NBA Live 07 - Xbox

The official NBA game for 2007 - released in Europe in autumn 2006 - comes with all kinds of bells and whistles to distinguish it from last year's offering. NBA Live 07 features next-generation gameplay complete with dazzling new visuals as well as ultra-realistic player movements and emotions. The shiny hardwood is yours for the taking. NBA Live 07 lets you take the game to a higher level with EA's new Total Freestyle control. With a little bit of magic courtesy of your fingers and thumbs, you can pull off moves in the game which echo what some of the court's superstars can do for real. Just like a pro, you can penetrate the lane, drive past the defenders, and throw down a thunderous dunk as you take on all-comers in a variety of modes. There's a dynamic array of explosive moves at your disposal as you look to command the court.

As well as the obligatory Season mode - 29, 58 or 82 games long, it's customisable - there is the NBA All-Star Weekend, with four events including Rookie Challenge, Slam Dunk Contest and 3 Point Shoot Out. Freestyle Challenge is where you can play split-screen against an opponent in a shootout or a slam dunk showdown. Practice and Slam Dunk School are pretty much what it says on the tin. Dynasty Mode is the real meat and potatoes of NBA Live 07. In this in-depth mode, you can manage every detail of your franchise on your way to the NBA Championship.

All that's missing is the constant squeak of rubber soles on hardwood…wait a minute…what's that noise? more