NBA '08 Cover Athlete

- Press release by SCEA

Thursday, August 09, 2007 - 16:13:28 EST

Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. (SCEA) announced today the signing of Phoenix Suns power forward Amare Stoudemire as the cover athlete for the NBA ’08 franchise, due to hit stores October 2007. NBA ’08 will be the only officially licensed first party basketball game available exclusively for the PLAYSTATION®3 (PS3™) computer entertainment system, PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system, and PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) system.

Stoudemire, the cover athlete for NBA ’06, is making a triumphant return to the PlayStation family after his strong effort within the Suns’ lineup this past season. Overcoming micro-fracture surgery that limited him to three games during the entire 2005-06 season, Stoudemire took the NBA by storm in the 2006-07 season and helped the Suns advance to the Western Conference Semi-Finals. Stoudemire finished this past season with an average of 20.4 points, 9.6 rebounds, and 1.3 blocked shots per game while earning All-NBA First Team honors and a second All-Star appearance.

Despite not playing basketball until he was 14 years old, Stoudemire 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.

“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.”

The PS3 version 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. With upgraded controls that utilize broader SIXAXIS™ wireless controller functionality, gamers can engage an all-new variety of offensive and defensive basketball moves. The game boasts updated character models with new animations, more dynamic and fluid movement, and new skin textures to provide a higher, more detailed level of realism. For the first time NBA ’08 also introduces a comprehensive and in-depth audio commentary with top broadcast talent Kevin Calabro of the Sonics for play-by-play, and Mark Jackson for color analysis. The PS3™ version will feature a fully reworked, retro-looking user interface and a robust online system with player profiles and quick play options.

Acting as a perfect complement to the PSP® system’s design and portability, NBA ’08 introduces a number of brand new quick action mini-games that players can enjoy anytime, anywhere. All-new carnival-style games such as Block-a-Shot join contests such as Fast Break, Shootin’ Bricks, and pinball to provide fast and engaging action that adds to the stable of traditional and non-traditional basketball action. Additionally, players will experience a more challenging Season Mode, where player management and balancing of team chemistry come into play. Refined control mechanics and Artificial Intelligence (A.I.) also create a more realistic and action-oriented gameplay experience. The PSP version also features an enhanced Conquest Mode, expanded multiplayer features, downloadable content, and expanded audio commentary.

NBA ’08 for the PlayStation 2 returns with the third and final installment of “The Life” series with “The Life: Volume 3.” In this chapter, fans will focus on Coach T.’s final season while trying to create a dynasty within the NBA. With more than 60 different game scenarios available in The Life, players will have the opportunity to play all five starting positions. The PlayStation 2 version will deliver new play-by-play commentary, improved A.I., an updated user interface, and new on-court and crowd audio to enhance the overall gameplay experience. It gives players nearly two-dozen mini-games and online access to compete in a variety of leagues and tournaments, EyeToy®USB camera functionality, and an all-new soundtrack.