Read my review for a detailed and UNBIASED approach. Graphics, Sound, Gameplay changes and more! Thanks.
Graphics - Aside from the menus, the gameplay graphics appear virtually the same as 2K6. Sad, but it looks like they've squeezed every ounce of the PS2's capability already. However, you'll notice that players move a lot smoother with better transitions between movements. They actually move with momentum and aren't as jerky. Very subtle, but its looks like thats all they could do in the graphics department.
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Sounds - This was the biggest dissapointment for me. If there's any one area to be disappointed in, it's the commentary. Nearly all the phrases and voices sound exactly the same as last year's. New music is about all thats added here. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gameplay - Looks like the bulk of the change is located here. Can't blame them, since thats the most important part (looking for no gameplay and pure graphics - go buy nba live for the 360 and go away). Association has been tweaked with more options, highlighted by the ability to make 3 team trades and slightly more intelligent AI GM behavior. The game itself definitely plays different from 2k6. First thing you'll notice is that its more difficult to drive past your man doing crazy dribble moves. No more behind the back dribble that always got past your man in 2k6. You'll have to work harder and notice when they bite on your dribbles. The most important aspect for me is that the AI offensive intelligence is much improved. They actually will pass to the open man! Oh yeah and the point guards usually shoot when they're open! This definitely makes the gameplay more challenging. Scoring inside has also become a lot more difficult. No more dunkfests and easy post moves. One great addition is the ability to throw a lob pass. In essence, they're trying to get you to move the ball around more to get better looks or create plays. No more being kobe with every player and dominating whenever you feel like it. The new player shots are fun to see as well. A great feeling when you watch Marion shoot his ugly J or Kobe with a nice fading jumper . Also very important is that there are a lot more fouls being called if you try to go block crazy with an unskilled player. Blocking was wayyy too easy in 2k6. Transition defense is improved as well, so its not as much of a fast break fest. Unfortunately it's still way to easy to steal the ball, but thats what the sliders are for. Speaking of which, there are a lot more options for when you edit your players. You can change what kind of shots the players are more likely to take. Such as how often your character will do a hook shot, fade away, how likely he is to foul or even how often they throw a fancy pass. That in itself is very cool to me since I basically edit every players ratings. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Is 2k7 worth buying? At $30 or less, I think so. If anything, it's definitely not worse than the last version. They've improved upon a working formula and the gameplay has been tweaked and feels different from the previous years. There is always room for improvement, but it's becoming clear that the PS2 has reached it's ceiling. The most important thing is that it's fun and you'll spend hours enjoying it and in the end, that's all that really matters.