold. Gamers can view the |
| Two years ago, marked 2K Sports' first foray into | | | | best plays of the game and the player of the game. |
| the next generation of consoles. They made an | | | | You can even save the replays and add them to |
| adequate first impression. This year is different, and | | | | your own personal collection. Plus, all of the usual |
| NBA 2K 8 improves from last year again. All of the | | | | statistics can be seen after the game. There are the |
| things you see an NBA player do in real life is done | | | | rudimentary free agency and trade options, so |
| well in the game. The stylish passes by Baron Davis | | | | acquiring a role player can put you well on your way |
| and Steve Nash are as mundane as Tracy McGrady | | | | to the NBA championship. The visuals in the game are |
| choking in the playoffs. Sorry Houston Rockets fans, | | | | stunning. Players look exactly like their real life |
| but it is true. When LeBron James throws it down | | | | counterparts. Allen Iverson has his corn rolls, Ben |
| with an incredible dunk, the crowd will get up from | | | | Wallace has his afro hair style, and Rasheed Wallace |
| their seats and give a standing ovation. The game is | | | | has an absurd bald spot on his head. Two original |
| a phenomenal basketball simulation, and gamers will | | | | features in the game is known as foot planting and |
| see everything they would see if they were | | | | head tracking. Instead of stopping on a dime, players |
| watching a real NBA game. For instance, the Phoenix | | | | will plant their feet and turn. This gives a much more |
| Suns will attempt to speed the game up by playing a | | | | realistic feel to the game. The second thing is head |
| fast break offense. Conversely, the San Antonio | | | | tracking, and it works very similar to Madden. Rather |
| Spurs will try to slow it down and utilize the shot | | | | than looking away from the basketball, players will |
| clock. Players like Ray Allen, will have a quick release | | | | look at the ball when they catch it. The only gripe I |
| and drain the long range three point shot. The | | | | had with this game is the audio. Commentary needs |
| gameplay is the most authentic I have seen in any | | | | to be bolstered. Occasionally, the commentating is |
| NBA game. Even the seemingly incongruous things | | | | convoluted. The color commentator (Kenny Smith) |
| can be greatly admired. These things include diving | | | | will say something and just stop talking for a |
| for loose balls and throwing the basketball off a | | | | prolonged period of time (ala Madden 2006). I |
| defender's body in order to salvage the possession. | | | | thought the commentary in the game was |
| Every player in the game can have their appearance | | | | somewhat robotic. The street mode is back, but it is |
| tweaked to look anyway they want. Even their | | | | not as engrossing as the season gameplay. There is |
| basketball mannerisms can be altered such as how | | | | even a Tim Donaghy gambling training mode where |
| they dribble the basketball. | | | | you can gamble your life away. Moreover, the Isaiah |
| NBA 2K 8 is not only for avid NBA fans; the game | | | | Thomas sexual harassment gameplay element is |
| can be enjoyed by novice gamers as well. For | | | | excellent. I am obviously being facetious, but I would |
| example, calling a play will have arrows and | | | | not be surprised if something like that could be |
| designations on the basketball court that make the | | | | playable in the game. In all seriousness, NBA 2K 8 |
| game intuitive. Team chemistry actually has an impact | | | | does a fantastic job of appeasing NBA aficionados. |
| on a team's performance this year. For example, | | | | Clearly, the NBA 2K franchise has always been |
| putting a team together with Shaquille O'Neal and | | | | several dunks ahead of the NBA Live series and NBA |
| Kobe Bryant will have disastrous consequences. | | | | 2008. This season is no exception to that rule. If |
| Players with expressive feelings (like Rasheed | | | | anyone is looking for a pure basketball simulation, |
| Wallace) can shatter team chemistry if they are not | | | | then NBA 2 K8 is the answer. |