Just like Christmas, we see the NBA Live series come around once a year aiming to further impress every release. Much like EA's other popular product, the FIFA series, it seems unrelenting pressure from competition has brought out the best in a series that has fallen on harder times. With 2K Sports reigning supreme over EA in recent years; EA have been prompted to lift their game, and have produced a basketball game that rivals their competition, and out shadows many of their previous outings. But does NBA Live 2008 have the grapes to make the gamebreaker shot from three-point territory? Or do they miss the play-offs again by 'playing it safe'?

Whilst not having played NBA Live 2007 personally, it wasn't hard to see a legion of fans backlash at what was apparently a rather sub-par game. There was also poor reception from the critical audience, as the game was targeted for it's frame-rate and the overly abysmal camera angles that rendered the game near unplayable. The result of this was poor scores across the board, and a years work down the drain. However, a remedy was apparently found as these issues are thankfully absent this time around, with exception to the online component.

This year we see EA Sports overhaul certain aspects of their in-game engine; such as the shooting, the passing and the rebounds; the inclusion of these new mechanics effectively make NBA Live 2008 a more engaging and challenging experience for gamers as the game runs with a certain fluid nature. This combined with the game's predictably improved visuals create what I see as the most compelling and real game of basketball I've played on a video games console. Of course, there are elements within the game that still let the franchise down. Whether it be the game's monotonous commentary, or the often non-responsive controls and lag online. Luckily, Live 2008 has quite a number of things going for it in contrary to these flaws.

Coupled with the aforementioned mechanic tweaks applied by EA are the all-new 'Quickstrike' ballhandling skills, which could be compared to the 'skill moves' in the FIFA games. Players are able to string together combos as they leave the competition in a state of disarray. While this looks silky smooth, having been modelled off an athletes real-life counterpart, it can in turn make the game a little simple on the easier to middle difficulties; especially when the player makes use of spin moves (LT plus a direction) to evade defensive heat. Each player is also equipped with their 'go-to move' which is, too, modelled from their real-life counterparts (I'm surprised it doesn't say 'as seen on TV!'). Whether it be a famous fade-away shot or a unique approach to the basket, there's no doubt it'd be among those included in Live 2008. That being said, they've been implemented very well into the game, further providing an experience that dances near the line of reality. It's an exciting thought as to how EA will further include ideas such as these into further games, making them that much more refined.

By holding down the left bumper, players can also get a visual display of 'Hot Spots'. In other words, say you're using a player whose strength is within the key, such as Steve Nash, his hot spots will be located within the key, and his colder areas from three-point range. His shooting efficiency will be far greater in the hot spots. By using these on-court locations, players can emulate their favourite players styles by shooting from where they shoot, and also shooting how they shoot by using the 'go-to moves'. Its apparent EA have gone to some efforts to make NBA Live 2008 an immersing and thorough basketball experience for the casual and loyal gamer.

From the get-go, players have a pretty impressive list of game modes, and options to play with. From your standard quick-game, to your Dynasty Mode, All-Star Weekend and of course, the ability to take your 'baller' skills online against the best Xbox Live has to offer. But along with the regulars, EA have provided a few fresh breaths for their legion of followers. You can now choose one of the eight International teams that make up FIBA, and take them to the World Championship; such outfits include the United States, France and Spain (plus others). Other new modes include the Quick Pick Play mode, where you literally pick ten athletes to compile your fantasy list and take them onto the court to make magic happen.

There's also brand new Scenario Play where you're presented with any number of objectives; coming back from a ten point deficit perhaps? or making that final second shot to secure the Championship. You can also create your own scenarios which will provide willing gamers many enjoyable moments as they re-create familiar moments from basketball history. As far as the online gaming experience goes; much like FIFA 08, I found that minor issues with lag (across an International connection) made it more of a laugh than a challenge as non-responsive controls became a task in itself. Local games are not an issue, though good luck finding some to join. If you manage a secure connection, however, the new online interactive leagues (also featured in FIFA 08) will keep you occupied.

On the eyes, Live 2008 is the best looking basketball game on the 360, so far. Each athlete is modelled to represent their real-life counterpart, and EA have nailed it for the most part. Of course, there are the odd athletes that pop up looking very dissimilar to their namesake while vague details are recognisable. While every single athlete isn't modelled to perfection (as a lot of the lowliest benchwarmers were overlooked for intricate detailing), they look better in this title than any other. With the detail applied to 'go-to moves' and imitating athlete's unique traits, the fluid animations are also second-to-none. I often found myself stunned at the events transpiring, as it seemed lifelike.

Many of the stadiums are only noticeably unique due to the multifarious team insignia scattered throughout the stands; otherwise, each arena looks fairly exactly structured. As far as the sound goes in Live 2008, this is a case of the good and the bad. Bad news first, shall we? The only disappointing aspect of the audio lies within the in-game commentary. It's bad enough that their speech is limited, but what's worse is that they often say something not even relevant to what you've achieved. For example, in a Slam Dunk contest, a perfect dunk was executed (tens all around), and the commentary begin in with what a disappointment it was. It was at this point I merely disabled the commentary, and turned up the soundtrack; which brings me to the good news. As EA always seem to do, they once again offer a solid list of tunes you can work your 'baller skills' to. The impressive list includes artists such as Timbaland, The Hives and Joss Stone; and watch out, there's a cover of Britney Spears' "Toxic". Classic.