Improved from 07 but not enought
Yes, the graphics are great, faces, details, sweat, all really acurate (the arenas need much work, more ambience), but if the gameplay is not convinced??, It´s clear that is a step forward, but there´s so many aspects that affect gameplay.
First of all, this game remains arcade over simulation, if you preferd arcade style, there´s no problem, but i preferd real basketball. Ball physics and player animations are strange yet, in the sense of that you have not the TOTAL control over your players and the ball, a ball that seems "medicinal". On this game you can crash the hoop since the first moment, and well, it´s no real in this sense. Player animations are ok, only ok, but they are far from 2k movements. Most of the plays like pick and roll, screen, low post, etc....are really strange, and you finally will go to smash the hoop instead of a shoot. The game is a bit limited on this.
Resuming, it´s much better than 07, overall for the inclusion of the FIBA teams, but it´s strange to find the feeling that you are really taking the control and playing real basketball. I know that comparations are pure hate, but if you take this game and after it you play 2K8, well.....there´s a big hole between both games.
I hope a real competition between this 2 games for next year, because of this way, the consumer always wins.
Take care