Ironically this year's entry in the NBA Live series completely does away with the Superstar abilities that were the focal point for Live 07 and has instead put 08's focus squarely on… nothing.
On the court things feel just as familiar, and considering what we thought of last year's effort, that isn't exactly a good thing.
But where are the new animations? The subtle refinements to the gameplay that we like to see each year? Sadly there really aren't any to speak of.
The biggest change that EA Sports has made to NBA Live 08 is that the camera rotation that used to take place on every change of possession has been replaced by an awkward flash transition. Now when the ball changes from one team's possession to another it just flashes you to the new perspective. The whole thing is very disorienting and isn't conducive to running a smooth fast break at all.
Then there's the fact that the gameplay just doesn't feel real. Shaq can somehow make jumpers from behind the free throw line. Shaq making any shot from behind the free throw line is bad enough, but when you see the seven-footer shooting a jump shot, things just aren't right.
The one positive that we can say for the gameplay is that the Superstar abilities are completely removed, making NBA Live 08 less arcadey and more pure basketball. Not to say that Live 08 doesn't revolve around driving and dunking, because it does, but at least you aren't cycling through the equivalent of superpowers during gameplay. That has to count for something.
When the dust settles on NBA Live 08 it will be remembered as a disappointing end
Those who are desperate to do some balling on their aging console have nowhere else to look so here’s some advice, go over and play your friend’s PS3 edition of NBA 2K8.
4.0 Graphics
This game is the exact opposite of gorgeous.
5.5 Mediocre
