1up NBA 2k8 preview - MixMakers.net

**Sikwitit2** · **1up NBA 2k8 preview -** 09-04-2007, 08:48 PM

http://www.1up.com/do/previewPage?cId=3162504

Quote:

Previews: NBA 2K8
This b-ball champ continues onward.
By Todd Zuniga 09/04/2007
Last year, NBA 2K7 was the best hoops game in years, while the competition (NBA Live 07) floundered. This year, EA presses the reset button while the 2K series soldiers on in a whole mess of ways.

For starters, NBA 2K8's arena lighting and crowd looks fantastic -- this year it's all part of the same picture. Last season, the art team didn't develop the stadiums and the players at the same time, so the ballers didn't exactly "fit" when they were dropped onto the parquet. This year the team built them simultaneously, and it shows -- so much so that players interact with the sidelines and even jump over the first row of seats when going for a loose ball.

On the court, 2K is trying to fix up two major NBA game problem areas: playing defense and the post game. We only had a game's worth of hands-on time (though we loved the chance to run with Boston's new three-headed monster), but there's plenty of reason to expect a repeat from last year's b-ball champion. Working the ball down low feels strong, with plenty of signature shots to make it feel authentic.

In the defensive game, there's a new lock-on feature that allows for more physical play on the ball-handler (not to mention helping defenders during online play -- which, by the way, will run at 60 frames per second). The lock-on basically helps you stay on a player with assisted A.I. at the pull of a trigger. A tiny meter which fills up much faster for top defenders like Ron Artest than it does for Adam Morrison-types lets you know when you're locked on. Once that happens you can ride a player to the sidelines. To stop the lock-on, the offensive player can pass or, if he's a good ballhandler, reverse his dribble and lose you. We did see some goofy, broken animations as part of both the dribbling and the post game, but we're hoping those will be cleaned up by launch day.

Offensively, there's a clever addition that shows off your shooter's hot spots. Live 08's indicator is an overlay that comes up with the press of a button. But that also tips off the defender. In 2K8 you see some sort of Cingular cell phone bars that fill up if your shooter has the range. The bars are colored, so if you're struggling they go blue and when you're neutral they stay yellow. Naturally, the bars go bright red when you're hot.

We didn't get a close look at the franchise mode, but we did hear something that had our ears perk up: You can pitch players on different aspects to lure them to your team. If you say they'll start and you're empty at their position, they are more likely sign. Smart stuff.

Finally, we got a look at the Blacktop Mode (there's no more story mode with nerdy guys in striped sweaters), where you can have a pick-up game, play 21, enter into a 3-point shootout, or -- and this is the best of it -- jump into a Slam Dunk Contest hosted by Bobbito, of NBA Street Vol. 2 and Vol. 3 fame. The dunking's intuitive, as you whirl the right analog stick to break off something special, then time your trigger pull for a slick finish. It's challenging, but easy enough to play as a party game.

Bolded stuff is new, sounds so dope. I can't wait for this. Jumping over the front row for loose balls? Interactive sidelines? :Jumpy:

I need some more videos...NOW!

**Killa KMS** · **Re: 1up NBA 2k8 preview -** 09-04-2007, 08:55 PM

niceee -gotta swag a 3 6 by winter dammit

AI3 · **Re: 1up NBA 2k8 preview -** 09-04-2007, 08:57 PM

Yeah man this game is gonna be great! I been waiting for this for a long time now. I cant wait!

Branflakz16 · **Re: 1up NBA 2k8 preview -** 09-04-2007, 08:57 PM

Oh man, this game just keeps getting better and better. I have a feeling my social life will disappear following Oct 2nd. I have plans on finishing an 82 game Raps franchise in the month before the NBA season starts.