Game was somewhat dissapointing but still ok!
one reason I followed this game for so long was because I had read that EA really wanted to buff this game up and make it one of the best in a long time. While following this game I kept hearing a lot of great additions they were making to it. However after buying this for the PS2 you can tell a lot of the additons were just for the next-gen systems only. so if your watching youtube for the gameplay of this game and you see that it looks different or better just know that that is the 360 or PS3 versions. This game was dissapointing compared to what i thought i was going to get.
The Good- I do like the new Be a Pro mode. This mode is pretty cool because you can either create a character (pretty good create character), or pick your favorite player and play through a season in the NBA. Your player can develop basked on how well you do in the games and based on the missions you complete for each game. Every game you will get missions. some examples are (Don't turn over the ball in the first half) or (Score 12 points in a quarter) a of these missions are challenging but not to challenging and fun. Sort of reminds me of a simple RPG
Has 3 point shootout and Slam dunk contest- this game does have a 3-point shootout and slam dunk contest unlike their rivals in 2k PS2 games.
Improved Hot Spots- The hot spots are pretty cool and i think they look better than 2k's. The way they are improved is that this year you don't even have to press in L3 to see the hotspots the hotspots change under the players feet in the icon.
DNA- The DNA is nice and players are hot or cold and the game really does seem to react to this. If a player is cold they will struggle and if a player is hot they will do quite well.
Practice Mode- The practice mode is nicer this year you can play with a full team now rather than just one player and you can also practice different plays.
24 FIBA Teams- I am not really a big fan of FIBA but if you are this is the game for you this game has 24 of them compared to last year's 8 FIBA Teams. Also the rival 2K has 0 FIBA Teams
The Bad- Graphics are exactly the same no change at all. Even the scoreboard looks the same
Gameplay- is also exactly the same you cant really tell any difference between last years and this years
Menus- Menus look exactly the same except for a different movie playing in the background
Dynasty mode- still the same the back of the case says they have improved it but there is only a new contract system and it seems silly and pointless.
Cant watch your team play in season or dynasty mode- This is my biggest complaint. In dynasty mode I always liked to watch my teams play or let a game be CPU vs CPU while i go do something else. However, you can't even do that in this game! I can understand not being able to control the other team but come on if you want to just watch your team in a CPU vs CPU game you should have the right to do that. overall this was only a fair game and i think that the 2K series is better this year.
If you want to rent this game first to see if you like it or to see if it has what you want in a basketball game then highly suggest that you do rent it. I wish i had now. If you like live 08 and dont care much whether you watch your team play in dynasty or not then you might like this game better than i do but i have to say that i suggest going and getting 2K this year
sorry for my spelling i know i got some words wrong. thank you for your time