NBA 08 review

The second unique aspect is the Games of the Week mode, promising to make plenty of new scenarios available during the interminable 2007-08 season based upon what happens all year long. We're not as jazzed up about this, mostly because a somewhat similar set of challenges based upon last year's campaign is also present as a separate mode. No matter what, it's tough to be all hot and bothered about reliving a mid-season matchup between the Hornets and Grizzlies. While we do get a kick out of being encouraged to throw down with all of the teams in the league, it's not enough to make us stop yearning for The Life.

Speaking of yearning, the action on the court leaves us wanting as well. While the development team has made some important strides since last year, there's no denying that your basketball jones won't be totally satisfied. Player movements are wooden, the arenas are downright dreary, and the play-by-play announcers are clearly under the influence of Ambien. To be fair, gameplay is definitely smooth, and the famous red-yellow-green shooting mechanic returns (a blessing or a curse, depending on who you are). We're definitely fans of the alley-oop triggers, too, easily the best way we've ever seen to send your high-flyers to the rim for some delicious dunks.