Sony came out with NBA 07 last year to launch day and date with the Sony PS3 console.  It had a few really nice features and actually made for a solid arcade-type basketball experience.  It had full 1080p support as well as some solid replay value with some innovative game modes.  These include such things as allowing you to download updates NBA games each week which allow you to play the best scenarios from the week in the NBA and more.  This year though unfortunately SCE Studios San Diego seems to have hit the rim instead of sinking the shot at the buzzer.

The biggest new addition this year to NBA 08 which must be discussed from a game mode style is the addition of the Upside Progression System.  What this does is that it allows you to collect points across the various game modes which include Exhibition, Season, Playoffs, Online, NBA Replay, and Mini-Games.

Basically there are 90 or so tasks which you can complete across these game modes which are achievements of sorts.  You are asked to do certain things in each of the modes which include beating people online, winning awards with players in a season, scoring so many points or statistical accomplishments, and much more.  You will receive awards and points for your achievements by completing these tasks.  You can either use the credits to unlock extras in the game such as new types of floors, jerseys, arenas, etc and you can also use the points to upgrade your created player.

The NBA Replay mode is also back once again to add a lot of longevity to the title.  For those that never played last year’s game what this allows you to do is to take on two challenges each week in The Season mode of NBA Replay, as well as allowing you to download challenges online over the course of the year.  Basically you are thrown into various situations from the actual NBA games where you have to complete what was done in the game.  The mode this year now has added difficulty levels and variety making for an extremely enjoyable experience.  Basically if Kevin Garnett hits a jumper for the Celtics from just above the free throw line at the buzzer to win it, you will have to do the exact same shot at the same time in order to complete it, making it extremely enjoyable and always evolving.