NBA 2K3

"The Big Step to Basketball Gaming"

NBA 2k3 is arguably one of the best basketball games I’ve ever seen. NBA 2k2 was everything we asked for, maybe with a few glitches… We didn’t think that much could improve, but it did. NBA 2k3 continued its great 2k series and just blows Live away. Live (From EA Sports) has struggled throughout the years ever since Sega Sports has come in… In basketball, that is. This game brings the realism any basketball gamer could ask for.

Gameplay (9/10) – I can’t give the gameplay a 10, though it is very good, but it’s not great. This game has many great aspects, including smooth crossovers, improved dunks, and many features. But many have requested the full All-Star weekend, but Sega Sports still havn’t delivered to the fans! This time around, they allow you to adjust “sliders” to make the game more realistic, and to make it much more difficult for yourself. Most of the game modes are the same but there are some new courts on street mode. Overall, it has great gameplay.

Season/Story (8/10) – Franchise mode has improved from last year’s. There’s not much of a change, just more injuries happening. Although, I’ve had way more injuries on one team than I should, but others will be lucky and have it very realistic. Adjusting the sliders would allow you to lose a lot more and your record won’t look as great. They still haven’t fixed the feature where you can import college players. Folks, if your favorite college ball player is a freshman, you can’t get him till he reaches his senior year. Hopefully, Sega will fix that bug next year… Maybe drafting some high schoolers (LeBron James) as well.

Audio/Video (9/10) – The graphics improved drastically from last years PS2 version. It looks a lot more polished and the players are getting to look more realistic every year. The sound is great as well; the fans will cheer for the home team and occasionally boo the away team. They will also wave those balloons when the away team is shooting their free throws. But it can always improve because arenas such as Sacramento should be much louder.

Replayability (8/10) – If you are having even matches with your opponents in season, you can always play this over and over. If you have someone to play with, you will also play over and over. If you have a good connection speed and the online adapter, you’ll probably come back and play it and join tournaments. The good thing is, the online compatibility is free! Everyone loves that right?

To buy/rent - Rent. You might not like 2k3 but you may like Live. I’ve played both and I’d choose 2k3 anyday.

Overall score (9/10) – There are some bugs and glitches and the game can always improve.

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 02/22/03, Updated 02/22/03