NBA 08 is the next in the yearly installments from Sony for the PS2. This year’s game shares many gameplay elements with the PSP and PS3 while adding a few gameplay modes of it’s own. Here is a breakdown of some of the facets of NBA 08 for the PS2:

Presentation and Graphics: The graphics are pretty good for a PS2 title. Not the greatest we’ve seen by far, especially with some of the more recent titles. Most character models look great, unlike the PSP version of the game. The camera is more like the PS3 version, which stays a bit further away from the action. I prefer the camera in the PSP version the best of the three. Like the PSP version, I would have liked to have seen a few more replays. I’m surprised there weren’t more in the PS2 version. 3.5 of 5

Sound and Music: NBA 08 shares the same soundtrack on the PSP and PS2. I’m still a huge fan of the inclusion of Gang Starr. The squeaks from sneakers on the court and the sounds as the ball hits the rim and backboard aren’t as spot on as with the PSP. All sound effects sound more like the PS3 version of the game, which are slightly off. Unlike the PSP version, there seems to be less commentary, which is more in line with the PS3 version of the game. 4 of 5

Gameplay: The controls for NBA 08 are solid and feel a lot like it’s console cousins. You control the characters with the left analog stick and use the face buttons for most of your actions. Like the PSP and PS3 versions, you get a shot meter to help time your shots properly. The PS2 version of NBA 08 also sports The Life v3 gameplay mode. This is the third year The Life has made it’s way into the PS2 version of the game. In The Life, you create a character who becomes part of your favorite team. You go through practices and games trying to meet predetermined goals to succeed in your quest for a championship. The voice acting in The Life is very good, and the story you follow will keep your attention. My only issue is the tasks get repetitive. You’ll end up practicing certain moves over and over, so be prepared. 4 of 5

Multiplayer: Online play is available for NBA 08 for 2 players. You can take on friends to see who’s the better baller. In a few games online, I again did not experience any lag. The problem I found was finding a game, as there were never that many players online. I had to go online a few times and wait around for anyone to show up to find a game. 3 of 5

Lasting Appeal: With The Life, there’s a decent amount of depth to NBA 08 for the PS2. If playing online if one of your major hopes for the game, be warned that the online community is very sparse, just like with the PSP version. I would really liked to have seen a franchise mode included in the game. 3.5 of 5

Final Word: NBA 08 does a pretty good job at delivering a fun basketball experience on the PS2. The Life has evolved over the past few years and has gotten better each year, but still has a bit to work on. Sony has made great improvements every year with their NBA games, and I think with the way they’re going, next year could be the hit title they’ve been aiming for.

Overall: 3.5 of 5

1 = Not worth the bandwidth.

2= Demo is enough, not worth your money.

3= Game is good, depending on the price, seriously consider picking it up.

4= Worth your money. Should provide some good times for quite awhile.

5= Buy the game. Lock your door. Pick up a case of beer. This could take all night.