ESPN NBA 2K5

"This game could have been so much better"

INTRO
Having played and thoroughly enjoyed ESPN NFL 2K5, I couldn't wait to get my hands on this game. Sadly this game is just a tad above average. Sure there are different modes and ESPN commentary but the gameplay and extremely brutal load times make the entire experience hard to take.

GAMEPLAY 6/10
Although the controls are set up pretty nicely, it is very aggravating at times to try to get your selected player to do what you want him to do at the spur of the moment. Unless you change the game settings to your advantage it feels as if your character is aways one split second behind in responding to the command given. Stealing the ball for example is completely a fluke of nature when it doesn't result in a foul. Beyond that the rhythm of the game seems choppy and although it can shine brilliantly at times (ie Alley Oop), mostly it is just your typically halfcourt paced game. Some of the different modes are cool such as 24/7 but the load times are absolutely annoying. I am so tired of seeing the damn control layout onscreen coupled with the same theme music that I feel sick.

GRAPHICS/SOUND 8/10
As was the case with NFL 2K5, the graphics are very nicely done in this game. Player animations and facial features are pretty nice and the overall presentation is believable. Some of the NPC's in the stands look like they were recycled from NFL 2K5 but that isn't such a big deal. Sound is also very nicely implemented in the game. The ESPN presentation was nicely put together and the commentary is worthwhile. The replays are cool and make you feel at times as if you were watching a game on TV.

REPLAY VALUE 5/10
Although a true fanatic could squeeze many hours out of this game, I think that once you've played through one season (if you last that long) you'd probably never pop this game in again. Multiplayer is all there really is in this game and in my view, any of the NBA Street games will bring more fun and replayability to the table in that regard.

OVERALL 6/10
This game feels rushed and copied in large part from the terrific NFL 2K5 game. I think it could have been truly a great game but load times and so-so controls make it lose much value in my eyes. It isn't a bad game so much as it isn't a great game. I'd say rent it because even at it's $19.95 price tag it isn't that good of a deal.

Reviewer's Score: 6/10, Originally Posted: 05/19/05