Some gameplay issues also hamper the product. For example, the new key control system attempts to introduce new team-based elements, with one player and his teammate out to set up a drive to the basket or clearing up the opportunity for a solid three-pointer. However, you only have four pre-set plays on the D-pad available at a time, rather than a full array of on-the-fly tactics.

Furthermore, the artificial intelligence is a bit ridiculous. During a game with the Pacers, Jermaine O'Neal, sporting some kind of miraculous Michael Jordan-esque strength, ended up with 62 points in a game – on easy difficulty, with a full team in his face.

Presentation-wise, the game displays in full 1080p, with sharp details with the court and player animations. It runs at a soft and smooth sixty frames per second, with very few slowdown or glitch issues. However, a few player models look hideous up-close. While players perform their motions like the real deal, only a few resemble their actual counterparts, which is somewhat strange.

A good portion of the game's audio captures the essence of being smack dab in the middle in an arena for an NBA game, although the commentary needed work. Mark Jackson and Kevin Calabro keep up with the on-court action, but repeat comments way too often. For instance, whenever Marcus Camby of the Denver Nuggets charges down-court, Mark refers to him as the "Camby-man", right on cue, every single time. That's just one of the many nicknames that wear out their welcome.

NBA 08 still has a lot going for it. The mini-games are a lot of fun, especially Own the Court, where players shoot as many successful shots as possible in different spots marked on the court. Players also have Season and Playoffs modes on hand, with plenty of player-creation and team-balancing options. Those eager to create their own NBA legend will find customization options galore, with the ability to expand their attributes with each victory and challenging others online through the PlayStation Network.

Still, it's just not enough to be a true NBA contender – not yet, anyways. NBA 08 shows fine progress, but a few minor things hold it back from achieving the much-needed victory. Basketball fans may want to give it a rental, if only to check out the fully stacked NBA Replay mode or construct their own warped little creations. Everyone else, though, may want to wait for next year's contender.