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How Metascores Are Calculated
76
Age of Booty
Stars indicate the most critically-acclaimed games. |
To complement the fast-paced basketball action, NBA 08 introduces an all-new progression system where players earn skill and experience rewards that can be used to thoroughly customize player appearance and play styles. With a control system from last year that utilizes broader SIXAXIS functionality, gamers can engage in all-new and comprehensive gameplay movement on and off the ball. Also for this year, character models are updated with new animations, more dynamic movement, and new skin textures to give them a more realistic look. Additionally, the user interface has been revamped to incorporate a retro NBA look and feel – from the menus down to the loading screens. To submerse gamers in a true basketball atmosphere, NBA 08 introduces for the first time a comprehensive and in-depth audio commentary with top broadcast talent. The game features a fully reworked user interface, revamped character models and environments, and a robust online system with player profiles and quick play options. [SCEA]
All critic scores are converted to a 100-point scale. If a critic does not indicate a score, we assign a score based on the general impression given by the text of the review. Learn more... 80
PSM Magazine
Overall, NBA 08 looks great and plays smooth, but more importantly, it's a huge improvement over last year's entry. [Dec 2007, p.80]
79
PSX Extreme
I'd like to see the animation overhauled for next year's game, and I'd also like to see improved commentary - hopefully Sony is listening. Like I said last year, NBA 07 showed a lot of potential, and NBA 08 is here actually demonstrating some of it. Give NBA 08 a shot, I think you'd be pleasantly surprised.
 75
IGN
Old gameplay issues, control problems and a regression of the court action to unrealistic action hampers what would've otherwise been an incredible game. It's too bad, because it's an enjoyable game, if you can overlook these problems.
75
GameZone
This is a case of the good versus the bad: great graphics against poor commentary, great shooting mechanics squaring off against AI miscues (stepping out of bounds or backcourt violations), solid downloadable challenges versus lack of trade restrictions.
75
PGNx Media
Sony’s NBA 08 is a solid basketball game and a noticeable improvement from last year’s game. The Replay Mode is very fun and the character customization elements are quite fun, but the actual gameplay isn’t as tight as its competitors. The lack of a franchise mode hurts the game, too.
73
Gamers' Temple
NBA '08 can provide its own brand of fun and excitement, but there are too many holes in the on-court action for it to make a championship run.
73
Pelit (Finland)
NBA 08 is no more than a mediocre basketball game. The gameplay is too simple and easy to master. Lack of decent season mode is also a big problem. [Mar 2008]
71
Da Gameboyz
As far as NBA 08 on the PS3 is concerned it continues to fall short of other great b-ball games on the system.
71
NZGamer
NBA 08 ultimately is too hit and miss to warrant becoming anything greater than an average basketball title.
70
Gameplayer
This last mode is particularly inspired, allowing Net-connected gamers to head online, identify the biggest game of the week, and then go about rewriting/confirming history.
70
PTGamers
NBA 08 goes straight to the point, providing new challenges and rewards, above all. However, we can hardly say it’s the deeper game of its genre, and that’s likely to push away fans of the sport.
70
DarkStation
NBA 08 is still a very deep and well rounded title, that if you really give it the chance can really make for an enjoyable experience. There is just so much more you can see coming from this game that it is hard to be completely satisfied with this outing.
70
EuroGamer
Overall, NBA '08 is not a bad game. It just tries to make up in presentation what it lacks in depth.
70
TotalPlayStation
In the end, NBA 08 offers enough outside stuff to distract from the fact that the core game of basketball is seriously lacking when compared to the other games on the market -- it's simply a matter of how much distraction there actually is.
70
GameDaily
Some problems still exist, particularly with the SIXAXIS controls, the stunted flow of the game and a few ugly player models.
70
Game Informer
I particularly appreciate how I can earn points to boost my attributes and buy stuff in every nook and cranny in the title – yet another example of how I played this game almost in spite of itself.
70
GameSpy
Visually, it's probably the nicest-looking of the three NBA games. The created player progression concept works, as does the Games of the Week challenge mode. Where you may be disappointed is in the unresponsiveness of some of the controls and the lack of depth of gameplay modes -- especially the lack of a franchise mode.
69
Worth Playing
NBA 08 is roundly good at what it does; it just doesn't do much. In today's top-tier sports games market, it's not a bad game. It's just, save the engaging Upside Progression System and unique Games of the Week challenges, behind the times.
67
DailyGame
Last year's strong foundation has apparently crumbled, as the gameplay and audio just have too many miscues to make this year's outing all that enjoyable.
65
Maxi Consolas (Portugal)
It doesn’t manages to even threaten EA’s or 2K Sports’ franchises. Even running at 1080p it can’t hide the serious control problems, the AI and the lack of a good career mode. An absolute “air ball” that should make Sony rethink the future of this series. [Feb 2008]
65
Extreme Gamer
Besides all the qualms, NBA 08 for the PS3 is still entertaining with a concentrated focus on the gamer contributing to the game with the original progression system.
64
Cheat Code Central
The shaky controls, visuals, gameplay, commentary, and lack of play modes add up to a work in progress that's not worth the time or money.
61
PSM3 Magazine UK
EA's more excessible and exciting Live is the team that makes the playoffs this year. [Feb 2008, p.78]
60
PALGN
NBA 08 does some things wrong, and some things right. It offers enough differences from other NBA titles to warrant a look, and in what is already a crowded genre, at least that's something.
60
Operation Sports
In the end, it appears it's going to be a long year on the bench for NBA 08.
60
GameTap
One thing NBA 08 does do that the competition can't, though, is run at 60 frames per second at 1080p. Then again, when the players on the court aren't always acting like their real selves, what does it matter how much they look like them?
60
Games Radar
In a vacuum, it's not too shabby, but when compared to its competition this season, it's the red-headed stepchild in a crowded room.
60
GamerNode
While there's a lot of great ideas in NBA 08, SCEA San Diego apparently forgot to work on the basketball game itself.
60
Jolt Online Gaming UK
A deeply confused game. It tries to pander to both of its rivals’ fans, but falls well short of satisfying either court. It doesn’t have enough gameplay options, the ball play is slick but unbalanced, and no matter how regularly updated or different it feels, it’s a disappointing exclusive title for Sony.
50
AceGamez
It may have a few tricks up its sleeve, but this is a series that has a long way to go before it can contend with the big boys.
50
GameSpot
There's no question that this year's game is better than last year's, but its gameplay is so laden with problems that it's still not worth your time.
50
GameShark
A game that plays well but has left a lot of key gameplay options behind. Even with NBA Replay, this game is just not worth $60 to pick up, but it may be worth a weekend rental.
50
Gamer.nl
NBA '08 is not comparable to the quality of the other basketball games out there. The visuals, audio and gameplay are all far from perfect and the different modes in the game aren't worth mentioning. However, never does the game become incredibly bad. At times, there is some enjoyment to be had.
50
Playstation Official Magazine UK
You always cringe at the collision detection. [Feb 2008, p.97]
45
Armchair Empire
NBA 08 feels like an almost finished game.
40
G4 TV
NBA 08’s small improvements do not cater to the hardcore NBA fans that drop hefty amounts of cash every year for a great basketball sim. The game lacks a solid TV presentation and feels very rushed.
33
Gaming Age
Sony, just let this one go, it isn’t worth the embarrassment.
Bryan M. gave it a2: Oren M. gave it a9: |
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