NBA 2K8

A fantastic game. If you feel like a quick fix, you can hit up NBA blacktop mode and throw down some jams in a slam dunk contest out on the Vegas Strip (you can even jump over cars!). Want to head online? 2K8 features everything from leagues to two-player co-op play against the computer. Want to pause the game and gaze at Drew Gooden's patch on the back of his head? The choice (as strange as it may be) is yours.

For the third year in a row, 2K Sports has the best basketball game available. NBA 2K8 has vast improvements, tweaking an already capable engine with fresh animations and change-ups.

Basketball in its most realistic, exciting, and entertaining form. The controls and seamless player interactions make NBA 2K8 an instant showstopper – deep gameplay and high replay value provide the longevity you’ve come to expect (and demand) from 2K Sports.

The presentation and feel of the game is near-perfect, but the actual gameplay, particularly on offense, comes up short and frustrating. Lock-On D is a nice feature as well, but it can be a crutch.

If you're a fan of basketball games, I definitely recommend picking this one up, as it is the best basketball offering this year.

Despite a few nagging issues, NBA 2K8 is a fantastic basketball game packed to the brim with features and game modes.

This game's brilliant A.I. on offense, the lightning-quick load times, the remarkably improved faces of Steve Nash and Dirk Nowitzki, the new dunk competition minigame, and the removal of 24/7 mode are a load of positives that far outweigh the hang-ups.

The animation system is absolutely enthralling to view, the association mode is deeper than Scrooge McDuck’s money bin, and the overall game looks and plays better than any other title in the genre.

While NBA 2K8 may have some kinks to work out in its post game, it’s still the best basketball sim on the market.

It’s rare that a series takes as serious a step backwards as NBA 2K8 has this season. It’s missing modes and gameplay features from last year’s game, while adding subtle changes that few players will notice or make use of.

The post-game wrap-ups are especially good, enabling you to look at each player's top moments from the match. [Dec 2007, p.111]

The new dunk contest and other modes are nice, but the core gameplay is what should be what catches your eye, and NBA 2K8 nails it.

NBA 2K8 is still far and away that best game of basketball you are going to find. EA might have got their act together this year, but they are still a way off challenging the almighty 2K series.

It's certainly the best basketball game on any system this year. The Association is a solid franchise mode and, if VC can iron out its AI and gameplay issues, next year's model could be something very special.

An excellent sim let down by too-strong defenders. [Jan 2008, p.80]

Another superbly entertaining basketball sim with some of the sickest visuals you've ever seen.