NBA 07
SCORE: 83
Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. obviously put a lot of work
into NBA 07 on the Playstation Portable (PSP). This recently released
sports game lets players take control of their favorite NBA teams,
players in an assortment of features, and modes. Kobe Bryant is the
player who receives the honor of gracing the front cover in the glory of
Lakers bright yellow. New to this year is Conquest Mode which is a mix
between basketball, and Risk. Cities compete to take over one another,
and eventually take over the entire nation. Pick Up Mode is another mode
that will certainly interest a lot of sports gamers. In that mode,
players will alternately pick from ten randomly selected NBA players to
match up against the computer, or another player in an outdoor full
court game. This game caries the full license of the National Basketball
Association, and the Players Union. Forty-one authentic NBA teams
including throwback versions.
Graphically NBA 07 has some decent colors, but many of the stadiums
are on the darker side, like a movie theater. The animations run nicely
at 60 FPS, and the TNT logo is intriguing to see. The details are done
in a decent manner, especially the close ups of the different NBA
players. The special effects surrounding the players at certain times
add to the excitement of the game.
The sounds in NBA 07 are very crisp and clear. The sounds of the
basketball on the hardwood work amazingly well. The music is of the rap
genre, which is not my cup of tea. There is an option within the profile
that can turn the music off. The commentary is very colorful, and one of
the announcers uses some street slang. I did not hear anything
offensive, but also found out that it can be turned off just like the
music.
Sports games generally have more replay value to them than most other
video game genres. NBA 07 is no exception to that known rule. On top of
some of the other previously mentioned modes, there is a brand new dunk
contest, carnival style mini games (like Pop-a-Shot, Pinball, and
Skee-ball), highlight reel, mini games (like HORSE, and Dodgeball),
ladder challenge, and multiple different modes to play regular seasons
of basketball. Multiple players can play each other so this game is fun
for more than one person at a time. If you enjoy the gameplay mentioned
in the next paragraph it is worth your hard earned dollars.
The controls are quick and responsive. The control design takes a
little while to get used to. Some of the controls do not shift well
going from offense to defense. I am used to being able to blow by the
defender and drive to the hoop. Sure I might get a charging foul here or
there. NBA 07 does not allow that, in fact it stops the player cold too
often. Unfortunately for this reviewer, the flow of the game would get
interrupted. That interruption of the flow made it lose its fun factor.
NBA 07 is safe for the entire family. If you are into more of a passing, and strategy basketball game then certainly look this one up. A lot can be learned about the sport of basketball by playing this game, as well as many of the different players of the game. I just wish the one gameplay issue had not gotten in the way. - Paul
Graphics: 85%
Sound: 86%
Replay/Extras: 94%
Gameplay: 71%
Family Friendly Factor: 79%
System: Playstation Portable
Publisher: Sony
Rating: 'E' for Everyone
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