Kori Ellis
11-27-2004, 02:10 AM
Breaking down this season's video-game titles
Spin Moves
By Scott Steinberg
Looking for the latest and greatest basketball simulations? Your search ends here. Inside Stuff magazine introduces the NBA’s newest crop of interactive All-Stars, all of which are on the shelves now.
ESPN NBA 2K5
Systems: PlayStation 2, XBox
Publisher: Sega
Don’t call it a comeback; this franchise has been fresh to death since its debut. But at only $20, the series’ newest rendition reintroduces itself as the blue-collar baller’s game of choice. Packing more platinum hits per polygon than any rival, it’s the discerning sports fan’s ultimate stocking stuffer.
Control freaks can approach the game from the perspective of general manager, configuring training camp routines and signing promising recruits. Alternately, adrenaline junkies may opt for pure action, commanding characters who behave accurately based on physical prowess. Whichever outlook you choose, rest assured it’s a wise pick, as artificially intelligent cohorts convincingly think and act in tandem with one’s overall strategy.
Despite challenging computer-controlled rivals, who also benefit from revamped thought-processing routines, wannabe champs will have a blast working the lanes. The in-game maneuvers are strikingly realistic, as you’ll note while performing crossovers, perpetrating fakes and firing off free throws with ease.
What’s more, bonuses like collectible items, Internet multiplayer confrontations and mini-games allow enthusiasts to experience the excitement in multiple flavors. A reworked 24/7 campaign further affords hoop aficionados the opportunity to create an alter ego, rack up respect from opponents, and travel the country establishing themselves as the next underground sensation.
NBA Live 2005
Systems: GameCube, PlayStation 2, XBox, PC
Publisher: Electronic Arts
Electronic Arts done did it again. Fresh from the bench, the premier software shot caller slams another one home. Don’t fade the technique either; new freestyle air functions let joystick jocks dynamically access alley-oops, dive past opponents in mid-air, and freeze out foes at the buzzer. Toss in a slew of extra graphic and gameplay enhancements, and you’ve got the smoothest customer to hit the hardwood since Michael Jordan first squeezed into his uni.
Awesome addition “All-Star Weekend” mode requires that showoffs post it up in signature events including shootouts and slam dunk contests. Picture it as practice for revamped Dynasty scenarios, which demand fly guys power their way through 25 seasons while building a budding franchise. Contracting free agents, cultivating potential MVPs, and cruising league news reports is just the beginning. Not feeling that hometown spirit? Skip the behind-the-scenes action and cut right to the chase using improved broadband capabilities. For the first time in the franchise’s history, both PlayStation 2 and Xbox owners can enjoy online exhibition or tournament matchups.
From an observer’s standpoint, stunning animations and spot-on celebrity representations bolster personalized tricks and jaw-dropping deliveries from downtown. Coupled with Marv Albert and Mike Fratello’s constant chatter (Ernie Johnson and Kenny Smith also periodically put in work), the presentation’s pure genius. Short of scamming your way into a season ticket, b-ball just doesn’t get any better.
That said, do yourself a serious favor: swipe a copy as soon as humanly possible. In short, it’s butta.
Backyard Basketball
Systems: Game Boy Advance
Publisher: Atari
Arcade action for the Keds and kickball set. Essentially NBA Jam, Jr., the title can’t help but score with kids. Featuring authentic teams and ten top athletes portrayed as prepubescent caricatures (e.g. a young Yao Ming and pint-sized Paul Pierce), it’s an amusing alternative for audiences of all ages.
A simple setup sees participants choose a conference, select a squad of unknowns or superstar contenders such as Shaq or Vince Carter, then storm the court for furious three-on-three competitions. Although mini-games and head-to-head multiplayer link cable matches are offered, solo play variants such as pick-up or season successfully manage to hit nothing but net too. Under these scenarios, you’ll dribble, shoot, and sprint towards the hoop using an intuitive control scheme which fuels some truly inspired showdowns. Throw in power-ups that grant allies and adversaries super-speed or the option of dunking from halfcourt, and it’s a surefire recipe for rowdy encounters.
Slick cartoon visuals, whimsical sound effects, and offbeat commentary by zany announcers Sunny Day and Barry Dejay only add further charm. Whether hooping it up at the beach or Bling-Bling Bros. circus, an attractive color palette and awesome aural cues provide for a rollicking good time. Carry custom-designed or pre-packaged cartoon players to victory, and you’ll even unlock hidden rewards.
Appropriate for everyone, the game’s capable of satisfying adults and aspiring legends alike. Shockingly straightforward, yet undeniably addictive, this sucker’s a guaranteed guilty pleasure. Cop the cartridge post-haste...just tell the clerk it’s (wink, wink) for your kid brother.
NBA BASKETBALL 2005
Systems: Java / Brew platforms
Publisher: THQ Wireless
Forget downloadable sports scores—if it’s athletic action to go you’re craving, check out NBA Basketball 2005. A five-on-five straight shooter coming audiences’ way this fall from THQ Wireless, the officially licensed arcade game features all 30 teams, plus associated rosters and player performance ratings.
Decked out in home or away colors, you’ll guide squads—which include new franchise the Charlotte Bobcats—to victory while competing in matches which conform to standard league rules. Watch out for 24-second clock countdowns and eight-second backcourt violations while guiding any of 150 authentic ballers (ranked on nine attributes such as dunks, steals, jukes and blocks) towards a championship showdown. Attractive animations highlight the full-color on-screen antics, which play out spectacularly on mobile platforms, with crowds, stadiums and even slam dunks artfully represented.
Running text commentary underscores each competition, while in-game statistics simultaneously track each team member’s progress on the hardwood. Couple such features with exhaustive playbooks, cutting-edge artificial intelligence, and computer opponents who can tell the difference between a fake and fancy maneuver, and fans of all inclinations are in for a challenge. Pint-sized handheld diversion or no, this mobile masterpiece should have both hardcore and casual game enthusiasts working up a sweat.
http://www.nba.com/inside_stuff/spin_moves_041125.html
Spin Moves
By Scott Steinberg
Looking for the latest and greatest basketball simulations? Your search ends here. Inside Stuff magazine introduces the NBA’s newest crop of interactive All-Stars, all of which are on the shelves now.
ESPN NBA 2K5
Systems: PlayStation 2, XBox
Publisher: Sega
Don’t call it a comeback; this franchise has been fresh to death since its debut. But at only $20, the series’ newest rendition reintroduces itself as the blue-collar baller’s game of choice. Packing more platinum hits per polygon than any rival, it’s the discerning sports fan’s ultimate stocking stuffer.
Control freaks can approach the game from the perspective of general manager, configuring training camp routines and signing promising recruits. Alternately, adrenaline junkies may opt for pure action, commanding characters who behave accurately based on physical prowess. Whichever outlook you choose, rest assured it’s a wise pick, as artificially intelligent cohorts convincingly think and act in tandem with one’s overall strategy.
Despite challenging computer-controlled rivals, who also benefit from revamped thought-processing routines, wannabe champs will have a blast working the lanes. The in-game maneuvers are strikingly realistic, as you’ll note while performing crossovers, perpetrating fakes and firing off free throws with ease.
What’s more, bonuses like collectible items, Internet multiplayer confrontations and mini-games allow enthusiasts to experience the excitement in multiple flavors. A reworked 24/7 campaign further affords hoop aficionados the opportunity to create an alter ego, rack up respect from opponents, and travel the country establishing themselves as the next underground sensation.
NBA Live 2005
Systems: GameCube, PlayStation 2, XBox, PC
Publisher: Electronic Arts
Electronic Arts done did it again. Fresh from the bench, the premier software shot caller slams another one home. Don’t fade the technique either; new freestyle air functions let joystick jocks dynamically access alley-oops, dive past opponents in mid-air, and freeze out foes at the buzzer. Toss in a slew of extra graphic and gameplay enhancements, and you’ve got the smoothest customer to hit the hardwood since Michael Jordan first squeezed into his uni.
Awesome addition “All-Star Weekend” mode requires that showoffs post it up in signature events including shootouts and slam dunk contests. Picture it as practice for revamped Dynasty scenarios, which demand fly guys power their way through 25 seasons while building a budding franchise. Contracting free agents, cultivating potential MVPs, and cruising league news reports is just the beginning. Not feeling that hometown spirit? Skip the behind-the-scenes action and cut right to the chase using improved broadband capabilities. For the first time in the franchise’s history, both PlayStation 2 and Xbox owners can enjoy online exhibition or tournament matchups.
From an observer’s standpoint, stunning animations and spot-on celebrity representations bolster personalized tricks and jaw-dropping deliveries from downtown. Coupled with Marv Albert and Mike Fratello’s constant chatter (Ernie Johnson and Kenny Smith also periodically put in work), the presentation’s pure genius. Short of scamming your way into a season ticket, b-ball just doesn’t get any better.
That said, do yourself a serious favor: swipe a copy as soon as humanly possible. In short, it’s butta.
Backyard Basketball
Systems: Game Boy Advance
Publisher: Atari
Arcade action for the Keds and kickball set. Essentially NBA Jam, Jr., the title can’t help but score with kids. Featuring authentic teams and ten top athletes portrayed as prepubescent caricatures (e.g. a young Yao Ming and pint-sized Paul Pierce), it’s an amusing alternative for audiences of all ages.
A simple setup sees participants choose a conference, select a squad of unknowns or superstar contenders such as Shaq or Vince Carter, then storm the court for furious three-on-three competitions. Although mini-games and head-to-head multiplayer link cable matches are offered, solo play variants such as pick-up or season successfully manage to hit nothing but net too. Under these scenarios, you’ll dribble, shoot, and sprint towards the hoop using an intuitive control scheme which fuels some truly inspired showdowns. Throw in power-ups that grant allies and adversaries super-speed or the option of dunking from halfcourt, and it’s a surefire recipe for rowdy encounters.
Slick cartoon visuals, whimsical sound effects, and offbeat commentary by zany announcers Sunny Day and Barry Dejay only add further charm. Whether hooping it up at the beach or Bling-Bling Bros. circus, an attractive color palette and awesome aural cues provide for a rollicking good time. Carry custom-designed or pre-packaged cartoon players to victory, and you’ll even unlock hidden rewards.
Appropriate for everyone, the game’s capable of satisfying adults and aspiring legends alike. Shockingly straightforward, yet undeniably addictive, this sucker’s a guaranteed guilty pleasure. Cop the cartridge post-haste...just tell the clerk it’s (wink, wink) for your kid brother.
NBA BASKETBALL 2005
Systems: Java / Brew platforms
Publisher: THQ Wireless
Forget downloadable sports scores—if it’s athletic action to go you’re craving, check out NBA Basketball 2005. A five-on-five straight shooter coming audiences’ way this fall from THQ Wireless, the officially licensed arcade game features all 30 teams, plus associated rosters and player performance ratings.
Decked out in home or away colors, you’ll guide squads—which include new franchise the Charlotte Bobcats—to victory while competing in matches which conform to standard league rules. Watch out for 24-second clock countdowns and eight-second backcourt violations while guiding any of 150 authentic ballers (ranked on nine attributes such as dunks, steals, jukes and blocks) towards a championship showdown. Attractive animations highlight the full-color on-screen antics, which play out spectacularly on mobile platforms, with crowds, stadiums and even slam dunks artfully represented.
Running text commentary underscores each competition, while in-game statistics simultaneously track each team member’s progress on the hardwood. Couple such features with exhaustive playbooks, cutting-edge artificial intelligence, and computer opponents who can tell the difference between a fake and fancy maneuver, and fans of all inclinations are in for a challenge. Pint-sized handheld diversion or no, this mobile masterpiece should have both hardcore and casual game enthusiasts working up a sweat.
http://www.nba.com/inside_stuff/spin_moves_041125.html