NBA 2K7 [PS2]

What was once the student has now become the teacher. The NBA 2K series shifts its focus from current- to next-gen for 2K7, but that doesn't mean it leaves PS2 and Xbox owners in the dark. They still get a great game, but players may think the parquet is shinier on the other side of the court.

The 2K series is doubtlessly the leading basketball video game sim, and NBA 2K7 earns its accolades. It's a tight, well-playing game that rewards intelligent play while punishing bonehead moves. The AI walks the line between being too hard and too soft with expert balance, while giving gamers an awesome arsenal of both offensive and defensive maneuvers. Really, the only thing that plays better than this is the 360 version, and that's only by an eyelash.

The shot stick is really coming into its own, allowing you to use the right analog for an array of shots, along with the ability to do quick pump-fakes and other defense-freezing maneuvers. It's equally valuable on defense, enabling you to go for smart steals or intercept passes. Aside from perhaps using the normal face button for open dunks, most gamers should have embraced the shot stick by now. In the gameplay department, NBA 2K7 really doesn't have a weakness. If you dig calling plays on the fly, that aspect has been made deeper while still being fairly easy to pull off.

The small problem this year is how little things have changed from 2K6. On next-gen, you get a different take on the street-centric 24/7, while the entire mode is absent here. Thankfully, there isn't much else missing, but it doesn't leave too many improvements to highlight. The Association is still a robust franchise mode to put your favorite team through its paces -- earn awards, do stat-enhancing mini-games, and hire a staff. Situation mode gives you the option to set the parameters on the end of a game: how much time is left, what the score is, and who has the ball. It'd be nice if 2K7 included a few premade situations emulating classic b-ball moments.

Online multiplayer still gives you an endless supply of human adversaries to lace up your sneaks for and talk trash to -- with nary a hint of lag. And of course, piling a few friends onto your couch for some local multiplayer against each other or teaming up against the computer is one of the best ways to play. However, VIP single-handedly makes single layer contests worth playing, as it's a detailed way to scout yourself and find holes in your game.

Graphically, NBA 2K7 on Xbox and PS2 holds up surprisingly well. It may not have the details of next-gen technology, but it's still pretty to look at. Players look like their real-life counterparts; cut scenes of psyched benchwarmers and hard-at-work ball boys add to the atmosphere; and a large amount of the crowd is fully 3D. No matter what your style, you'll have no problem finding a few camera angles to suit your fancy; all can be further tweaked with height and zoom. You may even notice some beautiful back-sweat on your hard-working hoopsters.

NBA 2K has always featured some great audio, soundtrack not withstanding. That same level of quality continues, with good commentary, nice on-court chatter, and some pumped-up crowd noise. Again, the music pales compared to what EA has put out, but there are a few songs that you won't mind hearing over and over as you play.

It's obvious which version received the most attention for the franchise this year, and it wasn't Xbox or PS2. It's a total flip-flop, with Xbox 360 advancing and these versions left with the scraps. Still, the current-gen NBA 2K7 is a really good basketball title that looks great and plays even better. At $30, it's well worth picking up, even if it isn't a huge step up from last year's title. We know the sweet voice of next-gen hoops is whispering in your ear, but only you can decide whether to answer it or not.