NBA Live 08

"A Nice Add to NBA Live"

When I first played NBA Live 08 as a demo, I didn't like it, but now I'm happy I bought it. Although the A.I.'s playing style isn't realistic, it is still a good game to drive in on suckers and embarrass them with Kobe.

Gameplay 10/10

The gameplay is outstanding: the superstars have their playing styles and you can give your created players names where the announcers, Marv and Steve, will say their names instead of "Number 43, gets the ball in the paint..."

The real players will cut and flex without forcing them to, but sometimes they become mentally ill for a few seconds and will stand there like they're brain dead, waiting for the ball. The post players will post up in the paint without prompting them to do so.

The defense is challenging when set to one of the higher modes, such as All Star or Superstar.

Graphics 9/10

The graphics are pretty good, but lack some things. All though, in my opinion, the PS3 is capable of producing better graphics than the 360, it seems that Electronic Arts seems to always side with the 360 when it comes to graphics.

The graphics are far better than PS2: The players' shorts will flap when the player is either running or walking, the player's jersey give off creases in them depending on how they're standing, running, etc.

The audience looks pretty good from a distance, but when there is a close up, you can tell the developers did a pathetic job when it comes to the audience.

The Players' faces look like they do in real life and there is less "some guy running or passing a ball through another player" than the PS2.

The coaches look mediocre and could do with a finish.

Sound 10/10

The music is pretty good, but if you're craving slapping your thigh to country music, then this soundtrack isn't worth listening to. It's mainly for hip hop/rap fans. The music is impeccable and doesn't seem to be muffled or distort

The audience and "cheer-boosting" sounds are life-like. It makes you feel like you're at the game if you have surround sound.

The players' shoes squeak and hit the floor magnificently. The players will also say things during play (not vulgar things, either).

Online 5/10

As with most EA servers, this one is pretty dull: you log on and are introduced to player to whom you'll play if both players agree to do so.

There is one new feature that spices up the Online mode a bit: the My Leagues feature. This feature allows you to create or join a league into which you can play others in that joined or created league.

There is an awful lot of lag (or it might be just me), but this seems to be typical with EA servers.

Other Features 9/10

Other features include Dynasty Mode, NBA All-Star Weekend, and Quick-Pick Play.

Dynasty Mode is a 30-season long mode where you control a team. The calendar, which indicates games, events, and other material is dull this year, in my opinion. It's basically a one horizontal bar that shows present and future games, events, and other material for the next seven days. I think EA should've stuck with the calendar from NBA Live 07 and NBA Live 06, which is a calendar that shows all of the days on a given month.

The features in Dynasty Mode can be done manual or automatic. All of these features include management hiring, off-season management, and games.

NBA All-Star Weekend is still the same: the player can participate in the three-point shootout, dunk contest, NBA Rookie challenge, and NBA All-Star game.

The only difference from the other games is the dunk contest, where the dunkers jump a bit unrealistic. On the beginner modes of Rookie and Starter, a blue semi-circle appears around the rim indicating where to jump from to increase your chances of making a successful dunk.

Again with all of the previous games, you don't have to play with the players set as default except for the All-Star and Rookie challenge games.

All In All

All in all, this game is a must-have, but if you're aren't sure if you want to buy it, rent it first, and get the feel for it. I like it.

This game is pretty good, like I said before. The players will play like they do in real games, but will sometimes behave awkwardly.

There is more shot-blocking, shooting fouls, and charges. Sometimes, though, you'll be called for a foul that you didn't commit.

When driving to the basket, you might get a charge because a person to your right is standing still, when that charge-taking player must be directly in front of you for it to be a valid charge.

I hope Electronic Arts fixes the said material in next year's title.

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 01/14/08

Game Release: NBA Live 08 (US, 10/01/07)