NBA lIve 08 - a bit better but still flawed

ok, for those of you hardcore gamers out there - you know that NBA Live 08 was just released last week. NBA Live for those living under the computer rock - is a famous basketball title eversince the SNES/Genesis era. The current title was their answer to last year very dissappointing release (NBA Live 07) and to start things off - they didn't really do that much >_<

first of all my rants - what the hell did they do with the direct pass button?!?!? not sure if this can be configured on the options but for the longest time - direct pass is executed by holding down the R2 button plus any of the face button. Now you can let go of the R2 button and the ssytem will still wait for the corresponding face button - believe me, this sucks big time. Lets say you are on a fastbreak, controlling the PG running the middle, you see teammates both running ont he sides, you quickly press the R2 button to see whos runnign with you and wait if someone will be free, but as you are running you stutter step and gets a free lane towards the basket so you decide to let go of the R2 button and just press (square) for afree lay-up - then KABOOM, instead of a free layup, the system still recognizes your direct pass command and will instead pass to your teammates.

speaking of layups - people are missing a LOT of layups and close-to-the-basket shots which is really puzzling - and these are happening to superstars as well >_<. Guess you will have to tweak the settings first before you start a game.

some things that ticks me off as well are - people randomly stepping out of bounds even if they dont have the ball causing turnovers when you pass it to them and players not adjusting right away to called plays.

But there are improvements as well, first thing to notice are the rebounds - they are much better compared to previous installments. Though there are still instances where the ball is magically placed to the nearest jumping player.

the game is more simulation based (ala-NBA 2k8) and not arcady anymore - over-all , i will play this than 07 but still not the best basketball game.

other things to take note are the inclusion of FIBA teams like spain, france , etc which adds to addtional gameplay and value. I am playing the PS2 version so experince may vary with yoru consoles.

overall rating 3 1/2 balls.