NBA Hoopz

"A bellow-average video game from Midway."

Gameplay 6/10
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This is a typical basketball game made by Midway. It is very similar to NBA Jam (SNES) or NBA Hangtime (N64) except it is 3 versus 3. The game is not as fun as the NBA Live series. There are a few different modes of play in NBA Hoopz, Quick Start (Exhibition), Season, Tournament, and Mini Games (2-ball, 21, Around The World, Practice, and 3-point shootout). You get to choose a player for the center, forward, and guard positions. Half time is the only time that you are allowed to substitute players. You tend to make 3-pointers and miracle shorts ways to often to be realistic. This game is not really about being realistic; it is about crazy plays and dunks. When you happen to commit a foul, you aren't really punished; the other team just picks up the ball and continues on. You also will become On Fire if you make 3 baskets in a row.

Graphics 7/10
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The graphics aren't real special. They are what you would minimally expect for any game on PlayStation 2. Some of the cut-scenes at the end of the quarter have missing tiles on the court, it is just a large black spot. The good thing is, you can see the reflections of the ball, players, and hoop on the court. All of the courts look like the actual NBA courts. The players are somewhat recognizable. The fans move in the background.

Audio 7/10
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The audio is pretty good. You can easily make out the sounds of a player dribble, dunking, swishing a shot, or blocking the ball. The background music fits in well with the game. The announcers don't have that annoying voice that some sports games have. It is always interesting listening to the crowd chanting for (or against) your team, when you make a good play. After a player makes a great play, he might well something out.

Control 5/10
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I personally don't like the default controls to much. At least they are easy to learn. All you have is shot/block, pass/steal, turbo, and Hoopz. Hoopz are special moves for each player. Some of the other preset buttons are better, but not by much. They should allow you to choose exactly what buttons do what.

To Buy or Rent?
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RENT. As a die-hard basketball fan, I don't like this game too much. It has a few cool features, but the other basketball game are probably more fun. If you played NBA Jam and NBA Hangtime a lot, and loved it, then you should probably rent it. If not, then a more realistic game might be a better game to try (NBA Live).

Overall this game is not that fun. It is probably a fun arcade game to play a few times with your friends, but not much more than that. Although I haven't played NBA Street, it is probably a better game. This game is unique in the fact is has many mini-games, but overall it is nothing special.

Recap
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Gameplay 6/10
Graphics 7/10
Audio 6/10
Controls 5/10
Overall 6/10

Reviewer's Score: 6/10, Originally Posted: 08/02/01, Updated 08/02/01