NBA 2K7

2006 basketball video game

NBA 2K7 is a 2006 basketball simulation video game developed by Visual Concepts and published by 2K. It is the eighth installment in the NBA 2K franchise and the successor to NBA 2K6. It was released in 2006 for PlayStation 2, Xbox, and Xbox 360, and as a launch title for PlayStation 3. Shaquille O'Neal of the Miami Heat is the cover athlete of the game. NBA 2K7 is the predecessor to NBA 2K8 in the NBA 2K series. This was the last installment in the series to be released for the Xbox. The game strives to simulate the experience of the National Basketball Association and attempts to be as realistic as possible. Players play NBA basketball games with real life teams in a variety of game modes. Players may customize the gameplay, as well as the players, and can take control of an NBA team as the general manager, hiring coaches, and making a profit. The game features all the main aspects found in the NBA, such as commentary, realistic crowd animations, and halftime shows. The game's overall gameplay, as well as the aesthetics, was said to have been significantly improved before release. NBA 2K7 received a positive reception upon release. A lot of praise was directed at the game's overall presentation; some critics called the visuals "gorgeous", while others said it was "spectacular" and achieved great "visual feats". Most other praise was directed at the game's improved gameplay, as well as the depth and wealth of content. Some negative comments were made concerning the models and animations of the players.

NBA 2K7 is a basketball simulation game based on the National Basketball Association. Particularly similar to NBA 2K6, NBA 2K7 simulates the experience of the sport of basketball, and more specifically, the experience of the NBA. Players play NBA games with any real life or custom team, in many different game modes, such as quick play or Association. Players customize many aspects of the presentation and gameplay, such as camera angles, and the level of realism. Like the past NBA 2K games, NBA 2K7 is marketed as being as realistic as the actual NBA, with all the things featured in NBA games, such as commentary, and mascots. Kevin Harlan is the play by play commentator, Kenny Smith is the colour commentator, and Craig Sager is the sideline reporter. Players can create their own players, using a system that has been modified from the previous games in the series. Players can then use their player in 'Street' mode, a mode where players do battle against established NBA stars in street ball competitions. On the PlayStation 3, instead of shooting free throws with button presses, players must move the DualShock 3 controller in a way that resembles how free throws are shot in real life. Additionally, if a player is playing against another player, that player can shake their controller, which shakes the screen, in an attempt to distract the free throw shooter. Several online modes are present, including tournaments, and a mode that can support up to ten players, in which each individual player on the court at that time is controlled by a real person. Therefore, he, Allen Iverson of the Philadelphia 76ers, and Anthony Davis of the Los Angeles Lakers are the only three players at this point who have appeared on multiple covers of the NBA 2K series.

Music for NBA 2K7 includes tracks (primarily hip hop) by the artists; Aceyalone, Abstract Rude, Afrika Bambaataa, Celly Cel, Chali 2na, Choir Boy, MIH, The Crest, Deep Rooted, DJ Godfather, DJ Nasty, E 40, Fabolous, Hieroglyphics, Jay Rich, Johaz, Ithaka, Lupe Fiasco, Evidence of Dilated Peoples, Mos Def, Anwar Supastar, Rhymefest, Slim Thug, SonicTrip, Ginesis, TOPKAT, Wax Tailor, and Zion I. The soundtrack CD for NBA 2K7 was compiled by Dan the Automator; it features 13 songs, not all songs featured in the game are present on the CD. The soundtrack was also released on CD with the title Dan the Automator Presents 2K7.

NBA 2K7 was released for the PlayStation 2, Xbox, and Xbox 360 on September 26, 2006; and for PlayStation 3 on November 13, 2006. This is the first game in the NBA 2K series to be released on the PlayStation 3, and the last to be released on the original Xbox.

NBA 2K7 received "favorable reviews" on all platforms according to the review aggregation website Metacritic. Greg Vallentin of VideoGamer. com said of the same console version: "When all is said and done, NBA 2K7 is as well rounded a basketball game as you can get. 2K7 really isn't a huge improvement over last year's effort, but I doubt anyone will bother to care. Lone players could spend months in the Association mode, and the online options are excellent for players wanting some human on human play. At the moment there's only one basketball series worth caring about, and that's NBA 2K." The Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences nominated NBA 2K7 for "Sports Game of the Year" at the 10th Annual Interactive Achievement Awards.