SUMMARY:
Released in 2007 (based on the 2006-2007 NBA season), this ‘E for Everyone’ game for 1-2-players was produced by 2K Sports. The New Orleans Hornets (now the Pelicans)’ Chris Paul is featured on its cover.
This annually-released game started with the 2000 edition (NBA 2K). Regular or updated features include ‘blacktop’ mode (various outdoor parks) for street-style ball; exhibition games; playoff mode; ‘association’ mode (by playing as a team general manager building or re-building a team); fantasy drafts; ‘scramble starters’ (for random line-ups in exhibition mode); and various Eastern and Western ‘all-star legends’ squads varying for each decade dating to the 1950’s-60s. Like NBA 2K7, a ‘stat book’ function is included.
REVIEW:
Utilizing a new gameplay engine, NBA 2K8’s graphics look about the same as its predecessors, but the animation is smoother. The ‘association mode’ is harder to navigate, as it has become more complex. The game play itself is solid, but it seems more of a copy-and-paste version of NBA 2K7. One helpful element is that, during exhibition games, in-game play continually updates stats for players on the court. Overall, this game isn’t quite as good as NBA 2K7, but it is still substantially better than its rival, NBA Live, in terms of face scans and overall gameplay.
BONUS FEATURES:
The soundtrack has a B-grade rapper-style playlist that can be edited. The ‘VIP Room’ allows players to customize (decorate) by purchasing achievement upgrades through points earned in exhibition games. There is an online feature (broadband) that is likely long-defunct. Its thin how-to booklet isn’t much help for beginners, so the game is probably meant for more experienced players.
ROSCOE’S ODD MOON RATING: 7 Stars
