14 DAY TRIAL // Well, it seems that Sony Computer Entertainment America have chosen their cover athlete for NBA '08: Phoenix Suns' Amare Stoudemire. Due out October 2007, for the PlayStation 3, NBA '08 will be the only officially licensed first party basketball game available exclusively for Sony's next-gen entertainment system, but also the PlayStation 2 and PlayStation Portable.
"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."
They say Stoudemire hadn't played basketball until he was 14 years old. However, he 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.
Here's a little something on the game now. This recent report says that the PS3 version of 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. More than that, using the upgraded controls of the much broader SIXAXIS wireless controller functionality, gamers will benefit from a large variety of offensive and defensive moves, typical to the basketball game.
There will also be updated character models with new animations, more dynamic and fluid movement, and new skin textures to provide a higher, more detailed level of realism. Audio commentary will be hosted by top broadcast talent Kevin Calabro of the Sonics for play-by-play, and Mark Jackson for color analysis. Another exclusive PS3 feature is the fully reworked, retro-looking user interface and a robust online system with player profiles and quick play options.
NBA 08 for PS3, PS2 and PSP is due out October 2007, remember that!