Fun, easy to learn, and easy to play!
Graphics: The graphics for NBA Live 08 are the best graphics in a basketball simulation to date. They are very realistic and it really feels like you're in the arena watching the game. Even without names or numbers, you can easily identify players with one glance at them. Ea obviously took time with the graphics and they look great. The animation in the game are also top notch. The crossovers, dunks, shots, and layups all look fluid and authentic. All of these things combine to form an authentic game that's just fun to look at.
Announcers: The announcers on NBA Live 08 also add to the authenticity of the game. Instead of being choppy, fake announcers, these guys are relaxed and sometimes even funny. They have real-time, mostly accurate observations and even give some random facts about some of the players throughout the game.
Crowd: The crowd is also a great piece of he game. They have varied reactions and it doesn't sound like the same cheers and shouts after every shot.
Soundtrack: The soundtrack pretty much sticks to the same formula and mix as previous games in the series, and most of the songs fit the game pretty well.
Overall Sound: When playing a game the combination of the crowd, announcers, and court sounds, the game feels very real and it really grabs at you and immerses you in the game.
Gameplay: The gameplay is what I really love about NBA Live 08. It's pretty much the same controls as the other games in the series so it will appeal to veterans of the game that are familiar with the controls, but it's also rookie-friendly. The controls are simple in the sense that there is a shot button, a layup button, a pass button, and a freestyle stick. There are a few other options and buttons but they really tried to make a simple, user-friendly game that's just easy to pick-up-and play. The AI in this game is also pretty good, your teammates will move around the court smoothly and I have never had any moments where a player gets stuck or refuses to move. Calling plays isn't as complex or exciting as it could be but it gets the job done. One recurring problem I had was with the fouls. Multiple times I could be standing in the path of the offender, and i take the charge with my feet set well before he knocks me down, and they call it a defensive foul. And I was far enough out in the key for it to be fair. There have been issues on the defensive end too, but for the most part, it doesn't make the game completely frustrating and unplayable. Overall the gameplay is fun, engaging, and easy to get used to.
Game Modes: There are a few key game modes that I have to mention in the review. One of course is dynasty, where you pick a team and begin your career with them to hopefully take them to the championship. the main dynasty screen was a little confusing at first and I wished they had stuck to the old-fashioned full calender view. But it still works,and is fairly easy to navigate. There is the All-Star Weekend game mode which is still fun to play. This includes the 3-Point Shootout, the All-Star Game, the Rookie Challenge, and the Slam Dunk Contest.
New Additions: Theres a new practice mode featured in most 2008 Ea Sports Games. Right when the game loads you begin to play around as Gilbert Arenas in any arena of your choice. You can shoot around as soon as you start up the game. You can also switch to any player and any arena. There is a new Shot Display feature that's assigned to LB. When you push LB with the ball in your hands, you see an accurate display of your player's ability to shoot around the court. Red stands for high chance of making af field goal. Yellow is medium. Blue is low.
Reasons To Buy NBA Live 08 Over NBA 2K8
1. Graphics are way better and more realistic. The shorts in 2K8 can sometimes turn into skirts and get stuck as a player runs. 2. Sound Is way better. The Crowd in NBA 2K8 is very repetitive and annoying sometimes. Announcers are far less accurate than on NBA Live.
3. Gameplay can be frustrating for new players and old players alike. Although the game is a lot more complex, it can be very frustrating to learn and if you're used to EA games it would be even harder. Some people like it, I personally don't.
Both games have their flaws but overall, I think NBA Live is better and more satisfying to play. I give it an 9!