basketball

Frankly, this is not a great simulation of basketball. Moreover, I think that the features are extremely pedestrian. I feel like I am playing Bulls vs. Blazers on my Genesis.

In terms of game play, simple actions like calling for a pick and roll, pivoting in the post, or double teaming someone on defense are either too confusing to execute or non-existent. These features are much easier on Inside Drive.

Where I really find the game lacking is in features. EA Sports makes Madden and NBA Live. Why is there so much more attention to detail in Madden? Why aren't there All Star weekend competitions?

The week-to-week updates on Dynasty mode are not very exciting. Why can't you see who is leading in votes for the All Star game? Why can't you put a player(s) on the trade block?

It honestly looks like they spent a few weeks throwing this game together. Where is the innovation or creativity? What about a dunk of the week? And what the heck is with this points instead of salaries? It's the same company, why can't they duplicate the very entertaining Owner Mode from Madden?

All in all I am extremely disapointed with the gameplay, features, and creative innovation in this game. They really need to step it up in this franchise.

NBA LIVE 2004 is not yet released, but will be by Electronic Arts on October 14th. There has been some hype about this game, some awe-inspiring hope that this will be "the game" that finally knocks off the champ, Sega's NBA 2K series. I'm a little cautious because I was not thrilled of previous versions, except that LIVE 03 was fun, jazzed up as though it had a double shot of espresso. From what I have read and seen, LIVE 2004 looks as though it will at least give NBA 2K4 a serious battle in the paint. By now, many people have read about the 10-man Motion Captured players; this offers a more realistic feel to the game, and a new, Madden-esque Franchise mode. I'm still skeptic, but I honestly feel this year's version will be "the game" that wins. Check it out on October 14th!

Is it just me or has anyone else noticed the horrid framerate this game has. It really kills it for me. If you have it on the Gamecube you hardly notice, but PS2 and XBOX has terrible slowdown. I cannot understand why EA would put this on the market. I really enjoy the game on the Gamecube and is probably my favorite basketball title.