NBA 2K8 - It's not just basketball anymore.
Before I even had a chance to put NBA 2k8 in my XBox, I already had some preconceived notions on this release. There's no way they could match the game play or exceed the graphics on 2K7. The only thing they could possibly upgrade is their music choices right? Wrong. I was very wrong. As always the overall game play is phenomenal and the graphics are mind blowing, exceeding 2K7 by far. But the extra features that they've included this time around are what makes 2K8. For starters, I probably played their new NBA Blacktop Slam Dunk contest for an hour without pause. My only issue with it is that the instructions took a bit for me to pick up on, (which were simalarly tough in the actual game) which got frustrating at first, but once I got it down I was stuffing it jumping over cars and all kinds of crazy props.
Graphics
After putting in a good hour or so on the dunk contest, I decided to shuffle through the menu system (which I'd like to add needs some work) to start an actual season. Right away I was blown away by the animation this time around and I know I shouldn't but I read a few reviews where they complained about the "cloth movement" technology. Personally, it looked great and everything looked far better than 2K7 graphically, however the game did seem to slow down a bit on some animation sequences and replays.
Game Play
I noticed right away that the post game on NBA 2K8 is far better than any other basketball game out there let alot 2K7. Head fakes, dunks, rolls, everything is easily and comfortably controlled and feels much more natural than anything else I've ever played. However, I did have a bit of an issue with their Lock on Defense. Basically, when you're playing D, you can lock your player onto any offensive player and he will play defense with computer precision. Literally. And it's kind of annoying as it makes for some unrealistic game play, but still very playable and fun.
Another feature that really floored me with NBA 2K8 was how they added specific "personality types" for each NBA player (ie Neutral, Unpredictable, Laid Back) providing a more realistic approach to the game by adding alot more depth to a sports game unlike anything I've ever seen before. For example, in any other sports game, when you're trading your athletes, you would make your decision purely based on previous records and ability. Now with NBA 2K8, you are also taking your players' personalities into consideration. A team of players with an "unpredictable" means trouble. This feature alone takes NBA 2K8 over the top.
There's so much more I could get into in this review, but you've gotta try it for yourself. Franchise mode, NBA Blacktop I could go on for days.
Overall, NBA 2K8 has GREATLY improved over 2K7 and I would reccommend it ESPECIALLY if you are a fan of previous NBA 2K releases.
