NBA 06 is the next installment in 989's basketball series that has, like many of Sony's key franchises, made the leap to the PSP. Though its predecessor, simply titled NBA, was a more modest debut than basketball fans were hoping for, its sequel is aiming to be a stronger follow-up. NBA 06 will retain the key gameplay elements from the PSP launch title and build on them. The game is slated to feature refinements in its gameplay and visuals, as well as the addition of new minigames. A unique new feature will let you take highlight plays, captured as virtual cards, and keep them as collectibles or share them with friends. The system will also tie into a new ladder challenge that will let you compete in a minigame or exhibition mode series. You'll earn special virtual trading card rewards if you manage to get to the top of the ladder. Finally, you'll be able to compete with another player via the PSP Wi-Fi ad hoc mode or infrastructure modes. We talked to producer P.J. Snavely from 989 Sports about the upcoming game to find out more.

GameSpot: The PS2 version of NBA 06 is taking a dramatically different approach to basketball games with an involved story mode. Can we expect a similar departure for the PSP game this time around?

P.J. Snavely: No--the PSP game will stay true to its simulation roots. We're focused on providing compelling gameplay for small periods of time, perfect for the portable gaming audience. That's why you'll see two new minigames and a greater focus on single-player replayability.

A new trading card system will let you capture highlight plays to save or trade with friends.

GS: What are some of the lessons learned from NBA for PSP that you're applying to the new game?

PJS: We learned quite a bit from the release of the launch game. There were some experiments that we tried with regards to the control set and some challenges with a couple of the minigames. Not all of the feedback was positive, so we've taken steps to correct those flaws and very thoroughly focus-test the product at every stage. We also found that people missed having a turbo button, so we've added that function to this version of the game.

GS: NBA for PSP had a unique color-coded shot system. What kind of feedback from users did you get on that mechanic on that system, and has it changed at all in NBA 06?

PJS: People, in general, liked the color-coded feedback system. However, we found that a lot of users had problems adjusting to a multitap style of shooting. This year we've adjusted to a more standard hold-and-release shooting mechanic, while leaving the double-tap shooting method in as an option.

GS: One of the draws of NBA for PSP was the minigames; what kind of minigames can we expect this time around?

PJS: We'll have our original three: the PlayStation skills challenge, the three-point shoot-out, and "own the court" (formerly "paint"). This year, we've added two new classics--one is H-O-R-S-E, which everyone has played at one time or another. The other is dodgeball, which is already a blast to play.

GS: Can you tell us about any improvements in player animations or graphics in NBA 06?

PJS: We've been fortunate to piggyback off of our big brother on the PS2. As they've captured motions, we have been able to choose whether or not we wanted to add those to our current iteration. Beyond that, we've made the jump from 30fps to 60fps, and the change has been amazing. The game and the animations just look and feel much smoother, and the controls are crisper.

GS: Do you have an idea of how many people play NBA via infrastructure mode? What are you doing to bring more players to the wireless multiplayer modes in NBA 06?

PJS: Even several months after shipping, we are still getting a thousand different users signing in every day. We don't have a total number of unique users, but we're thrilled being the best online game this side of Twisted Metal: Head-On. For NBA 06, we're aiming to bring more users online with the addition of the collectible trading cards. We're also planning on incorporating a Hotspot Authentication browser, so PSP users can play from more locations.

GS: We recently spoke with Corey Maggette, who's a big PSP fan. What kind of feedback from other NBA stars are you getting on your game?

PJS: We were fortunate enough to bring several PSPs and copies of the game to the NBA All-Star game in Denver. It was a very surreal experience seeing 12 giants of the basketball world in awe over something that you'd done. All of the guys had great feedback, including Dwight Howard, who pointed out that he was 6'11'', and we had him listed at 6'8''.

GS: What's your favorite new feature in the game?

PJS: It would definitely have to be the new player cards. We currently have an agreement with Upper Deck, who I think sets the standard for the entire trading card industry. Being able to use their designs in our game will bring an unparalleled sense of truly authentic collecting to a basketball game.

GS: Will there be any interactivity between the PSP and PS2 versions of NBA 06? Will you be able to share season or player information via USB, for example?

PJS: This is something we're still trying to iron out. We have several ideas, but it's just going to be a matter of finding the time in our development schedule. You'll have to keep an eye on us down the road.

GS: Thanks for your time.