Graphically, the game looks great, running at a smooth 60 frames per second in 1080p. It's no wonder that Sony used this game as an example of what the PS3 is capable of when gamers complained about the technical deficiencies of EA's titles. Gamers will notice the cloth physics of the uniforms, the detailed arena crowds, and the variety of player animation. Still, the game has a slight jerky feeling when a player transitions from one move to another, so there is room for improvement.
Although it is still not perfect, NBA '08 does give a good feeling of weight and momentum as the players bump into each other. And they'll definitely bump each other a lot, as the CPU-controlled defence sticks to your players like glue. Unfortunately, there is a bit of clipping where players (and parts of players) appear to pass through each other from time to time.
Overall, NBA '08 is not a bad game. It just tries to make up in presentation what it lacks in depth. But Eurogamer would venture to guess that most basketball fans would probably choose a title with a larger variety of options over one that looks slightly prettier.
The first thing that strikes you is the beautiful 1080p graphics, running smoothly at 60 frames per second. With a good full hd tv, this game really shows what the PlayStation 3 can do. But after a while you realise there are some problems.
NBA 08 is a solid sports title, but it still needs some work to be on top of it's league. If Sony can fix the gameplay and control problems, NBA 09 will be excellent. Until then, they have an average game that will make you cheer with satisfaction and cry with frustration.
NBA 08 certainly takes some steps in the right direction, with a couple of gameplay additions that should probably be implemented into all basketball games of this type. Where the game ultimately fails though, is in the fact that several gameplay glitches can cause the game to be on the verge of being unplayable.
Graphics - 7.5
Sound - 6.0
Gameplay - 6.0
Lifespan - 6.5
Overall -
PS3Fanboy reports: "Wow, what an incredible night for these lucky fans at the NBA All Star Skills Challenge. Everyone from section 331 of the stadium was treated to a free 40GB PS3 and a copy of NBA 08. That must be one of the most feel-good things we've seen in quite some time. Congrats to them.
But look closer at the picture. Notice the section next to them? (We'll call them section 332.) Notice the sad expressions they carry? It must feel horrible to think: "if only I sat a few seats down ... ""
lucky for ps3 not so much for nba 08. I actually though nba 07 was better and both are crap. Sony should stick to baseball their soccer and basketball is crap. NBA 2k8 would have been an excellent treat but overall great way to promote play station 3. Next thing they'll be recommending one for their friends. Great to see how far sony has come from last yr
I was watching that. Howard made some sick dunks in the Dunk Contest. It look like the dunk contest is back.
Jack Tretton was there to represent Sony. Sony sponsered the "Playstation skills challange" and Derron Williams won and he also won the PS3 too.
Gerald Green should have won. Dwight Howard by definition did not dunk the ball. Your fingers must simulataneously touch the rim with the ball going over and through the net for it to be considered a dunk.
If they are sitting next to each other its a possibility that these ppl know each other and might just have extra PS3's hanging around to sell and stuff. Anyway these ppl are some lucky bums. XP
if they have extra ps3's ???
people have more than one TV and cordless phone in the house too!
I though you were sick for a while because you finally had a few nice comments for the PS3 but I can see you're back.
A pretty nice 15 chapters review! Yet, you basically handpicked the only 3 negative chapters about the game for N4G... 15 chapters, and luck of draw, you picked chapter 10,11 and 15... Sure enough, a true PS3 fan may have stumble on any of the other 12 chapters. Not you.
Welcome back Bloodmask. Now let see how long it takes for your "others" xbox friends to show up : )
One last comment: How partial can a reviewer be when he finish a review with this line: "But Eurogamer would venture to guess that most basketball fans would probably choose a title with a larger variety of options over one that looks slightly prettier." It's not the job of a reviewer to GUESS what people will CHOOSE! Their job is to review a product, you give the pro and cons, and let the fans make their own mind!!!