NBA 2K3

"Good game, but glitched nontheless"

Introduction:
I have never been an avid fan of any basketball series since the days of NBA Jam on Sega Genesis. I have tried other basketball games such as Nba Live '96 and 2001 and those never tickled my fancy. But then came along NBA 2k3. I haven't tried the dreamcast versions so I have no base to compare this game to.

I'll start with what I think is the least important part of the game and work my way up.

ExtrasModes:
This game has a bunch of them. Street Ball, Practice, Franchise, Online (get into that later) Cheats, create a player, Quick Play and that's about it. First I'll get into the franchise. This is easily the best part of this game as is every game. There are numerous options available to you at your ''Front Desk''. Yes you even get your own desk. Some of the options at you desk are, signing new coaches, trading players, changing lineups and gameplans, and signing free-agents. I haven't been through a whole season so I don't know how player improvements are in this game. I am sure though that they do not improve after a single game (NFL Fever 2003). Also another cool feature about this game is the ESPN style presentation. After every game they'll announce player of the game and key stats. Also at the schedule, you can choose to have a nightly wrapup which goes through each individual game (sorta like a miniature sportcenter). Final Score 9/10

Sound:
I for one do not pay attention that much to sound in a game. They do have announcers and that's about it. What else is there to listen to in a sports game. Final Score 8/10

Graphics:
I do pay attention to the graphics though. Players sweat, crowds jump and cheer and wave objects in the air. I was surprised when I saw the graphics in this game. Player models are done well. You can tell Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant apart just from their faces. Also one thing that I think is overlooked is framerate. I don't know how framerate is in other games but in this game there is no slowdown what so ever. Overall, I think the graphics are done really well. Final Score 9/10

GamePlay:
Ahh, this is where the game shines (in single player any ways). You won't be able to drive the lane every single possession. You have to set screens, pass, and outsmart your opponents. Shooting threes requires timing and can't be done if trying to shoot over the likes of Shaq on Wallace (again only in single player). There are a couple of problems though. Passing is annoying at times. Trying to pass in a fast break is about as successful as hitting a baseball in the dark. Its just not easy. Sometimes you can pull off a 2v1 successfully but again, only once in a while. The gameplay feature that stands out in my mind is realism. If someone is shooting threes on you all day long, well double team and put tighter pressure on him. You can even switch the guys that are guarding him. If another guys is driving the lane and is too quick to stop him, you can put loose pressure on him but give up the space to shoot wide open jump shots. One thing that I haven't looked into that much is the playbook. I have been through the defensive playbook but that's because I know what most of the stuff means. But on the offensive plays, I have a hard time remembering the plays so I don't really use the playbooks. Now, to the online play. In the message boards I have heard so many people complain about people pausing games and directly disconnecting their modem so they don't get a lose. Also, people can shoot threes left and right and there is no realistic way to stop them. Overall though, the single player game is fantastic but not so for the online game. Final Score 9/10

As you can see there are a couple of problems with the game but nothing that will completely detract from the game. I hope this review helped you decide on whether or not to buy this game.

Total Score 8.5/10, but rounded to 9 for GameFaqs.com

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 01/02/03, Updated 01/02/03