ESPN NBA Basketball

"The most enjoyable basketball game available on the market"

Anyone thinking about getting a basketball game this year should definitely check out ESPN NBA Basketball, the flashiest yet the most realistic game on the market.

Controls:
The control game in this game is similar to previous 2K games and is responsive and easy to learn. However, two new additions have been added; pivot mode and isomotion. Pivot mode allows you to jab-step and pump fake, which is perfect for creating separation between the player and defender, and fake your defender into jumping while you move away for an open shot.
Isomotion is the most unique addition to the control scheme, using the analog stick, you can do cross-overs in the direction you move the analog stick, for example: pressing left is cross-over and drive to the left of the defender, right is driving to the right, and back is hesitation dribble (dribble and stepback). Isomotion is directly related to the penetration skills of the player, for example, tracy mcgrady would have no problem getting past most defenders by using isomotion. Big men like Ben Wallace and even Shaq would have trouble driving in because they're simply not good at cross-over dribbles.

Graphics/Animation
The graphics are simply amazing, characters look more real than ever, even the coaches received a major face lift. On top of hugely improved graphics, hords of new animations are added, like behind the back passes, fadeaways, jab-steps, cross-overs, and bounce passes, making the game look silky smooth and very stylish. All players looks and moves like the real thing.

Features
ESPN NBA Basketball comes with your standard modes of play, like season, franchise, street, and tournaments, but every feature is enhanced. You can control very detailed aspects of your team in franchise mode, like hiring coaches, scouts, and trainers, and adjusting game tempo and style of play. Street mode comes with one-on-one, half-court, and 21. 21 in my opinion is the most challenging because it's a free-for-all between your choice of 3 or 4 players, whoever first reaches 21 points is the winner, and every possession you get is critical.
The game also comes with tons of unlockable stuff, like retro jerseys for every team, exploding ball (great for street), and secret courts.
The new gameplay feature is the 24/7 mode. This mode lets you create a player and train him to become a superstar, during his journey, he is challenged by stars like tony parker and darrel armstrong in street games. I haven't played this mode much because it requires you to train the player daily, and I don't have that much time.
Complaints
There's one complaint I have about this game that others should know about. The starting lineup announcement is gone, instead it's the broadcasters talking about one specific player from each team as the teams stretch before the game.

Overall
If you're a basketball fan, this game is perfect for you. Take your favorite team to the championship or assemble an all-star team to play a game of street, this game is basketball fan heaven.

Reviewer's Score: 10/10, Originally Posted: 01/31/04