NBA 2K3

"Its an understatement to say this is the best basketball game of the year"

This is not the best basketball game this year, it's the best basketball game ever. NBA 2K3 is a hoop-lover's dream. Some may not like it do to low shot percentage, but it makes the simulation all the better. NBA 2K3 has many improvements, such as the new defense AI, which makes scoring a lot tougher. You'll need to know your plays, and make clean passes. The new rim features add an exciting touch to buzzer beaters. All-and-all NBA 2K3 will satisfy you and make you wish you were an NBA superstar.

Game play:
There are many different modes in NBA 2K3: franchise, street, exhibition, season, tournament, all the standards of an NBA game. Though, this may sound standard, the franchise mode is where all of the game lies. If you're like me you'll enjoy the new franchise mode. The anounncers are more intelligent in that they don't keep repeating stats from the 2000-2001 season, they tell you stats from what your actually doing. The ESPN addition really adds a nice touch. After each day you can press start and enjoy a nice ''nightly wrapup'' its sort of like NBA 2K3's Sportscenter, except it only involves basketball. If you're more of a creative guy, you can finally create your own team and play through a franchise.

The new draft mode is what really stole my heart. When you scout rookies, you actually scout rookies. You can put them through a ''work-out'' and your scouts will tell you their strengths and weaknesses.

Also in the franchise mode (yes we're still there) you can finally sign and release coaches. Each coach has his own weakness, and the best coaches cost a lot more than others.

The game play is solid. The new passing (right analog) may give you trouble at first, but after awhile you'll enjoy the no look behind the back pass anytime you want. The defense AI is tough, you'll begin kicking yourself every time you miss an open man. Players will have to know plays and begin practicing them in order to fully master them. If you like NBA simulation you'll surely love the fact that injuries become more frequent down the season, it gives it that more real simulation. Rebounding is all but painful. You can finally pull down 3 or 4 boards on each attempt down the lane. Last year you could run through the paint and dunk every time, but now you have to earn everything, from 15-footers to 2 footers, you have to earn it all. Defense is fun, blocking is easier, stealing is easier and difficult at the same time, and guarding your man is fun, you really need to use your brain.

Controls:
The controls are solid. There are three different ways to pass (X, triangle, and right analog) Shooting is simple, though you may want to pass around more in order to find the open man. Though calling for a pick may be tedious because you have to press the right analog down, and trust me. you'll need to call for them.

Sound:
The sound is one of it's best features. For once the announcers are using their brains. They finally use real stats from your season. Although, you may hear some of last year's quotes in the 2K3, there are some new additions too. The music is solid, using ESPN's Sportscenter tune, during all the menu selection you get a feel for basketball.

Graphics:
The graphics are awesome. The new player details are intense in that you know whose who all the time. The arena's are beautiful. Each arena looks like the real thing, the all have the same features of today's arena.

Additions:
The new additions really catch your eye. Such as the new rim physics. This allows for a much more NBA feel. The new physics allows the ball not only to swoosh through but have the ball bounce and find its way back into the hoop. The new pass fakes really help you when you need to inbound or get an open shot. The ESPN addition will really steal your heart. There's the ESPN bottom-line, the menu selection is ESPN, the music is ESPN, and even the announcers(there's 4 this time) are ESPN. The game's flaws aren't really flaws at all. The right analog might be a pain, but I enjoyed it. The computer needs to use open shots and lanes just a little more.

Replay:
It's a basketball game, you're supposed to ply it over and over again. One time down your season you played it with the Lakers, but now you want your own team, such as the hedgehogs. The exhibition mode and street mode provide the ultimate multi player experience.

Value:
This is worth every nickel. The game is simple, solid, and above all else, fun. For 50 dollars you can't go wrong. If your a hoop-lover or just a sports fan looking for something new, NBA 2K3 is definitely for you.

Game play: 10+
Controls: 10+
Sound: 10+
Graphics: 10+
Additions: 10+
Replay: 10+
Value: 10+

Reviewer's Score: 10/10, Originally Posted: 12/08/02, Updated 12/08/02