NBA 2K7 (Sony PlayStation 2, 2006)

NBA 2k7 is an ok game on the PS2, I love the player animations (star players now have shot mechanics that are similar to the way they shoot in reality) as well as some other minor improvements. The graphics still seem average to me and the overall smoothness of the game suffers a bit due to animations (check out 2k2 for what I mean, the game is super smooth in regards to player movement). It's not a huge step forward but it's a decent game. I like the fact there are more create a player slots, but still only 2 create a team slots means there isn't a whole lot you can do in customizing a league of made up teams (again, 2k2 shined with 10 slots, you could create your own league).

The sound fx dept. is disappointing, I like to hear the shoes squeak on the court, the ball hit the court and the rim, etc. but even with sliders turned up it's very quiet in that respect. It's still too easy to step out of bounds (which happens way too often) and too hard to block shots and steal. Again, the sliders help a little but not enough. The camera angles were a huge issue for 2k5, the far away views made it nearly unplayable. They have fixed that this time around, and you have many options to choose from, though still could be better.

I tried out the xbox 360 version of this game, not expecting much, but wow what a difference!!! They really put in some great new features for that version, and the graphics explode on high def. I suggest give the 360 version a try (if you have one) because it's amazing how much better it is. The arena comes alive, the court shines brilliantly, the sound fx are re-vitalized and the game dynamics shine. High def is really the next level in video games. Ther PS2 version of 2k7 is a decent entry in the series, worth renting, but the 360 version is a must own, don't even fool around with the ps2 version if you have a next gen system, trust me you'll be floored when you see the things that are possible on a next gen system (this goes for ps3 as well). It's like you're there in the arena watching the game unfold, seriously.

June 7, 2006 -

GRAPHICS: A better looking game than NBA Live. Most importantly, the game runs pretty smooth during gameplay (not so much during replays).

GAMEPLAY: Isomotion has returned, and it functions are as good as ever. This is basically controlling all you player's motion, even shooting, with the analog sticks (I still prefer the face buttons myself). The interesting thing about this feature is that you can pick up and play the game, having read nothing about the functionality, and do a serviceable job in a game. Waggling that analog stick in respect to what you see happening on the screen is just a more intuitive way to play the game. Once you dig in and read all of the specific moves you can execute with the feature, it really opens up the experience. Free throws work by the same principle. Simply pull back on the stick and release at the right moment.

Defense is pretty solid this year. The CPU makes smart decisions when playing with you and against. If and when anyone stepped out of bounds, it was because of the intense defense I was pounding the opposing team with (toots own horn). I saw AI driving players to close open lanes to the hoops, confounding easy lay-ups and the like. This means players won't just steam roll their way to the goal with each possession. Thinking about and running real plays and getting the ball to the open man will have a lot to do with how successful you are. This made the experience feel genuine which is what any basketball fan can appreciate.

For those that love tinkering and strategizing more intricately with their teams as they play, the added feature known as "on the fly coaching" is a welcomed tool. This allows users to make subs and pace decisions without pausing the game. You manage it all from the D-pad. It comes in handy by minimizing the interruption of your experience with the game.

The Association was designed to satisfy the hardcore NBA fan base. It's here that you control every aspect of the team you choose. During the simulated calendar year, there are free days that you can use to build your team. This means you can assign different practices to the entire team or individual player, which gains attribute boosts , but impacts fatigue. You can also go through a variety of individual player development drills like post defense and offense, for example. In the offseason, you can do predraft workouts with potential draft picks, and really get a sense of what the real NBA shot callers experience. This feature is insanely deep and worth the attention and time commitment.

AUDIO: The commentary by Kevin Harlan and Kenny Smith is ok. Just be prepared during a full 82 game season that their comments get a little repetitive after a while. As for the soundtrack, it's hip-hop heavy from a bevy of hot acts. This game has the most soundtrack options that I have ever seen on any game.

OVERALL: I’m happy with how this game turned out. I saw some weird things like arms passing through players, and some weird things happening with the animations at times (odd collision issues) but overall, the game plays quite well. It’s not hugely different from what we saw last year, but the advancements that were made were solid enough. NBA fans that own current gen consoles can hold out a little longer before they upgrade. NBA 2K7 on PS2 gives nice bang for $30 bucks.

The award winning technical achievement of 2K6 is new and vastly improved. Take complete control of all of your shots with the shot stick; hit the street courts and showcase your playground game with completely all new streetball mode; learn the play style of your friends and foes with the V.I.P. system; be the GM of your NBA team with the deepest Franchise Mode around; 2K Sports has the best online play and the most comprehensive online feature set anywhere.


Details
Players: 1-2 Players
Controller: Gamepad, Joystick
Memory Card: No

Bought this item for my special needs students to learn to play games. Seems to work pretty well. The price was right because my school supplies come out of my pocket. I wouldn't have been able to afford it otherwise. The kids say thanks.

I bought this game so I could play against my friends online. This is one of the best basketball games I have played for PS2 and would reccomend it for anyone who likes to play sports games. After playing this game once, I went out and found it on ebay and bought it the next day.