NBA Starting Five

"Konami Struggles to Make a Good NBA Game"

Konami put up NBA Starting 5 as competition against EA's NBA Live 2003 and Sega's NBA 2k3 this year. Sadly, it just couldn't match them. With a good ''Franchise'' mode, the actual gameplay in the game just wasn't enough for this game to be worth your time. It does not lack the game modes at all. I like the variety. There is alot to choose from. But I said it before, and I will say it again: the actual gameplay in the game is no good at all.

Graphics: 4/10: The first thing you will notice is the graphics. It seems almost like a Playstation game. This was one main spot where Konami lacked, and it showed. They are not the worst graphics, but they may very well be close. The players needed some work on there faces,too, as they just seemed way to unrealistic. The replay's are pretty cool, and the intro is fine, but when you start to play the game, they go bad.

Gameplay: 2/10: This is one of the worst games I have seen under the category of gameplay. When you play, you can literally jump on another guy's defender and drive past him. There will be no foul called. That becomes the key to winning a game after a while.
Also, when a player passes the ball in, he can dribble out of bounds. Not only that, your player slides on the court when you try to switch directions. Glitches go on and on...

Fun Factor: 3/10: This game is absolutely NO fun. You will have more fun taking the trash out, mowing the lawn, washing the car, and pulling weeds. The only fun part about it is playing with a friend. But that isn't even all that great.

Sound: 5/10The intro music is ok, but one thing that repeats itself is the commentary. There are at most 20 different lines they say in the whole game. Nothing new. Konami needed some real work on this part. Nothing much to say, but most will not be listening at all to what is said.

Buy or Rent: Rent: Go ahead and rent it. You may think its ok. But do not buy this game. If you have already, consider selling it(unless you like it.) Many will be let down, especially since Konami has made great games, but this one comes up short. It may last 2-3 days if you are desperate about a basketball game, but it's much to hard to stay on it.

Reviewer's Score: 4/10, Originally Posted: 07/15/03, Updated 07/15/03