NBA 2K3

October 30, 2002

Platform: Sony Playstation 2
Developer: Sega
Publisher: Sega
Reviewed by: Netnut

Gameplay: [9] Graphics: [9] Audio: [8] Replay: [9] Overall: [9.3]

Since Sega began porting their impressive 2K series over to non-Sega consoles, EA and them have waged war for sports supremacy. It begins in the fall, when Madden and NFL 2K_ are released, and continues in early winter/late fall with NBA Live going up against NBA 2K_. Of course Sega also puts out hockey and baseball titles, but it's their football and basketball games that get the attention, as they are usually the best offerings.

This year, of course, was no different. Madden 2003 came out heavily hyped, and Sega put out NFL 2K3 in an attempt to dethrone the reigning champion. Things got a bit personal this year, with EA Sports going as far as to say that they could release an empty box with the Madden name, and it would still out-sell Sega's offering. When all was said and done, both companies put up strong offerings, but the general feeling is that EA put out the better game.

But now it's Sega's turn to fight back.

NBA 2K3 is the fourth offering in Sega's excellent basketball series, and their annual challenge to the EA giant. Although I haven't gotten my hands on NBA Live 2003, all I have to say is that EA has their work cut out for them.

Gameplay

Probably the best thing about this game is the effectiveness in which Sega is able to blend both simulation and arcade styles of play. Rather than spend all their time perfecting one and just slapping the other together, Sega made sure both are of equal quality. For those unfamiliar with the series, NBA 2K3 includes the normal, NBA style of play, and also an outstanding street ball mode. Want to play by the rules? Well hop onto the court and play it out with all the traditional rules, or your own custom set. Care to have a bit more fun? Then head over to Rucker Park or any of the other real parks and play street ball with any number of players on a team from 2 to 5. On the streets, realism is given the backseat, and the arcade style of play is pushed to the front.

But whatever method of play you prefer, you can expect some of the best gameplay any hoops game can offer. Season, franchise, and online modes all appear in the game as well, increasing the replay value. But since these modes have become expected, it's no surprise that they have been included. But let's not forget about the street mode..

Ah yes, the beautiful street mode

Since it was added to the game in the 2K1 addition, street ball has by far been the most popular part of the game. You'd pick two teams, and take it to one of several famous playgrounds and play ball in its purest form. Rather than concern yourself with all the rules, all you had to worry about was stepping out of bounds. Other than that, all was fair game. The game also becomes a little less realistic, but in a good way. Since you usually won't be playing a full 5-on-5 game in the street mode (although you can), speed is the most important part of the game. And since the rules are a bit more laid back, you can expect things to be a little more aggressive. And of course, being a street game, you can expect to see all kinds of showing off. And that is where the beauty lies in this mode, as rather than concern yourself with playcalling, matchups, fatigue, and whatnot, you just have to score more times than your opponent...Simple enough, right? As an added bonus, Sega added in more locations, bringing the total now up to nine possible places you can play in. But the best thing about all is the fact that you are no longer restricted to a single team. Before in this mode, you would pick a team and be stuck with their players. But in NBA 2K3, you can pick any players from any team. Want to put Mike Bibby and Jason Williams on the same team? Go right ahead. And with the faster paced gameplay and the arcade style of play, I found this to be the most enjoyable mode of play.

But of course, should you choose traditional methods, Sega has you covered. NBA 2K3 is simple enough for you to pick up and play while knowing only the most basic controls. But for the purists, Sega also created one of the deepest sims out there, using various things such as posting up, playcalling, pivoting, matchups, and everything else the armchair coach could ever want. Play on the harder levels, and you can imagine how important a part strategy will play in the game.

Control

Control isn't something that I point out all too often, but this may be the best thing about the game next to the whole street mode. The controls in NBA 2K3 are laid out perfectly, as they are put together in the way that makes the most sense and is also the least confusing. X passes, Square shoots, and Circle does things like cross-overs and spin moves. Use R1 for turbo, and L1 for defensive stance. Of course there are advanced moves as well, but the basic control scheme becomes second nature in a matter of seconds. These controls were perfected on the Dreamcast, and due to similarity in controllers, are translated perfectly onto the PS2. There is only one minor gripe that I have, and that lies in free throws. Unlike the Dreamcast, which used the L and R buttons to line up your shot, free throws on the PS2 are done with the two analog sticks. Suffice to say I was a bit surprised when I was hitting L and R and nothing was happening. However, it does in fact make sense, as the analog sticks are more precise, which you can easily see when navigating your players. Like most games, you are free to use either the analog stick or the d-pad, it's up to you. The d-pad provides a much tighter range of motion, while the analog stick allows you to use its sensitivity and loose-ness to control your player differently. With analog, you'll be able to walk along at different speeds, which many will find useful for clock control. But really, what you use is entirely up to you.

Graphics

Beautiful, simply beautiful. Not only are the players realistic, they're much bigger than they used to be. Facial appearances are extremely accurate, and body types are true to life and not overdone. Although some guys (you know, like Shaq) may appear overly big, they are still proportional to the rest of the players, which is more important than how big they are to begin with. Sega claims that they've completely redesigned their player models, and if this is the case, they've done an outstanding job. Players move about so fluidly, without a hitch, and realistically at that. Many a game has had excellent looking players, but they move like complete crap. Not here - the players in NBA 2K3 move about perfectly, and they all have plenty of moves to show you. Hundreds of new animations have been added to this year's installment, which includes dunks, dribbles, and anything else you could want.

But if you want some real eye-candy, check out the intro video. Like NFL 2K3, NBA 2K3 uses ESPN and Sportscenter graphics and animations, and prior to starting a game you will be treated to a nice Sportscenter intro chock-full of highlights. These clips are among the most crisp that I've seen, and of course are just downright cool. And what looks just as nice are the arenas and parks that you play on. The playing floor gives off such a nice reflection, like it had just been buffed. The backboard will shake after a powerful dunk, a nice touch indeed. But the parks and gyms for the street mode are probably the nicest looking things you will come across in the game. In addition to the nice amount of detail that they have been given, the street ball locations are also extremely realistic looking. Rucker Park for example will have cracks in the pavement and other little details.

Sound

As with most sports games, the quality of the sound is dependant upon the quality of the commentary. The quest for video game commentary perfection still continues, because as expected, the commentary here is just what you'd expect. They'll say things like "Kidd now has 10 points this quarter" and "Those were some great moves", but nothing really that amazing. At halftime, they'll pick a halftime leader and talk about some of their stats, which usually works out nicely, but at times sounds a bit droll. Player introductions prior to the game are the weakest part of the game's sounds, as the announcer is not only dull, but fairly bad at times. But fear not, this can be skipped.

Overall

NBA 2K3 is one fantastic looking game, and it plays like a dream. The controls are logical and simple, but at the same time can be very complex. The simulation mode is excellent and true to life, and the street mode is even better, throwing out the rules, fatigue, and realism to an extent to create just an all-around great hoops experience. If you're anything like me, you'll be taking it to the streets far more than any franchise modes, and if the online play is anything like it was on Dreamcast, you'll be able to readily find a willing street ball competitor. But what makes NBA 2K3 the best is that it both looks and plays well. Many games look great, but play terribly, and thankfully, this is not one of them.

Graphics - 9.5/10
Outstanding, simply amazing. Detail is excellent, player models are realistic, and move about perfectly. The game runs at a smooth frame rate and is chock full of new animations and dunks for you to discover. The only flaw is that distant things can appear a bit jaggy (usually on the streets), and there's an occasional slowdown.

Sound - 8/10
Commentary isn't bad, as they made sure not to have any "Madden-isms". However there are many times when the commentators will just babble, and some of their lines sound forced. In-game sounds are perfect, done exactly how you'd want them.

Control - 10/10
Makes sense, and easy to remember. Translated perfectly from the Dreamcast.

Game Modes - 9.7/10
May not have as many other games, but the outstanding street mode makes up for it.

Gameplay - 9/10
Done excellently, but the speed of the simulation is a tad slow. Thankfully, you can speed it up in the options menu, but the difference is negligible.

Replay - 9.5/10
Online play and franchise should keep you busy.

Overall - 9.3
An excellent game, one of the best basketball games I've played in a while. NBA Live 2003 sure has a tall order to fill.

Plea	Game	Strategy Guide
If you plan on buying the game, and feel that we helped you make a decision, why not support netjak at the same time and pick this up online? (did that sound too whiney?)	NBA 2K3	NBA 2K3 EXCLUSIVE VERSUS GUIDE