Sony Computer Entertainment America (SCEA) just announced a new NBA video game title for PlayStation Portable owners. NBA '08 Block Party (that's just the working title) is set to dribble its way to stores across North America this coming October 2.

SCEA mentioned that the title is currently with its studio in San Diego. In terms of gameplay, the company said that Block Party will offer a lot of mini games aside from the staples such as season mode, quick play, and others.

Probably the most exciting one is the Conquest Mode where players are allowed to acquire and manage new territories. Aside from the already mentioned, other features of NBA '08 Block Party include:

• In addition to returning classics such as HORSE, Dodgeball, Own the Court, PlayStation Skills Challenge, and 3-Point Contest, NBA '08 introduces a new set of challenging mini-games, further adding to the portfolio of quick action skills contests:
• Shooting Bricks – Players will use a basketball to break apart sections of bricks to clear levels (based on the original Arkanoid arcade game).
• Breakaway – Quick running game where users can alternate playing offense and defense in a 3-on-2 situation.
• Elimination – A team-based game where gamers win by scoring a set number of points with each of their players. As gamers reach their point quota, they are removed from the team and remaining players receive various power-ups. The first team to remove all of their players wins.
• With returning mini-game classics such as Pop-a-Shot, Pinball, and Skee-ball, NBA '08 adds games such as Fast Break, Block-a-Shot, and Alley-Oop, each of which allow players to earn tickets for unlockable items.
• Season mode features such as simulation, trades, free agent lists, and injuries, are now enhanced with elements of player management and team chemistry settings that add complexity to each season and continue to deliver challenging basketball.
• Updated pinball boards will be released to consumers regularly after launch and team roster updates will be made available on a weekly basis.
• Get play-by-play from Ian Eagle and color commentary from Mark Jackson, as they return to provide the most comprehensive in-depth analysis.
• Players will alternate choosing from 10 randomly selected NBA players and match up with the CPU or another player in an outdoor full-court game.
• In addition to instant replay, players will have the opportunity to re-live each stellar play and pivotal moment from a completed game.
• Running at 60 FPS, NBA '08 incorporates tandem animation technologies to produce ultra realistic player interactions. Additionally, motion capture data delivers smooth gameplay and lifelike player movements.
• NBA '08 incorporates 41 authentic NBA teams including throwback versions.
• Compete in a challenging mini-game or exhibition mode series and earn reward tickets for working to the top of the ladder.
• Compete head-to-head against friends and basketball fans around the country with Ad Hoc connectivity of up to four PSP systems, or link to a network via a wireless local area network (VLAN) access point for multiplayer action nationwide.