ESPN NBA Basketball

"The name may have changed, but its still better than live..."

I only started playing the 2K series when 2K3 was released on Gamecube, but immediately took to it's immensely good graphics and realistic gameplay. Most of my friends still preferred Live, but they were soon convinced (all they had to do was play it).

Graphics
Visuals are the first thing that will catch your eye with this game. Every face - even those of the free agents and of players with no talent (such as John Amaechi) are portrayed brilliantly. Courts are meticulously mapped, and players sweat more and more through out each game. All of these elements cause a brilliantly NBA-like atmosphere and will not leave you unsatisfied.

Sound
Commentary is not so good. Tom Tolbert is great in real life but on this game seems dull and repetitive. Also I haven't heard ANY player-specific comments, which was good in Live. Also the pre-game introduction is appalling... but at least will make you and your buddies laugh. Music is a variable mixture of laid back old-school funk (I like it, but you might not) and rap, rap and... ummmm... oh yea rap.

Gameplay
This game feels just like a real nba game - at the right pace (contrary to 2K3 which was too slow for most) and with great animation. Finally NBA players follow through on their shots! There is an abundance of monster dunks, but I am even more impressed by the effort made to include more layups. Kudos to you Sega sports, kudos. Multiplayer is great fun with no slowdown whatsoever. The new isomotion feature includes many more crossovers than Live, which had four (hardly a grand total). Although hard to master, it gives the player more freedom than even before. Pass and pump fakes can easily be executed - if a little too effectively - and similarly have great animation.

Longevity
The franchise mode will keep you going for a long time, with arguably unlimited possibility for gameplay. 24/7 mode definitely needs work, but is fun to start off with: it's sorta like Nba street, but not as good. It is in real time but the games are all the same. You will just use the same tactics over and over causing monotony to the max. There is a huge variety of street courts to be played on - with the opportunity of 1 on 1, 2 on 2, 3 on 3, 4 on 4, and 5 on 5 with any players you want including legends. This adds a lot of length.

Overall
Overall this game is by far the best basketball game on the market. Comparisons should not be drawn to Live - it is in a completely different league. Buy buy buy!

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 01/10/04