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NBA 2K8

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7.2 User Score:

Generally favorable reviews

Based on 33 critic reviews
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Based on 19 votes
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Game Info

Publisher: 2K Sports

Developer: Visual Concepts

Genre(s): Sports, Basketball

Players: 2

ESRB Rating: E (Everyone)

Release Date: October 1, 2007

Summary

Sprite Slam Dunk Contest - Live from Las Vegas, 2K is bringing you the Sprite Slam Dunk Contest, hosted by street legend Bobbito Garcia. Choose from hundreds of dunks and a vast array of props as you compete against the NBA's finest dunkers in this 4 player event. The Sprite Slam Dunk Contest is also playable online; it's here that you can prove to the world that you are the greatest dunker there is. More Signature Style - Customizable Free Throws, Dribble Moves, and Dunks give users total control over the way their favorite players play on the court. All new signature shots from many of your favorite NBA players, including #1 draft choice Greg Oden, as well as individual post and dribble moves, makes NBA 2K8 the most authentic NBA simulation on the market. Off-Ball Control - Run quick on the fly sets to get your favorite player the ball in the best situation for him to get a quick bucket. Use the Get Open button for a fast play, or call for the exact situation you want with the Off-Ball Control menu. On offense, you now have the option to switch off the ball handler to other players where you can call for alley-oops, jostle for post-position, set screens, etc. [2K Sports]

Also On Metacritic

GAMES: NBA 2K6 NBA 2K7

Cheat Codes & Hints: Cheat Code Central GameFAQs

Also On The Web: Official Website

What The Critics Said

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...

Game Almighty

NBA 2K8 is easily the best hoops game on the market this year, a tremendous leap over last year’s game, and one of the best sports games ever made. Bravo Visual Concepts.

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NZGamer

NBA 2K8 is superior to last year's game in almost every way, which is no mean feat.

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Jolt Online Gaming UK

Just another great basketball game, packed with features and modes that are sure to keep fans and determined newbies happy at least until the 2K9 comes along or a rival franchise gets its act together.

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GameDaily

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.

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GameTap

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.

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GameZone

This is the best version of the NBA 2k series in a long time. It’s a fresh breath of air and I am glad to see where the series is heading.

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Team Xbox

While the developers definitely misfired with the Lock-on D mechanics, the new animation system changes the gameplay quite a bit, as does the ability to learn how to run plays on the fly. The game's lasting legacy may be the introduction of an emotional element to the Association mode.

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DailyGame

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.

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Game Over Online

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

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ZTGameDomain

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.

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PALGN

NBA 2K8 has excellent on-court play, awesome presentation and a packed feature set - basketball video games don't get any better than this.

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Pelit (Finland)

The best basketball game available. Off-Ball Control and the option to switch off the ball handler are great tools to work with on offensive play. However, new defensive controls are not that useful and the camerawork is simply awful. [Jan 2008]

Gamers' Temple

NBA 2K8 takes this year's videogame basketball crown.

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Official Xbox Magazine

It's the full package, with enough new goodness to justify an upgrade from last year's excellent iteration. [Dec 2007, p.62]

1UP

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.

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GameSpot

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

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Game Informer

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

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GameShark

Most of the game is fantastic. Even with its hiccups, this is a game that is hard not to give a blanket recommendation to because as far as NBA games go, this is still the king of the virtual court.

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Digital Entertainment News

There's no revolution going on here, but NBA 2K8 is as solid as ever.

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Games Master UK

Just pipped by "NBA Live 08," but a match in nearly every sense. [Dec 2007, p.84]

Worth Playing

It's as good as everyone expects it to be, but that's also the problem; the game is great, but it plays it too safe.

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DarkStation

Although this is a great game of basketball, its improvements over last year aren't as significant as you would probably expect. Instead much of the experience felt like a tune up of last year's game, with some more features and modes added on the side.

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GamerNode

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.

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AceGamez

Far and away that best game of basketball you are going to find.

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Official Xbox Magazine UK

Looks so pretty but plays just the same. [Jan 2008, p.90]

GameTrailers

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.

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Operation Sports

While there’s really nothing groundbreaking this year, it’s hard to argue with the formula that works.

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GameSpy

NBA 2K8 is hands-down the best basketball game available, though it is facing very strong competition for the first time in a long while.

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IGN

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.

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Console Monster

One shock was that the awesome 24/7 mode has been axed, in favour of the dubiously named Blacktop Mode. This is essentially a pick up and play selection of game types, designed for those that don’t understand basketball that well.

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Games Radar (in-house)

No matter what - and as shocking as it is to say this - 2K8 is not a slam-dunk, no-brainer-this-is-your-next-gen-basketball-title this season. It's merely second best.

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Game Revolution

It's not quite as satisfying as the Celtics adding Kevin Garnett and, Ray Allen to support Paul Pierce in one off-season, but what is?

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Xbox World 360 Magazine UK

Okay if you're looking for feature-filled b-ball - but EA do it better. [Jan 2008, p.78]

What Our Users Said

The average user rating for this game is 7.2 (out of 10) based on 19 User Votes

Note: User votes are NOT included in the Metascore calculation.

Keith L. gave it a9:
Nice upgrade from last year's edition. This game really captures the NBA experience and plays much better. For new comers, start on the "ROOKIE" level until you get more familiar with the game.

Marc. D. gave it an8:
Let me just clear this up right off the bat...NBA Live is irrelevant at this point and any discussions of the 2 leading hoops game franchises is an inane waste of time. 2K8 is the only true option for hoops fans. That said, the latest entry in the series is largely an improvement in all areas. From its animations, to it's gameplay...2K8 continues to deliver the most detailed representation of basketball on the market. However, lingering issues remain. The revamped isomotion is the chief problem in 2K8. With all isomotion moves mapped to the left analog stick...the controls can get a little messy at times. Shooting percentages are still ridiculously low (though they can be fixed through tweaking the game sliders). Missed layups and soft scoop shots instead of strong 2-handed dunks are still way too frequent. A final issue is the faces...which serve to mar the beauty of the new signature animations. Overall, the game has it's flaws...but remains the top hoops game on the merits of its solid gameplay and fantastic attention to detail.

Chris C. gave it a10:
I think that the 2K series is one of the best basketball simulations of all time. The graphics are very well defined to the players natural look. Playing this game is like having a spell on every player in the NBA, because you get to run the show in this game, it's like watching a real game on tv. NBA 2K8 is an all-around great basketball game when it comes to player likenesses and life-like gameplay. This game definitely emphasizes the "Next-Gen" terminology of the "Next-Gen" systems. If you want a game that you feel the power as you play and the intensity of the game, than your search for an excellent "Next-Gen" basketball simulation game end here.

Blue Falcon gave it a9:
If you compare all sports games on the 360, NBA 2k8 is perhaps the most advanced of all of them (advanced meaning the most next gen-like). It has the most realistic game atmosphere, graphics and animation out of any sports game. The gameplay is also the best true-to-life sim out of any sports game I've come across. It's a great game.

[Anonymous] gave it a2:
Possibly the most frustrating game I have ever played, 2k tried to make the game to real. Why is it a trick to shooting period, foul shots, jump shots, lay ups, you name it they got it. Lay ups and foul shots are basically a gimme on the NBA level, wide open jump shots for most pros are made. But not in 2k8, the game play is horrible for the simple fact that were playing NBA 2K8 not AAU 2K8. Ray Allen is one of the best 3 point shooters ever to play the game, but you’ll never know playing this game. 2K lets get it together please put the fun back into the game please.

Mike M. gave it a2:
Poor effort all around, in my opinion. I was particularly not fond of their dynasty mode. There was too much flash and not enough effort spent on team pride. Very poorly produced.

Karl gave it a9:
I think 2k8 is one of the best.....well the only best basketball game (since live doesn't seem to be doing it anymore) because it feel and play like a real basketball game, like you can't just pull up shoot the ball dropping points now you have to actually try to get open, and when to release your shots. over all its a great game a few minor clitches but still a great game. 2k baby!!!

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