Faced with the task of making a great game better, 2K Sports tweaked and enhanced its winning formula, but not enough.

"NBA 2K7" for the Xbox 360 is a solid but familiar game, combining smooth visuals with fluid gameplay and a plethora of modes to recapture the glory of its predecessors.

But the game doesn't take the franchise beyond its predecessors.

"2K6" was the first glimpse, graphically, of what next-generation sports gaming is capable of. And "2K7" looks great, but the amazing visuals are only slightly better and not enough to invoke the same sense of awe.

The same can be said for its gameplay. The 2K franchise owns the NBA video-game scene in all aspects and still takes the crown over rival EA's "NBA Live," but the gameplay is nearly identical to previous titles, failing to provide something fresh.

NBA 2K7, NHL 2K7 to be PS3 Launch Games

Of course, Xbox 360 owners can already pick up both games, but the PS3 versions do come with additional SIXAXIS features. In NBA 2K7, free-throws become a more interactive experience through the motion sensor technology. Oh, and there's that whole 1080p support thing. And in NHL 2K7, checking places becomes as easy as flicking the controller towards the opposition. .

'NBA 2K7' and 'NHL 2K7' to be Available As PS3 Launch Titles

"With the power of the PS3 system, 2K Sports continues to make remarkable strides in the development of next-generation console games," said Greg Thomas, president of Visual Concepts, a 2K Sports studio. "The capabilities of the Cell processor have allowed us to deliver the next-generation quality of visuals and fluid animations that gamers expect. The SIXAXIS wireless controller will introduce an entirely new way for gamers to enjoy our titles and give our development teams new, exciting ideas to bring unique features to our sports titles."