View source for Software:NBA 2K8

{{Short description|2007 basketball video game}}
{{Infobox video game
|image=NBA 2K8 cover art.jpg
|caption= [[Engineering:PlayStation 3|PlayStation 3]] cover art featuring Chris Paul
|developer = [[Company:Visual Concepts|Visual Concepts]]
|publisher=[[Company:2K|2K]]<br>[[Company:Spike|Spike]] <small>(JP)</small>
|series=''NBA 2K''
|platform=[[Engineering:PlayStation 2|PlayStation 2]]<br>[[Engineering:PlayStation 3|PlayStation 3]]<br>[[Engineering:Xbox 360|Xbox 360]]
|release={{Video game release|NA|October 2, 2007|AU|October 31, 2007|AU|November 1, 2007 <small>(X360)</small>|EU|November 2, 2007 <small>(X360)</small>|EU|November 23, 2007|JP|August 7, 2008 <small>(PS3, X360)</small>}}
|genre=[[Software:Sports game|Sports]]
|modes=[[Software:Single-player video game|Single-player]], [[Software:Multiplayer video game|multiplayer]]
}}
'''''NBA 2K8''''' is a 2007 basketball [[Software:Simulation video game|simulation video game]] developed by [[Company:Visual Concepts|Visual Concepts]] and published by [[Company:2K|2K]] and [[Company:Spike|Spike]]. It is the ninth installment in the ''NBA 2K'' franchise and the successor to ''[[Software:NBA 2K7|NBA 2K7]]''. It was released in 2007 for [[Engineering:PlayStation 2|PlayStation 2]], [[Engineering:PlayStation 3|PlayStation 3]], and [[Engineering:Xbox 360|Xbox 360]]. Chris Paul of the New Orleans Hornets is the cover athlete of the game. ''NBA 2K8'' is the predecessor to ''[[Software:NBA 2K9|NBA 2K9]]'' in the ''NBA 2K'' series.

''NBA 2K8'' was well received upon release. Critics mostly praised the aesthetical details, particularly the player animations, as well as the game mode options, and overall gameplay, more specifically, the post play, jump shooting, and well rounded accessibility.

==Gameplay==
''NBA 2K8'' is a basketball [[Software:Simulation video game|simulation game]] which strives to emulate the National Basketball Association and the sport of basketball in general. Players mostly play NBA basketball games in a variety of game modes, with real teams and players or created players. One of the new additions to the game is the Slam Dunk Contest game mode.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nba.com/videogames/nba2k8_overview.html |title=''NBA 2K8'' |publisher=NBA |access-date=June 11, 2015 |archive-date=November 7, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171107042232/http://www.nba.com/videogames/nba2k8_overview.html |url-status=live }}</ref> During games, Kevin Harlan is the play-by-play commentator, this is the last game in the ''NBA 2K'' series to have Kenny Smith as the color commentator, he would make a return in the pre-game and halftime shows of ''[[Software:NBA 2K16|NBA 2K16]]'',  and Craig Sager as the sideline reporter.

==Development and release==
Chris Paul is the cover athlete of ''NBA 2K8''.<ref name="Chris Paul">{{cite web |last=Geddes |first=Ryan |date=July 19, 2007 |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2007/07/19/chris-paul-gets-nba-2k8-cover |title=Chris Paul Gets ''NBA 2K8'' Cover |publisher=IGN |access-date=August 21, 2015 |archive-date=September 24, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924154741/http://www.ign.com/articles/2007/07/19/chris-paul-gets-nba-2k8-cover |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |author=GameSpot staff |date=July 19, 2007 |url=http://www.gamespot.com/articles/paul-dunks-nba-2k8-cover/1100-6175348/ |title=Paul dunks ''NBA 2K8'' cover |publisher=GameSpot |access-date=August 21, 2015 |archive-date=November 7, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171107164737/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/paul-dunks-nba-2k8-cover/1100-6175348/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gamezone.com/news/chris_paul_named_cover_athlete_for_nba_2k8 |title=Chris Paul Named Cover Athlete for ''NBA® 2K8'' |publisher=GameZone |date=July 19, 2007 |access-date=August 21, 2015 |archive-date=September 24, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924040407/http://www.gamezone.com/news/chris_paul_named_cover_athlete_for_nba_2k8 |url-status=live }}</ref> The game features a soundtrack consisting of 23 licensed songs. The developers aimed to create genre diversity when composing the soundtrack.<ref>{{cite web |author=IGN Music |date=September 24, 2007 |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2007/09/24/nba-2k8-soundtrack-mixes-rap-and-rock |title=''NBA 2K8'' Soundtrack Mixes Rap And Rock |publisher=IGN |access-date=June 9, 2015 |archive-date=September 13, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150913234925/http://www.ign.com/articles/2007/09/24/nba-2k8-soundtrack-mixes-rap-and-rock |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |author=GameSpot staff |date=September 24, 2007 |url=http://www.gamespot.com/articles/j-dilla-headlines-nba-2k8-soundtrack/1100-6179807/ |title=J Dilla headlines ''NBA 2K8'' soundtrack |publisher=GameSpot |access-date=August 21, 2015 |archive-date=November 7, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171107164843/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/j-dilla-headlines-nba-2k8-soundtrack/1100-6179807/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Hayward |first=Andrew |date=September 24, 2007 |url=http://www.1up.com/news/nba-2k8-soundtrack-brings-hip-hop |title=''NBA 2K8'' Soundtrack Brings the Hip-Hop |publisher=1UP.com |access-date=October 26, 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151222100536/http://www.1up.com/news/nba-2k8-soundtrack-brings-hip-hop |archive-date=December 22, 2015 }}</ref>

''NBA 2K8'' was released for the [[Engineering:PlayStation 2|PlayStation 2]], [[Engineering:PlayStation 3|PlayStation 3]], and [[Engineering:Xbox 360|Xbox 360]] video game consoles in North America on October 2, 2007.<ref>{{cite web|first=Ryan|last=Geddes|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2007/10/02/nba-2k8-takes-the-court|title=NBA 2K8 Takes the Court|website=IGN|date=October 2, 2007|accessdate=November 12, 2022|archive-date=November 12, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221112103802/https://www.ign.com/articles/2007/10/02/nba-2k8-takes-the-court|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Soundtrack==
In 2006, J Dilla passed away since he and Madlib recorded the song, "The Official", from the 2003 album, Champion Sound. It was remixed for the game.

* J Dilla ft. Madlib - The Official (2K8 Mix)
* J Dilla ft. Q-Tip & Talib Kweli - Lightworks
* J Dilla ft. Common - E=MC2
* Run-D.M.C. - Sucker MC's
* Stone Roses - Fool's Gold
* Breakestra - Getcho Soul Together Pt. 2
* Fishbone - Skankin to the Beat
* Tommy Guerrero - Molotov Telegram
* Percee P - Throwback Rap Attack
* Quasimoto - Chrome Dreams
* Devo - Through Being Cool
* Quantic - When You're Through
* J. Rocc - Cold Heat Megamix
* Cut Chemist - Bunky's Pick
* Billy Ball & The Upsetters - Tighten Up Tighter
* The Highlighters Band - Funky 16 Corners
* A Guy Called Gerald - Hurry to Go Easy
* Sonic Trip - Energy Play
* Baron Zen - Turn Around (Peanut Butter Wolf Instrumental Mix)
* Finley Quaye - Ultra Stimulation
* G-Love & Special Sauce - Shooting Hoops
* Ernie & The Topnotes - Dap Walk
* The Fabulous Jades - Cold Heat

==Reception==
{{Video game reviews
| PS2 = true
| PS3 = true
| X360 = true
| na = true
| Fam_PS3 = 24/40<ref name="Famitsu review">{{cite web |author=nalanyun |date=July 30, 2008 |url=http://n4g.com/news/177099/latest-famitsu-review-score-tales-of-vesperia-get-35-40-fatal-frame-iv-get-34-40 |title=Latest Famitsu Review Score, Tales of Vesperia get 35/40, Fatal Frame IV get 34/40 |publisher=N4G |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080812025116/http://www.n4g.com/xbox360/News-177099.aspx |archive-date=August 12, 2008 |url-status=live |access-date=May 4, 2016}}</ref>
| Fam_X360 = 24/40<ref name="Famitsu review"/>
| GI_PS3 = 8.25/10<ref name="GI">{{cite magazine |last=Bertz |first=Matt |url=http://gameinformer.com/NR/exeres/E6ED6B28-4406-42A6-ADFF-26D413FDCA9D.htm |title=''NBA 2K8'' (PS3, X360) |magazine=Game Informer |issue=175 |date=November 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080111003520/http://gameinformer.com/NR/exeres/E6ED6B28-4406-42A6-ADFF-26D413FDCA9D.htm |archive-date=January 11, 2008 |url-status=dead |access-date=May 4, 2016}}</ref>
| GI_X360 = 8.25/10<ref name="GI"/>
| GameRev_PS3 = B−<ref name="Game Revolution review">{{cite web |last=Andrien |first=Chris |date=October 25, 2007 |url=http://www.gamerevolution.com/review/nba-2K8 |title=''NBA 2K8'' Review (PS3, X360) |publisher=Game Revolution |access-date=September 19, 2015 |archive-date=October 12, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151012043703/http://www.gamerevolution.com/review/nba-2k8 |url-status=live }}</ref>
| GameRev_X360 = B−<ref name="Game Revolution review"/>
| GSpot_PS2 = 6.5/10<ref>{{cite web |last=Thomas |first=Aaron |date=October 12, 2007 |url=http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/nba-2k8-review/1900-6180917/ |title=''NBA 2K8'' Review (PS2) |publisher=GameSpot |access-date=May 4, 2016 |archive-date=December 20, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151220171036/http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/nba-2k8-review/1900-6180917/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
| GSpot_PS3 = 8.5/10<ref name="GameSpot review">{{cite web |last=Thomas |first=Aaron |date=October 2, 2007 |url=http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/nba-2k8-review/1900-6180262/ |title=''NBA 2K8'' Review (PS3, X360) |publisher=GameSpot |access-date=May 4, 2016 |archive-date=September 16, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150916001301/http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/nba-2k8-review/1900-6180262/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
| GSpot_X360 = 8.5/10<ref name="GameSpot review"/>
| GSpy_PS2 = {{Rating|3.5|5}}<ref>{{cite web |last=Leahy |first=Dan |date=October 4, 2007 |url=http://ps2.gamespy.com/playstation-2/nba-2k8/825077p1.html |title=GameSpy: ''NBA 2K8'' (PS2) |publisher=GameSpy |access-date=May 4, 2016 |archive-date=June 9, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160609234820/http://ps2.gamespy.com/playstation-2/nba-2k8/825077p1.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
| GSpy_X360 = {{Rating|4|5}}<ref>{{cite web |last=Villoria |first=Gerald |date=October 5, 2007 |url=http://xbox360.gamespy.com/xbox-360/nba-2k8/825449p1.html |title=GameSpy: ''NBA 2K8'' (X360) |publisher=GameSpy |access-date=May 4, 2016 |archive-date=May 10, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170510081725/http://xbox360.gamespy.com/xbox-360/nba-2k8/825449p1.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
| GT_PS3 = 8/10<ref name="GameTrailers review">{{cite web |url=http://www.gametrailers.com/gamereview.php?id=5255 |title=''NBA 2K8'' Review (PS3, X360) |publisher=GameTrailers |date=October 10, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071209165313/http://www.gametrailers.com/gamereview.php?id=5255 |archive-date=December 9, 2007 |url-status=dead |access-date=May 4, 2016}}</ref>
| GT_X360 = 8/10<ref name="GameTrailers review"/>
| GameZone_PS3 = 8.7/10<ref>{{cite web |last=Bedigian |first=Louis |date=October 7, 2007 |url=http://www.gamezone.com/reviews/nba_2k8_ps3_review |title=''NBA 2K8'' - PS3 - Review |publisher=GameZone |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081005014431/http://ps3.gamezone.com/gzreviews/r32692.htm |archive-date=October 5, 2008 |url-status=live |access-date=May 4, 2016}}</ref>
| GameZone_X360 = 8.7/10<ref>{{cite web |last=Grabowski |first=Dakota |date=October 10, 2007 |url=http://www.gamezone.com/reviews/nba_2k8_360_review |title=''NBA 2K8'' - 360 - Review |publisher=GameZone |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081006035700/http://xbox360.gamezone.com/gzreviews/r32692.htm |archive-date=October 6, 2008 |url-status=live |access-date=May 4, 2016}}</ref>
| IGN_PS2 = 7.5/10<ref>{{cite web |last=Haynes |first=Jeff |date=October 5, 2007 |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2007/10/06/nba-2k8-review |title=''NBA 2K8'' Review (PS2) |publisher=IGN |access-date=May 4, 2016 |archive-date=October 1, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191001143952/https://www.ign.com/articles/2007/10/06/nba-2k8-review |url-status=live }}</ref>
| IGN_PS3 = 7.9/10<ref name="IGN review">{{cite web |last=Goldstein |first=Hilary |date=October 2, 2007 |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2007/10/03/nba-2k8-review-2 |title=''NBA 2K8'' Review (PS3, X360) |publisher=IGN |access-date=May 4, 2016 |archive-date=March 25, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160325222406/http://www.ign.com/articles/2007/10/03/nba-2k8-review-2 |url-status=live }}</ref>
| IGN_X360 = 7.9/10<ref name="IGN review"/>
| OPMUK_PS2 = 8/10<ref>{{cite journal |title=''NBA 2K8'' (PS2) |journal=Official UK PlayStation 2 Magazine |date=December 2007 |page=89}}</ref>
| OPMUK_PS3 = 8/10<ref>{{cite journal |title=''NBA 2K8'' (PS3) |journal=Official UK PlayStation 2 Magazine |date=December 2007 |page=111}}</ref>
| OXM_X360 = 8.5/10<ref>{{cite magazine |title=''NBA 2K8'' |magazine=Official Xbox Magazine |date=December 2007 |page=62}}</ref>
| rev1 = 411Mania
| rev1_X360 = 9.3/10<ref>{{cite web |last=Redkey |first=David |date=October 6, 2007 |url=http://411mania.com/games/nba-2k8-xbox-360-review/ |title=''NBA 2K8'' (Xbox 360) Review |publisher=411Mania |access-date=May 4, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170510172724/http://411mania.com/games/nba-2k8-xbox-360-review/ |archive-date=May 10, 2017 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
| rev2 = ''[[Software:USA Today|USA Today]]''
| rev2_PS3 = {{Rating|8.5|10}}<ref name="USA Today">{{cite news |last=Molina |first=Brett |date=October 18, 2007 |url=http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/tech/gaming/2007-10-18-nba-roundup_N.htm |title=''NBA 2K8'' rises above the competition |newspaper=[[Software:USA Today|USA Today]] |access-date=May 4, 2016 |archive-date=May 15, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210515145813/http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/tech/gaming/2007-10-18-nba-roundup_N.htm |url-status=live }}</ref>
| rev2_X360 = {{Rating|8.5|10}}<ref name="USA Today"/>
| MC_PS2 = 72/100<ref name="MCPS2">{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/nba-2k8/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation-2 |title=''NBA 2K8'' for PlayStation 2 Reviews |website=Metacritic |access-date=August 21, 2015 |archive-date=November 13, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151113120325/http://www.metacritic.com/game/playstation-2/nba-2k8 |url-status=live }}</ref>
| MC_PS3 = 81/100<ref name="MCPS3">{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/nba-2k8/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation-3 |title=''NBA 2K8'' for PlayStation 3 Reviews |publisher=Metacritic |access-date=August 21, 2015 |archive-date=June 27, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150627111534/http://www.metacritic.com/game/playstation-3/nba-2k8 |url-status=live }}</ref>
| MC_X360 = 81/100<ref name="MC360">{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/nba-2k8/critic-reviews/?platform=xbox-360 |title=''NBA 2K8'' for Xbox 360 Reviews |publisher=Metacritic |access-date=August 21, 2015 |archive-date=October 23, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151023190055/http://www.metacritic.com/game/xbox-360/nba-2k8 |url-status=live }}</ref>
}}

The PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 versions of ''NBA 2K8'' received "favorable" reviews, while the PlayStation 2 version received "average" reviews, according to the review aggregation website Metacritic.<ref name="MCPS2"/><ref name="MCPS3"/><ref name="MC360"/>  In Japan, ''Famitsu'' gave the PS3 and Xbox 360 versions a score of one five, one seven, one five, and one seven for a total of 24 out of 40.<ref name="Famitsu review"/>

IGN's Hilary Goldstein said of the same console versions: "''In many ways, NBA 2K8 is an improved game on the court. But there are a lot of minor issues that really drag it down. Over the course of my first dozen games, I was in love. But as the season wore on, the issues began piling up to a point that it became a source of frustration. The Lock-on D gaff is inexcusable and the lackluster defensive AI allows decent players to tear it up on offense. Jason Williams should not be dropping 30 points a game. Yet he won the MVP in year two of my franchise. Still, any hoops fan should give NBA 2K8 a look. It's certainly the best basketball game on any system this year. The Association is a solid franchise mode and, if [Virtual Concepts] can iron out its AI and gameplay issues, next year's model could be something very special.''"<ref name="IGN review"/>

1UP.com's Todd Zuniga commended the aesthetics, depth, game modes, and online features of the PS3 and Xbox 360 versions, but disliked certain gameplay imperfections that he deemed small and annoying, such as the unrealistic defensive abilities of big men when they are defending quick players.<ref name="1UP.com review">{{cite web |last=Zuniga |first=Todd |date=October 16, 2007 |url=http://www.1up.com/reviews/nba-2k8 |title=''NBA 2K8'' (PS3, Xbox 360) |publisher=1UP.com |access-date=September 8, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305141931/http://www.1up.com/reviews/nba-2k8 |archive-date=March 5, 2016 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Aaron Thomas of GameSpot praised the same console versions for having a large amount of content, the CPU, and the new additions to the game.<ref name="GameSpot review"/> In his review for Game Revolution, Chris Andrien wrote of the same console versions: "''At the end of the day, NBA 2K8 is a pretty fun jaunt.''" He spoke well of the sound effects, but hated the "goofy" commentary. He liked the addition of NBA legends such as Larry Bird, but disliked certain other gameplay additions, including the "unrealistic" lock-on defense. Lastly, Andrien praised the realistic visuals and animations, but criticized the "wonky" artificial intelligence.<ref name="Game Revolution review"/>

{{quote box|quote=It's rare that a series takes as serious a step backwards as ''NBA 2K8'' has this season. It's missing modes and gameplay features from last year's game, while adding subtle changes that few players will notice or make use of. Last year the 2K series was the best roundball game on the market by a landslide. This year, it's dribbled the ball out of bounds with no defender in sight.|align=right|source=—GameTrailers<ref name="GameTrailers review"/>|width=30em }}

GameTrailers complimented the same console versions' dunk contest game mode, praised the "incredible online" play, called the post play "the best in the biz", said the shooting felt "just right", and enjoyed the animations. However, the review cited several "quirks", such as AI issues, players unrealistically missing shots or attempting shots that wouldn't realistically be used, statistical problems, removed features, and the lock-on defense mechanic, as downsides. Lastly, the review also heavily criticized the designs of the players and the menus, calling them "awful" and "butchered", as well as the "repetitive" commentary, but did enjoy the soundtrack and said the amount of animations "makes a huge difference".<ref name="GameTrailers review"/>

During the 11th Annual Interactive Achievement Awards, ''NBA 2K8'' received a nomination for "Sports Game of the Year" by the Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.interactive.org/awards/award_category_details.asp?idAward=2008&idGameAwardType=126 |title=2008 Awards Category Details Sports Game of the Year |publisher=Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences |website=interactive.org |access-date=14 November 2023}}</ref>

{{clear}}

==References==
{{Reflist|30em}}

==External links==
*{{moby game|/nba-2k8}}

{{NBA 2K series}}

[[Category:Multiplayer and single-player video games]]

{{Sourceattribution|NBA 2K8}}