NBA '06 takes it to stores

Sony has announced that NBA '06 is in now in stores for the PlayStation 2. The game was developed by Sony's internal development studio, 989 Sports, which is based out of San Diego, California.

The game features all the stars and arenas of the NBA and includes standard basketball play, as well as a few different game modes. The Life: Vol. 1 is a story-driven mode that follows a rookie's ascent from benchwarmer to NBA champion. There are also several diversions from standard basketball in the form of 16 minigames, including 21, Shout Out, and Own the Court.

In an eerie instance of the cover-athlete curse, Phoenix Suns stud Amare Stoudemire, who complemented his breakout season by gracing his first game cover, will likely miss the first half of the NBA season with an injury.

NBA '06 is rated E for Everyone and retails for $39.99. For more information on the game, check back early next week for a full review.