Basketball games aren’t something you’ll be happy to sit on the fence about, and being an American sport, we know that we’re not exactly addressing a huge fan base here. In fact, having introduced a multiple-choice trivia quiz to its loading screens, we reckon that if you can’t answer at least half the questions 08 throws at you, then this may not be for you. On the other hand, though, the game does allow you to go as deep or as shallow as you wish into the wealth of variables on offer. Can’t be bothered hiring staff? Simulate.

NBA Live 07 was littered with issues, from player likenesses, animation and AI, to unnaturally repetitive shot selection leading to easy wins. Thankfully, we’re delighted to report that NBA Live 08 has addressed these issues. The game now runs at 60fps and boasts player likenesses that are so real you’ll need only the smallest of squints to truly believe. EA revels in their beauty as often as possible, taking every opportunity it can to show you a replay or player introduction for some close-up, sweaty goodness. This, combined with greatly improved link-up animations, means that your brain will often be tricked into believing that what you’re looking at is live on telly – at 2am.

The actual physicality of each player also plays a huge part in proceedings. If your player happens to be Shaq, for example, smaller guys (that’s just about everybody) are going to have a lot of difficulty getting their shots past you and, what’s more, this is no gimmick – you can feel the weight of the players as soon as you pick up the pad.

There are several new gameplay modes available, too. Alongside the good old Dynasty and Play Now modes, you’ve now got Quick Pick Play. This enables you to jump into a quick match but gives you the choice of selecting your ten from practically any player in the world. Scenario Play is another new addition, in which you’re able to set variables for time, teams, score, quarter and so on, so you can challenge yourself to come back from 30-60 down in the third, for example.

Best of all, though, is the ability to create mini leagues of up to 32 teams among your friends. EA will then make sure every match is played and there’s an eventual winner. Get in!

Dan Howdle