NBA '08 Review - PS3

With Basketball season ready to roll, Sony unleashes NBA ’08 on all three of their platforms.  Yes, even the PlayStation 2 will be receiving its own little version.  After making its debut during the PS3 launch,  this basketball franchise returns with its pretty high definition graphics, THX surround sound, an in depth online experience, and more SIXAXIS control moves.  In other words, we get more of the same. 

IT’S GAMETIME!

NBA ’08 for the PlayStation 3 returns with all the modes stemming from the previous title. As expected, the new version includes updated rosters and a few little tweaks here and there.  This year’s game introduces the new Progression System, which uses skill points earned from various achievements to unlock more nicknames, jerseys, attributes, and accessories to customize your created player.  

The game features a more in-depth online mode along with slight improvements to the Season, Playoffs, Replay, and Mini games.  However, this game still lacks a Franchise mode which is common in most sporting games.  After playing through one season, a text will pop up informing you that you won a championship and that’s it.  No in-game celebration. No draft. No free agency. NOTHING! 

Besides dropping the ball on a franchise mode, the game still lacks the unique NBA Life experience present in the PlayStation 2 version.  Sony has had plenty of time to convert this unique athlete simulation into a next-gen version.  We can only assume that it will be added next season as a “new” feature. 

DRIBBLE PENETRATION

Some minor modifications were also implemented into the gameplay.  Sony is going full force, incorporating the motion sensitive controls during defensive and offensive sets.  The player’s movements are synchronized with the controller, hiding the ball away from aggressive defenders.  On defense, players can tilt the SIXAXIS to block high, low, or wide in order to prevent the opposition from scoring. 

The collision detection is on par, finally preventing the ball from magically teleporting through players.  The shooting mechanics, adding the meter as the player jumps, is a breath of fresh air giving the game a different feel.  However, scoring a bucket seems to be as easy as signing a multimillion dollar contract based on “potential”.  A certain pair of number one draft picks, Kwame Brown and Michael Olowakandi, comes to mind. 

Gamers can also toss up alley-oops by the dozens with the other team standing motionless with awe.  Setting pick-n-rolls and driving in is a walk in park or how about the infamous fade-away 3 pointers?  Kobe in his 81 point barrage couldn’t even hit some of these impossible shots. 

TRUE 1080 HD

Sony prides itself on having a true High Definition experience for this next-gen basketball franchise.  The game runs at a very smooth 1080p. They also reduced the athlete’s sweating mechanics, which made last years hoopsters look like jelly filled glazed donuts.  If Oliver Miller or Tractor Traylor were still in the league, then the flow of sweat would definitely be needed.

The biggest flaw in the game is the presentation, which makes the basketball simulation a bit of a drag.  The athletes come off a bit cartoony, especially when compared to the impressive graphics to its 3rd party competitors.  Live and the 2K series bring much more realism in their game presentation, player animations, and instant replays – making the titles feel more like a televised event.

NBA ‘08 does not deliver a great TV presentation, even with TNT on board.   Some of the players don’t coincide with their real life counterparts, the crowd animation is still terrible, and the replays only appear on dunks.  There are no replays for blocked shots, three point field goals, lay-ups, or alley-oops.  This game just does not deliver in regards with realism.  There are no halftime reports or post game wrap ups.  Players just ball against another team, stats are presented, and that’s it. The NBA 2K and NBA Live are light years ahead in regards to production alone. 

THX to the MAX

NBA ’08 features play by play analysis from Seattle Supersonics’ Kevin Calabro and former NBA star, Mark Jackson.  The crowd ambience has also been vastly improved thanks in part to the THX surround sound.  The soundtrack features popular rock and hip-hop acts such as M.I.A. and that’s where all the good news stops for the audio department.

The broadcasters get awfully repetitive, especially with their “signature” metaphors.  We can hear “He drew defenders like standing water drew mosquitoes” or “out of the toaster, he pops over the defender for a three” for so long until we decide to donate our PS3’s to feed Shawn Kemp’s starving children.  Kevin’s constant reference of Jump Shots as Jimmies becomes incredibly irritating, especially when everybody giggles, knowing that Jimmies is another word for Condoms.

With a TNT contract, one would assume that NBA ‘08 can pick up an Ernie Johnson, Magic Johnson, or a certain Charles “The Cheesecake” Barkley.  TNT is not present whatsoever besides adding their logo during menus and on the sidelines.  The game is in desperate need of a halftime show and hopefully Sony can take notes from Kenny Smith’s Halftime Report on NBA 2K7. 

WORD UP

Sony’s NBA series is destined to be in third place due to the fact that NBA Live and NBA 2K are on multiple platforms.  NBA 08’s small improvements do not cater to the hardcore NBA fans that drop hefty amounts of cash every year for a great basketball sim.  The game lacks a solid TV presentation and feels very rushed.

The lack of franchise mode puts off most NBA enthusiast knowing that after one season, the game is pretty much over.  The game desperately needs a franchise mode and the fact that The Life mode has yet to transition over to the next-gen title is a major turn off.  A roster update, new SIXAXIS movements, and minor adjustments to the gameplay are simply not good enough to justify paying the full price for this title.  Its time for Sony to call it a career in their sports franchises, especially when their 3rd party counterparts are annihilating them.  Watching old timers, Penny Hardaway and Allan Houston, try to make a comeback and relive their past glory is more entertaining than playing this game.

Review by: Albert Iskander
Video Produced by: Jonathan Solin