NBA 2K7 [X360]

No matter what console it's on or who publishes it, the NBA 2K series has been the leader in video game basketball for at least the last console generation. NBA Live gets its points here and there, but can't match the strategy and simulation of 2K. The king (not LeBron James) returns to his crown in NBA 2K7, with updated modes, enhanced online functionality and -- most importantly -- even better gameplay.

Last year marked the series' first next-gen offering, and while great, it came off as just a prettied-up clone -- making it a debatable investment for those already rocking an Xbox or PS2. The tough spot for the developers is how refined the current-gen versions already were. It's got to be difficult to upgrade an already-stellar product. But we're digressing a bit; let's look at the game at hand.

NBA 2K7 plays closer to actual basketball than any video game before it. If that's the statement you were waiting for, run out and buy it now. The biggest switch is how much tougher it is to pound in the paint; the days of all-layup games are long gone, and that's a good thing. The AI is savvy, but at the same time doesn't feel cheap. Lazy passes will almost always get snagged, but you too can pick off passes. There's a tremendous balance between what you can do and what the computer does that's undeniably harmonious. This is the first hoops title where the computer will actually use the shot clock in its entirety, and use it intelligently. You may swear the game is against you at times, but that's more because basketball is all about runs than it is the computer cheating.

Playing both sides of the ball is entertaining. Defense may actually be more fun -- as you try to clog the passing lanes and box out for rebounds. With jump shots being used a lot more, the right analog shot stick is better appreciated -- though it's still a little weak in the paint. Using the stick is more consistent for pump fakes, as well as adjusting for defenders in your way. Passes go where you intend them to nearly 100% of the time, which is something that's always been a problem with digital hoops. If there's an area of gameplay that needs improving, it's probably the ballhandling. Using the right trigger with the left analog feels both limiting and a little wonky.

The streetball mode, 24/7, has been in desperate need of a makeover. For 2K7, it finally got one. Called 24/7 Next, it's more story-centric now, with your player infiltrating various courts to attain notoriety. Supporting characters include a cocky rival, and your two buddies: an African American yuppie and a thugged-out Caucasian -- they're the "original" odd couple (groan). Your create athlete plays in various street games, from one-on-one to full court five-on-five. You always have control of your specific character.

Game parameters pop up, like only being able to shoot long-range (you, not them), or spotting the other team seven points. While they're novel, the linearity of the mode means you don't have much of a choice, and it always feels like the deck is being stacked against you. Lose, and you'll be forced to endure your homies chewing you out, with no way to skip the dialog. The gameplay isn't actually that great in 24/7 Next, either: Your character is slow to react after a score, your teammates often don't listen to you, and the camera angle can't be switched from the awkward diagonal view. It's good that Visual Concepts finally switched up 24/7, but Next is a sidestep rather than a move forward.