NBA 2k8 Review

(Xbox 360, PS3)
Released: 10/2/07
Rated: E

Gameplay-This year, they have added a 'great new feature' which is lock on D. I have said before that I like the concept of Lock on D, but not exactly how they decided to implement it. It does at times feel like it's too easy to play defense, especially offline. Then, of course, they have the cellphone bars and so-called hot spots. Which work well in theory, but I've still seen people make a lot of shots that they shouldn't have made. They've definitely taken this 'wide open shooting' thing a little too far.

The post up game is way too powerful this year. The drop step spin move is still impossible to stop and it takes forever for the computer to realize you should be double teamed, like at least 25 points from one player. It does feel like there's more of a battle in the post, but it doesn't matter because in the end the shot you flip up is probably going to go in. Either that or you're just going to dunk it. Although, the pump fake inside is a huge plus.

I absolutely love the new isomotion. For once, it feels realistic. I don't see where people say it's sluggish because it, to me, is very responsive you just have to have a plan when you dribble and not just swing the stick around while you hold turbo. You have to pull off a pretty sick move to get into the lane when the computer is guarding you.

They improved the rebounding, which is great. It feels like you are actually rewarded for boxing out, and the foot planting system is a great idea, too. Although I don't believe that they are planting their feet every time. Apparently, there is no foot planting on dunks.

The new get open feature and 'run the play' feature are both good for people who don't want to memorize plays.

This game really shines is animations, all of which, to me, look like real life. The foot planting system really helps here, too. I actually feel like I'm watching a real game at times. The players' interaction with each other is great as well. High-fives, helping people up, and I swear I've even seen people step to someone after making a shot on them. There are still problems, though, like which animations trigger when. I've had a few instances of Durant pulling a Kobe and sucker punching his defender after he made a shot because he was trying to do the fist pump with someone in front of him. Overall, I like the graphics but still needs to improve the player models.

Online Play: This is where we've seen the most improvements. Unfortunately, there is still a long ways to go in this aspect as well. The dunk as a scoring option is still an over powerful weapon, as is the post game. The double team effectiveness is a good idea, but, again, it's poorly implemented. Lock on D shines online, but I have still met people that could get by me with a superstar. THE SUPERSTARS ARE SUPERHUMAN. I can see one or two crazy dunks, but over and over again, come on!

In summary, 2k made a great game this year, but at times it does feel rushed. It is missing a lot of features and that is unacceptable but it’s still the best basketball game on the market.

~Mr. Striker

Final Score: 8.5/10
Pretty Good

Burnt's Quickie
"Razzle Dazzle he's on fire!" This game is HOT!
"Razzle Dazzle he's on fire!" This game is HOT!