bit-tech Shopping: Take 2 Interactive NBA 2K8 (PS3)

• 1080i (HDTV)
• 1080p (HDTV)
• 480p (EDTV)
• 720p (HDTV)

Rating: 8

Time with product: 3 Months

Strengths: Gameplay

Weaknesses: Graphics not as good as NBA Live, lacks in-game gameplay tutorials.

Summary: NBA 2K8 is by far the best NBA game to be released for the 2007-2008 season. Controls are top-notch, the player animation is great, and the audio (music, commentary, sfx) is good as well. I was once a die hard fan of the NBA Live series, but EA now has to share the spotlight of the sports gaming genre. This game is definitely one to pick up if you are a basketball game fan.

Rating: 10

Time with product: 3 Days

Strengths: superb graphics/gameplay

Weaknesses: none

Summary: This is the best basketball game. It has flawless animation, great graphics, and exciting gameplay. It plays in a way very much like playing in reality. Controls are very tight and accurate and there are lots of angels available. This game's really near perfect.

Rating: 10

Time with product:

Strengths: 1. Graphics and player animations2. Superstars (James, Bryant, etc.) have unique skills, which allows for distinct moves, clutch performance and signature shots3. Balanced gameplay

Weaknesses: 1. Occasionally unnecessary and unrealistic looking layups2. Steals and blocks are hard to execute due to frequent foul calling

Summary: Overall the game is of superb quality. In addition to great graphics, player animations and realistic looking shots, the game feels balanced. The game speed is just right and can be adjusted; scoring against AI is not easy, especially when played on high level. Execution of plays is required sometimes to near perfection just to score. Players get hot and start making more shots, in addition to the fact that teams demonstrate momentum swing during the game, which adds to an already realistic gameplay. Superstars like Lebron James, Kobe Bryant, Chris Paul, Kevin Garnett and etc. possess the capability to execute moves other players are not able to. This is in addition to the fact that almost all (if not all) players' shots look like they do in real life. James shoots high above his head and an arch; Kobe Bryant fade aways couldn't look more real; and Shaq dominates the paint. However, the game is not without minor flaws. Blocks and steals are hard to execute because of frequent foul calling, like reaching in. Timing has to be nearly perfect in order to earn a steal or a block. More frustrating is the occasional layups that look unrealistic and difficult and yet still go in, which makes them even more difficult if not impossible to stop. However, overall, the game looks and feels realistic and is by far superb to other basketball games on the market. Highly recommended!

Rating: 10

Time with product: 30 Days

Strengths: This is the most realistic game I have ever played. The graphics are also amazing. The court looks real. See below for more comments

Weaknesses: They could have done a better job with players faces. NBA Live 08 does a better job when it comes to player faces. Also the motion sensor for free throws was a dumb idea.

Summary: This is the most realistic basketball game I have ever played. I say this because in most games the game play doesn't feel real. Its always to easy to score, or too hard to play defense, or the computer always hits their shots. The last game i owned NBA Live 03, the scores would be 190-180 games. This is not the case with 2k8. You cant shoot 60% from three point land no matter how well you shoot. The end result is that the game play feels real, and that by itself is rare for basketball games. Add to this that the very nice graphics (Arena, players, etc) and this is an awesome game. It would be nice though to have a soundtrack that isn't 100% rap and hip hop. I wish developers accepted the idea that not everyone who likes the NBA likes rap and hip hop

Rating: 10

Time with product: 3 Days

Strengths: Graphics are clean. Easy to pick up and play. Online mode is easy to use. Start a game with anyone in just seconds.

Weaknesses: None

Summary: I strongly recommend NBA 2K8 for both casual and diehard basketball fans and think it's one of the top sports games for all consoles. It's got a lot of different game modes, but the core game will keep you playing for hours. Online mode is a definitely plus. Loading time is great compared to before...No more lag. The graphics make the game look so real. A definite by for anyone that likes basketball.