NBA 2K8

It is kind of crazy to go and look back at a game like NBA 2K8, it is even crazier to think that even though this is an older game in the series, it was still the ninth game in the franchise! I think that this was released at a time when the 2K series still had a lot of heart and soul and was not all about microtransactions. I had way more fun playing this game than I thought I would have, so much so that I ended up going down a rabbit hole where I played some of the older 2K games and I had an awesome time doing so.

New To The Series

I want to start by talking about what NBA 2K8 brought to the series for the first time. I remember people being very excited for the slam dunk contest that was added to this game. You have 30 seconds to pull of dunks with the use of flicking the analog stick in various directions. You can add various props to make your dunk more spectacular and score yourself more points. They also put in this three-point shooting contest which at first I was like “meh” but this was even more addictive than the slam dunk contest!

Both Ends Of The Court

For an older basketball game, NBA 2K8 plays pretty damn well on the court. Things may be a tad stiffer than they are now, but I do like how the game is not just all about offense. Sure, you can pull off some very cool moves, fastbreaks and there are plenty of plays to choose from. However, you also need to try and read the game very well to get steals, rebounds and try to force the opposition into mistakes. I was actually surprised at how well this game held up after all these years.

A Ring For The King

The main game mode sees you picking a franchise and trying to lead them to glory. They still have this in modern NBA games, but it has taken a bit of a backseat to all the microtransaction garbage that 2K are all about these days. In NBA 2K8, it is just a much more straightforward experience and that is something I really liked about the game. I played through about a season and a half as the Chicago Bulls and have a good time doing so.

That TV Style Presentation

Ever since the first game on the Sega Dreamcast, impressive TV style visuals have been a hallmark of the 2K series. In NBA 2K8 the game once again is going for that TV style presentation. With impressive looking character models, decent animation, halftime reports, pre-game showcases, and so on. Even though the game is “old” it is still pretty well done, just a bit rough around the edges by today's standards.

The play by play does tend to repeat a bit much and also the volume of the play by play is all over the place. Sometimes it is way too loud, other times it is very quiet.

Pros:

• I liked how it was not full of the modern 2K games microtransactions crap!
• On the court, this plays a fine game of basketball
• I liked the new slam dunk contest and 3 point contest game modes
• Taking a franchise to the top of the NBA is as addictive as ever

Cons:

• It is a bit rough by today's standard
• The audio in the game is kind of all over the place

NBA 2K8, developed by Visual Concepts and published by 2K Sports, is a basketball simulation game that delivers an immersive and realistic experience on the virtual court. Released in 2007, it continues to be highly regarded by basketball enthusiasts for its exceptional gameplay, impressive visuals, and engaging features. Let's take a closer look at why NBA 2K8 is still an absolute banger to this day. Gear up and let’s go!

Gameplay

NBA 2K8 offers an incredibly authentic and satisfying basketball gameplay experience. The game features intuitive controls that allow players to execute a wide range of moves, including dribbling, passing, shooting, and defensive maneuvers, with precision and responsiveness. The animations are smooth and fluid, making every action on the court feel realistic and immersive.

One of the game's highlights is the AI, which provides a challenging and competitive experience. The computer-controlled players exhibit realistic behavior and adapt their strategies dynamically, keeping players on their toes. The strategic depth of the gameplay is further enhanced by the inclusion of various offensive and defensive plays, giving players the freedom to devise their own game plans and tactics.

Furthermore, NBA 2K8 excels in capturing the intricacies and nuances of basketball. From the physics of the ball to the player movements, the game pays meticulous attention to detail. The inclusion of signature styles and animations for NBA players adds a layer of authenticity that brings the virtual basketball court to life. It’s a much more serious take on the basketball experience that other titles like NBA 2K Playgrounds. Its much more similar in tone to FIFA 08.

Visuals

NBA 2K8 boasts impressive visuals that showcase the level of detail and realism the developers aimed for. The player models are highly detailed, accurately representing the physical attributes and facial features of the NBA athletes. The arenas and stadiums are beautifully rendered, with vibrant colors and atmospheric lighting that contribute to the overall immersive experience.

The animations in the game are top-notch, capturing the fluidity and grace of basketball movements. From the dribbling techniques to the slam dunks, each action is executed with precision and visual flair. The attention to detail extends to the crowd animations and reactions, which further enhance the atmosphere of the games.

Story

While NBA 2K8 does not have a traditional story mode, it offers a robust and immersive career mode called "The Association." In this mode, players can create their own NBA player and guide them through their basketball journey, from the rookie season to stardom. The mode provides a sense of progression and accomplishment as players earn skill points, improve their attributes, and make critical decisions that shape their career.

Pros

• Brilliant fun that offers hours of gameplay
• Impressive attention to detail
• Association Mode is excellent

Cons

• Lack of a dedicated story career mode isn’t ideal