NBA 07 on the PS2 excels because of The Life: Vol 2, an interactive story mode that chronicles the lives of two NBA superstars. While the PS3 version lacks this feature, Sony somewhat makes up for it with NBA Replay. This mode highlights 50 special moments from the 2005-2006 NBA season and challenges players to reenact those scenarios; such as scoring eight points as Kobe Bryant and defeating the Denver Nuggets in overtime on November 2, 2005 or dishing three assists with Steve Nash during the first quarter of Suns vs. Lakers, November 3, 2005. The time to complete each challenge varies, making most of them a pain to complete. However, they're not impossible, and Sony plans to further support the mode by offering five 2006-2007 season challenges each week as they occur.
NBA Replay greatly extends 07's replay value, as do the mini games Own the Court (where players shoot to control various points on the court), a self-explanatory 3PT Contest, and Skills Challenge (where superstars take turns running through a basketball-themed obstacle course). Online play further broadens the experience with leader boards and match making, though as of this review, GameDaily hasn't been able to test connections since it doesn't have access to Sony's online network.
The last feature worth mentioning is the botched SIXAXIS control. Sony's mapped right analog stick maneuvers to its motion sensitive controller. Pushing the controller forward creates space and moving it around generates spin moves and it's just terrible because characters don't always respond to these commands.
To its credit, Sony San Diego created a fast-paced and entertaining basketball game that's worth playing, just not for the MSRP price of $59.99. 2K Sports' NBA 2K7 packs better graphics, tons more options, and a better presentation for the same price. Hardcore hoops fanatics won't do themselves a disservice buying both videogames, but for those struggling to afford the PS3 and its games, NBA 07 doesn't contain enough goodies to justify its exorbitant price tag.
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