ESPN NBA 2K5

"The Best Basketaball Simulation Game"

I have been playing the NBA 2K series for awhile now. This game is the best of them all. Still it takes steps forwards and a few steps back. The graphics are steps above its competition, but its gameplay has its flaws that keep it from being the greatest NBA simulation game.

Graphics: 10/10

There is a few reason why this game gets a 10 for graphics. If anything was improved upon this year the most it would have to be the graphics. The faces of the players look as realistic and smooth as can be, considering all the players that had to be created. The crowd looks better than last years game and the bench players look as good as the players on the court.

Gameplay: 9/10

The gameplay in this game is very good, with just a few problems that keep it from being great. The biggest flaw in this game is the movement of the players. The Isomotion2 in this game which is used with the right analog is the worst isomtion I have ever seen. The movement of the players don't look smooth at all.

Sound: 6/10

The sound in this game is quite annoying. The announcers in this game are just plain bad. They make their comments with no emotion. The menu music is also bad. Luckily it doesn't affect the game as a whole.

Game Modes: 8/10

The Association: This is easily the best mode in the game. There are a few flaws in the mode that can still be improved. The computer will make idiotic trades like trading their franchise players for very little in return.

24/7 Mode: This mode is quite useless. You create your own player and play at different event to raise your ranking so that you can play bosses 1 on1. You will find yourself trying it once and then never playing this mode again. This mode leaves much to be desired.

I guess I will end my review right here. I could go on about the good and the bad about this game, but at $20 retail price this game is a steal compared to NBA Live 2005.

9/10

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 08/02/05