System: X360, PS3, PS2
Dev: Kush Games / Visual Concepts
Pub: 2K Sports
Release: Oct. 2, 2007
Players: 1-2
ESRB Rating: Everyone
Review by D'Marcus Beatty

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Review Rating Legend
1.0 - 1.9 = Avoid
2.0 - 2.4 = Poor
2.5 - 2.9 = Average
3.0 - 3.4 = Fair
3.5 - 3.9 = Good
4.0 - 4.4 = Great
4.5 - 4.9 = Must Buy
5.0 = The Best

NBA 2K7 had a street game that had you playing on various courts in a corny story of rising through the streetballing ranks. That was completely scrapped this time around and replaced by the Blacktop, which allows you to play streetball games as well as new game modes such as the dunk contest and the three point shootout. The dunk contest is difficult to learn, but becomes fun as you learn it. Your dunker must press a direction on the control pad to gather before leaping, then another direction just before leaping, and finally hit the R trigger at the right moment to dunk the ball.

There are a vast number of dunks possible when you consider that you can incorporate Street Fighter-esque directions to your combinations and even set up props or throw alley-oops to yourself. There are a huge number of possibilities for the industrious dunker which makes the dunk contest an interesting diversion. The three point shootout is a decent addition as well, but nowhere near as dynamic as the dunk contest. Of course, in all these modes you have to put up with intrusive advertising from Sprite and T-Mobile, but no more than your average real NBA presentation.

The Association makes its return as well, but remains largely unchanged from last year. You can schedule practices, scout out new talent, and negotiate contracts to create, maintain, and manage the best team possible. In addition to the Association, the game has modes for practice, Season games, the Rookie Challenge, and online play. Playing online is still great, with the ability to set up tournaments, different lobbies depending on your skill level, and the chance to play with other players.

One final addition is the inclusion of the Reelmaker. Last year the Reelmaker, which allowed you to save and edit game clips and upload them for others to see, was a download that had to be purchased. This year, 2K included it for free, which opens the door for gamers to upload their best game performances, dunks, and craziest ankle-breaking dribble moves.

Overall, NBA 2K8 is a great game to play. It feels very different from last year, which means that the developers didn't rest on their laurels and give us the same game with a few additions. Some of the additions are better than others while some hopefully won't find their way into 2K9, but ultimately 2K8 is still the best basketball experience on the market for those that prefer their sports games to feel real.

By D'Marcus Beatty
CCC Co-Site Director

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