Once upon a time NBA 2k redefined basketball games as we know it. It was ranked 7th on our Top 10 Sports Videogames of All-Time List. Since then, the NBA 2k series has remained number one, save for a couple of years of stiff competition from NBA Live in 2004 and 2005, when Live reached its pinnacle. On the new systems however, the 2K series has reigned supreme. This year looks like it will be more of the same. Live's demo has shown the same gameplay flaws as its predecessor and NBA 2K8 rocks, with some practice.

Graphics:

The game has always done a good job of capturing the realism of sports with its graphics. This year, NBA 2K8 improves upon that by adding even more details to the environment. It actually feels like your in the arena you are playing in. The Wachovia Center no longer looks like the Staples Center, you actually feel like you are in the real arenas. The player details and uniforms look amazing and they even nailed marginal players, like my alma mater's Allan Ray. The courts, cameras, and crowds all look stunningly real. There is less polish to the visuals though, as some of the items look a bit fuzzy around the edges and there is a bit of a frame rate issue. Now, for the animation...

The movements of the players are amazing. Each player has unique movements and signature styles. Durant shoots like Durant, Lowry dribbles like Lowry, AI moves like AI, you get the point, the movements are sweet. There is no shortage of situation specific maneuvers as well, as you will see players dive for balls, throw up circus shots, and lock down on D. There are, however, some issues with the animation that will lead some to question what the developers were thinking. This year, 2K really focused on realistic movements, which means gone are the days of cutting from left to right on a dime and players sliding around the floor. A good improvement this is, but sometimes it is ubberly frustrating to simply have a player turn around or change direction as he will go through a long drawn out animation that is totally unnecessary. For the most part the animation system works well, as players really get momentum on fast breaks and they take that with them to the hoop. Shots feel rhythmic (thats what she said) and defense for the most part is natural. There occasional issues with responsiveness, like when a player goes to shoot or jump to block a shot, and the lock down button on defense sometimes magnetically pulls the player into the target and it doesn't' feel quite natural. All in all, the animations are great, but the new movements will cause some frustration in the beginning.

Sound:

The announcers do a great job as usual, and they will get excited at the appropriate times. The crowd actually responds quite well and will stand and cheer in close games and really make you feel like you are a part of the game. The soundtrack is also pretty good. The sound pretty much does what it should, it doesn't stand out so much to try to steal the show, and it doesn't sound bad, so basically it provides good background noise that enhances the overall game experience.

Gameplay:

I touched on some of the control issues in the graphics section. After you get used to the new physics, the game is actually really rewarding. You appreciate the more highly skilled players who can cut and move fast. When you pull off a good play you feel like you earned it. The AI in the game is just about the best I have ever seen in a sports game. Try to leave a player open on defense and see what happens. The AI exploits the mismatch and makes you pay. Start to double down low on Shaq and he will kick it out for a three. Start doubling Baron Davis up high and he will feed a wide open player under the net. It really is amazing that the game has the ability to detect mismatches so quickly. Successful zones and coverage, will help you win; constantly doubling and going for steals, will not. I'm not blowing smoke here, a lot of times games will say that you have to play realistically to win, but after a while you realize there are certain things you can do to get away from this. This game forces you to play real basketball to be successful. Go for a steal at the opportune time, and jump to block a shot at the right moment and you will be richly rewarded, but doing this too often will just leave you high and dry. Playing against guys like Davis and Durant is noticeably different than playing against guys like Delonte West or Troy Hudson. You really have to play smart to defend a good player.

On offense you have to run real plays. Sure every once in a while you can get a skilled point guard to drive the lane, or a good shooter to hit a tough jump shot, but for the most part you will have to work to get open. It really does make you appreciate your stars, and use role players effectively. In my Grizzlies season, I can't hit many pull up jumpers with Lowry, but I can sure as hell drive the lane and hit a circus layup. And that is Lowry's game, and it comes across well in NBA 2K8. Again, sometimes the control can be frustrating and cause you to step out of bounds or go back court, but after getting used to it, you will learn to play smarter and it really becomes a great game.

Features/Presentation:

2K always knocks it out of the park with presentation, this year is no different. They cut down on cut scenes and post game highlights (this speeds up the game), but one of the coolest things I have ever seen is the ability to go in after the game and view the Top 3 plays of the game, the player of the game, shooting zones, and for any player view all of his plays for the game. Want to see all of Kobe's shot and rebounds? Just click on Kobe and you have a preset highlight of all of his contributions in the game. Very unique indeed.

Association mode is top notch, training is well implemented and can actually make a difference, unlike in Madden. Player signings and stats are all logical and well laid out. The menu is still a bit cumbersome, but its getting better. I haven't had a chance to play the Slam Dunk contest yet, and I will update this review when I do.

In all, presentation it top notch, features are what they should be, and menus are logical and make sense.

Overall:

At first, this game will frustrate you, it is so realistic you will have to take some time to learn how to play it, even for seasoned vets. After the initial shock at the measured pace and slightly touchy controls, you will learn what real basketball is all about. Factor the great, realistic gameplay in with excellent graphics, awesome sound, and a "this is the way it should be" set of features and extras, and you have one outstanding basketball game.

9/10