NBA ’08 updates – Amare Stoudemire as coverboy and info

Basketball fans rejoice, we’ve got a bit of info and the packshots for the upcoming sports video game from Sony Computer Entertainment America (SCEA), NBA ’08. Guess who’s gracing the cover? Phoenix Suns’ Amare Stoudemire.

The power forward-slash-center will be featured on the cover once again. For those who’ve forgotten, Stoudemire graced the NBA ’06 cover. Actually, he was only able to play three games during that season because of a micro-fracture. In the subsequent seasons, however, this writer can only describe Stoudemire’s performance as stellar (an average of 20.4 points, 9.6 rebounds, and 1.3 blocked shots per game). Also, he was voted into the All-Stars and got All-NBA First Team honors.

SCEA’s Scott Rohde, director, sports product development, had this to say:

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. 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.

According to the release, NBA ’08‘s PlayStation 3 version will be sporting a “retro-looking” user interface and an online system that features player profiles and quick play options. Add that to the new character models, animation, skin textures, and movement and you’ve got a whole new ballgame ahead of you.

The PlayStation Portable version has dropped the “Block Party” in the title, leaving only NBA ’08. While it sports a number of minigames designed for pick up and play, NBA ’08 sports “action-oriented gameplay” with refined controls and A.I. The game also has been expanded with multiplayer features, Conquest Mode, and audio commentary. Players will also have something to look forward to by way of downloadable content.

NBA ’08 is also slated for release for the PlayStation 2, along with the PSP and PS3 versions, due to hit the ground running on October 2007. While we wait, feel free to ogle at the boxart for the PSP and PS3 versions of the game.

Basketball fans rejoice, we’ve got a bit of info and the packshots for the upcoming sports video game from Sony Computer Entertainment America (SCEA), NBA ’08. Guess who’s gracing the cover? Phoenix Suns’ Amare Stoudemire.

The power forward-slash-center will be featured on the cover once again. For those who’ve forgotten, Stoudemire graced the NBA ’06 cover. Actually, he was only able to play three games during that season because of a micro-fracture. In the subsequent seasons, however, this writer can only describe Stoudemire’s performance as stellar (an average of 20.4 points, 9.6 rebounds, and 1.3 blocked shots per game). Also, he was voted into the All-Stars and got All-NBA First Team honors.

SCEA’s Scott Rohde, director, sports product development, had this to say:

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. 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.

According to the release, NBA ’08‘s PlayStation 3 version will be sporting a “retro-looking” user interface and an online system that features player profiles and quick play options. Add that to the new character models, animation, skin textures, and movement and you’ve got a whole new ballgame ahead of you.

The PlayStation Portable version has dropped the “Block Party” in the title, leaving only NBA ’08. While it sports a number of minigames designed for pick up and play, NBA ’08 sports “action-oriented gameplay” with refined controls and A.I. The game also has been expanded with multiplayer features, Conquest Mode, and audio commentary. Players will also have something to look forward to by way of downloadable content.

NBA ’08 is also slated for release for the PlayStation 2, along with the PSP and PS3 versions, due to hit the ground running on October 2007. While we wait, feel free to ogle at the boxart for the PSP and PS3 versions of the game.