Here's this week's update for the European PlayStation Network. What's new? A couple of sports demos (FIFA Street 3 and NBA 08), add-on packs (for Folklore and Guitar Hero II: Legends of Rock), and lots of trailers. Check out the list in the full article.

With the PlayStation 3's SIXAXIS controller providing some very nifty motion-sensing joy for those of us who want to get just a little bit more involved with our games, it's not hard to see why the guys behind the next entry in the NBA videogame series have taken it into consideration. We see that in full effect in this trailer video update of Sony Computer Entertainment America's NBA '08. Let's take a look and see what's up with this year's next-gen hoops.

In these trailers, we get a look at how the PlayStation 3's SIXAXIS controller is changing the way we handle the ball as we know it. Tilting it in various ways makes you do a whole lot of nifty tricks, both on defense and offense. This is good, since it gives the controls a more intuitive style, and leaves the rest of our fingers free for the face buttons. We also get a sneak peek at the remarkable depth of the character creation system, as well as the traditional key controls we can take advantage of for those precision passes.

Get yourself up to speed with this videos, double time! Enjoy!

The other videos after the jump!

 

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 are in for a treat. Starting October 2nd, you'll be able to get your game on and step into the hardcourt ahead of Greg Oden and Kevin Durant. NBA '08 features some new moves which includes extensive data tracking, an improved player creation mode and the cool NBA replay which you'll hear all about in this video interview. Have a look:

As you can see, the visuals are looking nicer and the developers are touting a lot of tweaks with the gameplay. Will this be enough to put the pressure on B-ball sims like NBA Live 08 and NBA 2K8 to lock them down? We'll see. But what it looks like at this point is that it'll be a heck of a ballgame.

NBA '08 assistant producer Bob Stait recently spilled the beans on some of the cool new features that the game will be having. In an interview with Sports Gamer during Sony's Gamer's Day, he talked about a few exciting new features that the game will be having when it comes out for the PlayStation 3.

The one question that most people have on their minds is how the SIXAXIS controller will be utilized in the game, and the new features are definitely something basketball fans would go crazy about. The addition of being able to go into the triple threat animation with you keeping the controller high or low with your player doing the same with the ball should really have an impact.

Defending has new features added as well. You can either keep your controller high and give your opponent an opening to drive to the hole or keep your controller low, stopping the drive but possibly giving your opponent a jump shot. It seems that they are using the SIXAXIS tilt features to its potential, though we'll have to wait and play the game to see how efficiently they've done this.

Another feature they added is the skitching system which Stait explained pretty well.

Another gameplay mechanic we’ve added is the skitching system. The guy will basically beat you up and run you off to keep you from running around him and scoring. Once you’re in the skitching animation, we’ve added some special animations like new jukes and new moves you can do out of this animation.

Stait just covered so many details that we can't cover the entire interview in one article. If you want to read the full interview, just click on our read link which will send you to the entire interview. This game is slated to be out this September. Be sure to keep checking back here for more updates on NBA '08.

Attention, hoop fans: The Sony PlayStation 3 is warming up and flexing those next-gen pedals as exhibited by Sony Computer Entertainment America's upcoming hard-court simulation NBA 08. Get ready for the most realistic killer-crossovers and high-flying slams you've ever seen.

Watch the video and you'll know what we're talking about. From the aerial motion, the flash photography and even the way players land after a shot, everything is indicative of the highest-quality visuals. The only question now is do you have what it takes to be a big-time baller?

How will you keep in stride with the Suns' offense? Can you break down Detroit's stingy defense? Do you have the management savvy to acquire the kind of players that your team needs? Who will take the buzzer beater when everything is on the line?

Three huge screens await after the full article link!

NBA Live '08 is right around the corner, and Lead Producer Brian Ullrich talks all about it. It looks like their long list of new features doesn't come cheap, displayed by his lengthy blog entry on IGN about how they go about the game.

This time around, Electronic Arts is focusing less on flashy game modes and more on solid 5-on-5 basketball. Ullrich says that they want to deliver realistic, authentic NBA action that's true to the core of basketball and also fun. All this will be shaped up by a group of very talented and hard-working developers, many of them being NBA fans.

To achieve the core 5-on-5 experience they want, here's the list of fundamental categories that they need:

• Shooting
• Passing
• Rebounding
• Ball Physics
• Dunks & Lay-ups
• Locomotion
• Offense
• Defense
• Two Player Interactions
• Post Whistle

Ullrich explains that the team is working on these elements, calling up everyone inside the studio to evaluate and distinguish what's good from what's not. Then, they'll focus on what category needs attention the most to deliver well in all aspects.

This is just the first entry of NBA Live '08's development blog. We'll make sure to bring you the rest when they're up. For the full entry, check out the link below.

 

Gilbert Arenas may be getting on NBA Live 08's cover, but that's not the only thing going for the game of basketball in the PS3. Recently, IGN got quite an extensive interview with Sony Computer Entertainment San Diego's Senior Producer, Eric Waas, regarding Sony's latest game, NBA '08, and here are the bare essentials:

• New Progression System - Create your own character then earn points by playing in different modes that can raise a player's performance and purchase unlockables.
• Trophy room is tied to player progression - milestone goals earn you trophies
• Richer online content - improved auto matching and leader board, video streaming
• Improved replays - new "zoned" events in which players must mimic certain situations
• Focused on more intelligent commentary - Kevin Calabro on play-by-play and Mark Jackson on commentary
• Fine tuned features - more intuitive Sixaxis component
• Skitching System - accurate and realistic player animations, more than 2000 unique animations
  
• NBA Live 07 minigames now online
• More realistic arenas - denser crowds, more natural lighting, unlockable introduction

That's quite a list of new features for NBA '08! Waas is proud about the new content and how they integrated feedback into making the series better. Will they break free from the suffering the series has been experiencing these recent years? Only time will tell. Expect the hoops shooting action on Q3 2007.

For the full interview, click on the read link below.