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'NBA '08' (PSP/PS2/PS3) Cover Athlete Signed

by Rainier on Aug. 8, 2007 @ 5:45 a.m. PDT

To complement the fast-paced basketball action, NBA ’08 introduces an all-new progression system where players earn skill and experience rewards that can be used to thoroughly customize player appearance and play styles. SCEA has signed Phoenix Suns power forward Amare Stoudemire as the cover athlete for the NBA '08.

Stoudemire, the cover athlete for NBA '06, is making a triumphant return to the PlayStation family after his strong effort within the Suns' lineup this past season. Overcoming micro-fracture surgery that limited him to three games during the entire 2005-06 season, Stoudemire took the NBA by storm in the 2006-07 season and helped the Suns advance to the Western Conference Semi- Finals. Stoudemire finished this past season with an average of 20.4 points, 9.6 rebounds, and 1.3 blocked shots per game while earning All-NBA First Team honors and a second All-Star appearance.

Despite not playing basketball until he was 14 years old, Stoudemire quickly excelled at the game. As the only high school player selected in the 2002 NBA draft, Stoudemire was taken ninth overall by the Phoenix Suns and soon made a name for himself, averaging 13.5 points and 8.8 rebounds per game as a rookie. He went on to be selected as a member of the U.S.A. Basketball Men's Senior National Team that participated in the 2004 Olympics in Athens, Greece.

"Amare Stoudemire is one of the most dynamic players in the NBA, showcasing a range of power and finesse that makes him a favorite among the fans and a respected competitor among his peers," said Scott Rohde, director, sports product development, SCEA. "We are elated that he has renewed his partnership with us and believe that with Amare back on our team, NBA '08 will once again raise the bar for the franchise."

The PS3 version introduces an all-new progression system where players earn skill and experience rewards that can be used to thoroughly customize player appearance and play styles. With upgraded controls that utilize broader SIXAXIS wireless controller functionality, gamers can engage an all-new variety of offensive and defensive basketball moves. The game boasts updated character models with new animations, more dynamic and fluid movement, and new skin textures to provide a higher, more detailed level of realism. For the first time NBA '08 also introduces a comprehensive and in-depth audio commentary with top broadcast talent Kevin Calabro of the Sonics for play-by- play, and Mark Jackson for color analysis. The PS3 version will feature a fully reworked, retro-looking user interface and a robust online system with player profiles and quick play options.

Acting as a perfect complement to the PSP system's design and portability, NBA '08 introduces a number of brand new quick action mini-games that players can enjoy anytime, anywhere. All-new carnival-style games such as Block-a-Shot join contests such as Fast Break, Shootin' Bricks, and pinball to provide fast and engaging action that adds to the stable of traditional and non-traditional basketball action. Additionally, players will experience a more challenging Season Mode, where player management and balancing of team chemistry come into play. Refined control mechanics and Artificial Intelligence (A.I.) also create a more realistic and action-oriented gameplay experience. The PSP version also features an enhanced Conquest Mode, expanded multiplayer features, downloadable content, and expanded audio commentary NBA '08 for the PlayStation 2 returns with the third and final installment of "The Life" series with "The Life: Volume 3." In this chapter, fans will focus on Coach T.'s final season while trying to create a dynasty within the NBA. With more than 60 different game scenarios available in The Life, players will have the opportunity to play all five starting positions. The PlayStation 2 version will deliver new play-by-play commentary, improved A.I., an updated user interface, and new on-court and crowd audio to enhance the overall gameplay experience. It gives players nearly two-dozen mini-games and online access to compete in a variety of leagues and tournaments, EyeToyUSB camera functionality, and an all-new soundtrack.

Features :

  • NBA ’08 introduces a new system of rewarding players for game exploration and advancement by providing numerous customizable player options. As gamers play NBA ’08, they will be challenged to complete tasks and goals that will earn experience. In turn, experience can be used to customize characters and show them off as status symbols of game achievement. Reaching higher profile levels will grant access to better gear and unlockable content, and players will be able to house awards in a virtual trophy room.
  • Utilizing an online hub where players can readily share game features and data, NBA ’08 provides a streamlined approach for online basketball gaming. For this year, gamers will be able to participate in a social environment where they can easily show off custom created players and gain access to streaming NBA video, player-created pages, and improved leaderboards.
  • Back to test the skills of the most hardcore NBA fans, “NBA Replay” is once again available for players to re-enact great performances from the ’06 -’07 season and work through the entire past season’s worth of memorable gameplay scenarios.
  • Returning with an all-new set of upcoming highlight-reel plays, “Games of the Week” will allow players to download five scenarios each week involving real NBA games from the upcoming ’07 -’08 season and attempt to replay those magical moments within the game.
  • NBA ’08 now delivers the sights and sounds of an NBA broadcast to the user with authentic play-by-play and in-depth color commentary. Newly incorporated audio, cut scenes, and UI elements blend together to transport gamers into a slick and organic NBA-themed world.
  • In addition to the core fundamentals of gameplay, NBA ’08 improves on team gameplay elements. Offensive and defensive player positioning is more authentic, where players space themselves correctly on offense and defenders react more realistically to shots, layups, and shifts in offense. Passing and catching is revamped to reward users with good shots when a quality pass is made. Additionally, a new game management system requires player strategy to determine play calling, when and who to substitute, and when to call a timeout.
  • Expanded SIXAXIS functionality provides an all-new and deeper set of control options including specific dribbles as well as high and low offensive and defensive moves.
  • A new contact mechanism takes into account a player’s momentum when pushing into one another, introducing a “physical” (as opposed to finesse) game play mechanic. Additionally, more emphasis is placed on off ball play, where gamers use skills to improve team abilities including reaction time and attention to passing windows.
  • Animation variety is significantly increased, featuring a variety of new passing and dribbling styles, defensive postures that include high and wide coverage, as well as new looks for box out and post-up activity.
  • Arenas given more life with more dynamic movement and animations, particularly with coaches, bench players, and crowd.
  • Utilizing a refined version of lighting and shader techniques, NBA ’08 produces characters that look more authentic and realistic than ever.
  • NBA ‘08 continues to deliver true high definition at 60 frames per second, delivering the sharpest and most realistic basketball experience available.
  • Play on your own or against friends in multiple mini-games including “Own The Court”, 3-Point Shootout, and the PlayStation Skills Challenge.

NBA '08, rated "E" for Everyone, is scheduled for October 2007.

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