In addition to normal game options there are a number of other game modes, street, a two on two game in the park with differing weather conditions, league mode and the all new franchise mode, where you manage the team buy and sell players, scout for foreign talent and develop young new stars, as well as playing the matches. There is also an on-line option, but on the PS2 this is not in use as yet. So it looks great, sounds amazing, and has all the features any gamer could wish for, but does it play well? It may take a few plays to get use to all the controls, but once mastered the game is a joy to play. There are no excessive back board smashing slam dunks, this game is a simulation, and very realistic it is to. The passing is smooth and shooting is a real art, you cannot just press the shoot button and expect it to go in, you can adjust the fight of the ball and the players actually adjust their movement in mid-air based on distance from the hoop and defensive pressure. The game has great longevity as even on the easiest level setting it is a tough hard fort battle with the computer opponents. In two player mode it excels, take on a friend and battle it out or team up to take on the computer. All in all if you liked any of the previous NBA's you will love this. It is by far the best basket ball game out there. 8 out of 10 |