Overall: Best gosh-darned basketball game ever made. The franchise mode is realistic, it's xbox live, most realistic basketball game. If you like basketball buy this right now. Gameplay: The franchise mode is realistic, the game is to. you get realistic results and it feels like you are actually playing basketball. Graphics: The graphics are detailed around the court, basket, ball. But the players look pretty bad. Sound: The announcers are great and same with the sound effects. Suggestions: Make controls easier.
Overall: Let me start by first stating how hard it is to make a good basketball game period. Really it’s very hard and most people would agree. Some Lakers person who knows sooo much about basketball says that this game isn’t all that great and I agree. But he didn’t do a very good job on elaborating on his opinion not saying that he has to either. But when you are writing a review be specific it helps a whole lot. And don't brag about your knowledge of the game unless you can back it up. Anyways that guy really bugs me. The game has its okay ups and BIG downs.
But let me get into that on the following.
Gameplay: Everyone knows basketball in the NBA is a fast pace sport involving a lot of running and sprinting. This game reminds me of my childhood games, that’s how slow it is. But the part that really appealed to myself was the practice mode and street mode. That was very cool. Also this game is extremely realistic so if you don't understand basketball I wouldn’t recommend you purchase it. Graphics: Ummm, well its okay I guess nothing the PS2 couldnt do that is. Sound: The commentating isn't bad actually it’s the best ive ever heard in a basketball game. besides that it was bland and boring Suggestions: realism is something very hard to notice in this title. But it is here if you understand the game.
Overall: Not bad but the game was too easy after u play it for awhile. very realisitc but lacking in the reality of the game. Slow choppy. Gameplay: Fun gameplay, dynasty is good and i liked the sweat on the players during a game. Wont get tired of the game for awhile. Graphics: The visuals are better than those of inside drive and Live. But it also can be improved upon. Not the bets work. Sound: Need more entusiasm from the crowd and have the crowd louder in high pressure situations. C'mon now.
Overall: Wow, was this game ever good. The gameplay is so much better than live. You control the player's every move on the court, you can hire coaches to bring along your rookies, and other things make this game the best basketball game out there. Gameplay: The gameplay in this game is so addicting. My personal favorite team is the nets in this game, because they made them really good (maybe better than they actually are) but all together they did a good job with the rosters. But they missed Yao! Graphics: Ok visuals, but they reminded me of the sega version somewhat. The faces of the players weren't very smooth, but the fluid movements on the court were very nice. Sound: The announcers are somewhat repetitive, but they do a good job overall. Well, that's pretty much it in this area. Suggestions: Publish the game a little later, so that you can make sure that the rosters are accurate.
Overall: The best BBall game of 2003 but it still has some glitches and stupid things in the game Gameplay: Its a solid BBall game like i said the best of 2003. i have seen some hoorible glitches though. Sometimes a lob pass will shoot outa our hand and it will rocket in the air and not come down for like 5 min. Also their is a post up button wich lets you grapple and fight for position with a defender.when playing on line people just postup on my center when hes checking out and take the ball to the rim. The last glitchcomplaint is RAY ALLEN!!!!!!!!
He is overrated and he does not mis a 3 pointer. When playing on line people use him on every take and he racks up 80 points.....it ruins the game. Graphics: Looks good i have no complaints except por sometimes their arms bend in funny ways and it looks like they broke their arm. Sound: Great sound not a single complaint. I like the screaming coches in the background...it gives it a good feel. Suggestions: Get your ratings rite on the players ray allen is overrated and antwain walker is underrated and thats only 2 players. Also get a clock for the start menu so people cant pause the game and leave to get a win.
Overall: This ball game is very well done. Out of all basketball games I have played (and i am not a huge fan), this game got the most playing time out of all of them. Gameplay: The controls are easy to learn which is good for a sports game. Sega has always been great with options and modes, this game is no exception. Great game. Graphics: Not as good as it could have been, but that is ok, because really gameplay makes the game not graphics. Sound: The commentary is alright, I never really like sports game commentarys, they just get so repetitive. The court sounds are good but there just isn't enough here. Suggestions: 2k4 should be great! Keep it coming!
Overall: The best 2k game that I have ever played. Could be the best sports game that I have ever played. The franchise mode is suh-weet, the gameplay is teh roxorz, and the online play just adds to it all. I LOVE THIS GAME! Gameplay: Best gameplay from any basketball game I have ever played. EA's Live doesn't compare to NBA 2K3 in any way, shape, or form. I love everything about the gameplay. Graphics: Visuals could be better. The player models are good, and the courts look good. But nothing jumps out at you and makes you think that it could be real. Good overall job on the visuals though. Sound: The announcers are good, yet can become repetative. ESPN music is cool, and all the music when you arne't playing a game is awesome. Sound FX's are top notch, complete with the sneakers squeaking. Suggestions: besides making the graphics a bit better, nothing! GREAT JOB!
Overall: Damn this is the best basketball game I've ever seen. It has everything you want graphics gameply.
I think they coulda work the sound a little better. Gameplay: It's great it has everything and the franchise is so realistic. The controlls are easy to learn. This game is much better than Live '03. Graphics: It's so awesome the players look so realistic theonly player that is a little odd lookin' is Jalen rose. Ther's somethin messed about his goutee( I don't if speeled it right but I meant the the little beard). Sound: There's nothing really special They could of done better. What I mean is it's BBBBBBOOONNNNNNGGGGG!!!!!!!! maybe add some music Suggestions: If it's possible a dunking contest and 3-point shoot out and better music
Overall: A Basketball game that takes itself to seriously. Extra options, fairly good graphics and online play make it alright, but gameplay is not good for the average basketball fan. This game should only appeal for hard-core basketball fans. Gameplay: This game is really a hard-core simulation. The pace of this game is very slow and not really fun. It is very hard to execute fast-breaks making the game get really boring. Street ball is fairly good because it takes you away from from the strong simulation-type of game NBA 2k3 has to offer, although it is not as fun as id thought it would be because even though its supposed to be arcadey the pace is way to slow. There are many glitches in gameplay as well, especially the passing system. When you want to pass it to a player way ahead of you to finish of a fast break it usually passes to the player closest to you and it gets very very fustrating. The other major glitch is when you throw a pass while going for a shot, or pass from one end of the court to another the player who recieves the pass usually juggles it and sometimes steps out of bounds, which once again gets very annoying. The only features that appeal to me in this game in terms of gameplay is the franchise mode. It is to far by date the best franchise mode ive seen in a basketball game. It is really deep e.g. signing coaches, videos for the NBA Draft and very good detail on NBA Draft players. Still, franchise mode does not make me change my hatred for this game. Graphics: This is probably where the game stands out. But it still isnt perfect. Although the players faces look very much like their real life counter-parts the animation is very bad compared to NBA Live 2003. The stadiums are very well rendered, with each team having an each different arena, whihc is not present in NBA Live 2003. The lighting and reflections do the job but the camera views in the game really suck. There are good no camera views like the very good BROADCAST VIEW on NBA Inside Drive 2003 or the PRESS view from NBA Live 2003 Sound: This is probably one of the worst aspects on the game. The commentry isnt bad, becuase it get things right but it gets !&%$@#* to repetitive. There are also no hip-hop jams just like NBA Live 2003 with EA TRAX and NBA ID 2003 with Master P. Suggestions: CHANGE THE GAMEPLAY! ESPECIALLY THE ANIMATIONS! GET ALL THE GLITCHES OUT FROM NBA 2K3!!!! Make it more FUN ESPECIALLY FOR US CASUAL BASKETBALL FANS!
Overall: It seems in vogue to make comparisons between competing titles in reviews, but I will refrain from doing so. I own all 3 big basketball titles for XBOX this year. This is my favorite of the 3. Gameplay: This is where the game shines. The buttons all do exactly what you think they should do, so anyone can really pick up a controller and play. There are a nice assortment of more advanced moves and shots too, and there are gameplay modes and options galore. so no matter what your style of play, there is a game to suit you here. Graphics: I was a tad let down by NFL 2k3's graphics, so I was pleasantly relieved when I first played NBA 2k3 and saw the visuals are definately up to par. Nothing exemplary here, but the graphics are clear, you can tell players apart and always tell what is happening. Also, I do like how realistically they modeled the moves of the players. Sound: Same old same old really. The announcers are a tad better than the average people, but I generally prefer to tune them out and make it feel like I am really there. Suggestions: Next year...make it a little easier to draft college players. Ive been having problems with the NCAA 2k3 draft feature. Make this easier. Also, 480P is a much better HD mode to use. Even amongst people that have HDTV's, most of us only can support 1080i or 480P only. Also, being able to rip our own soundtracks and listen to music instead of the announcers would be cool.
Overall: Nba 2k3 was a very challenging basket ball game. You have to take the right shot at that right time. You just can't randomly shoot from anywhere and hope it will go in, nope this is the real deal unlike few other basketball games. The live support is also good but you have to be an almost expert at the game if you wanna win, many of the people on live are very good. The ppresentation of the game is very well done. For once the comentary is good. In sports games i usually can't stand it. But Nba 2k3 has comentary that you would acually want to listen to. I like all the features in the game the street basketball is fun and the fantasy. The create a player option has a lot of attributes in it, many fun things to put on your character such as tattos and arm bands and more. The Game might get a little frustrating at times, you would maybe say something like " why didn't he make that shot" or " he's right by by the net" but hey, it isn't easy took make a shot every single time. The game has a lot to offer but if you don't like basketball games that give you a challenge, that are easy and almost any shot goes in, go with nba inside drive 2003 the basketball game for beginners, go with nba 2k3 if your a pro and get the full nba experience. Gameplay: The controls are very well done. Easy to navigate and everything is where they should be. I reallly liked them they were perfect. They should have this gameplay in every basketball game. A very strong feature... Graphics: Same visual appeal with most of the sega sports games of this year. The players are clear and well detailed up close but from a distance or during gameplay they look plain. The courts have nice shins and reflections. The crowd looks like they have been run over by a huge truck. Stadiums are well made. overall the graphics are a little weak. Sound: Great sound from the players feet sliding on the shin floor from the ball thrusting in the net the sound was clear and very enjoyable. The crowd is cheerful and the announcers come in clear and understandable. Great sound that gets you into the game! Suggestions: Better graphics and anything this game didn't have. Update everything for 2k4.
Overall: Onerall you want this game if you are a basketball player like i am. 1st reason it is one of the only games that can go online with. 2nd you can play regular ball or you can play on the street like rucker park NY Cage places like that. If you dont have this game and you have an x box than your insaine. Gameplay: The game play on this game is realy easy to underdtand. one of the easyiest games to understand the controls are so good and if you want to do some of the harder moves then ya they are gonna be a little harder to do. Graphics: The visual on this game isnt the best but it is still awesome like wow how can you people make it look like the actual person i love how they do that it is soo sweet. when you go into game and see it like that it just makes you feel good about buying that game. Sound: the soundtrack sucked like they didnt even hab=ve come on guys you have to get a soundtrack if you want an awesome game. but they did have good affects like all the sqweeks.
Overall: I'm a sports fan at heart, however the last basketball game I owned was 1998 NCAA basketball for PS1, Yes I owned PS1, It was cool for back in the day, not anymore.. OK, back to my point.. This is a fun game, even though I haven't tapped into its full potential. So, my review is based on standard features of this game. Gameplay: I seem to only want to play this game with a friend, Franchise mode doesn't appeal to me at this point. Its very nice that its there and if someday I want to set that up, I know I can. It looks very detailed down to the owners desk and what not... I have " xbox live" but still haven't tried it online. The cool thing is the ease of buttons and quick game modes.. Having a 3 on 3 at an outdoor city court in the rain is a nice feature. I give this aspect a 4 for all the features.. gameplay is a little slow and also it is hard to pass to specific players without preselecting them.. thats dissapointing for fast breaks.. Graphics: Most players look as real as possible, not great but good, The stands, audience, arenas and outdoor parks look pretty realistic, No major complaints. So, I give this another 4 Sound: Its good, the anouncers sound good, better then some of the older games I have played, When playing outdoors a repetative beat sounds, and that cool another 4 Suggestions: Its got a ton of features, maybe improve the passing so on fast breaks it automatically passes to the player in the paint.. speed it up a little? I am still reviewing this game too...
Overall: The game has great graphics, the best out of any other basketball game on xbox. It is a very deep game and gives you several options including an excellent franchise mode, a usual for Sega Sports games. You can also play a street game if you wish, one of the favorites from the NBA 2K1 game. An extra to this game is it's live capability. You can play ranked games and work your way up the leaderboards while keeping a record of the games you played. If you wish to practice, you can just play a scrimmage and the outcome of the game will not go into your record. This game truly is the best basketball game for xbox. NBA Live cannot touch this. Gameplay: Sometimes it can be hard to make the players do what you want. Say you're Jermaine O'Neal and you're trying to pass to Reggie Miller across the court. 3 out of 5 times it will end up in the wrong player's hands. You probably will be forced to press "Y" then the corresponding letter to get the ball to the right person. Another thing that may make this game frustrating for newbs is the amount of penalties called. But this game is a simulation so it is normal. In the NBA, even more penalties are called. Just elarn to play the game and you shouldn't have any trouble. There are a ton of other "little" things but I won't go into fetail about them. So as far as the appeal goes...it could be better. I give it a 3.5 Graphics: As I said before the graphics are the best of any basketball game on xbox. Some of the facial player models look nothing of the real-life counter-part, so that brings it down a little. The stadiums really do look huge and life-like as the real thing. I give it a 4.5 Sound: The sound is as hot as it will ever get. You hear the crowd start a chant when you're on a scoring streak...and you hear them die out when the streak is ended. You hear the little squeaks of feet on the court...and the swish of a perfect 3-pointer form Reggie Miller. The sound should satisfy you just fine. I can find nothing wrong so I give it a perfect 5.
Overall: This game rocks!! The guy who just reviewed this game before me must be on crack. He doesn't know what he is talking about. We should all ban EA games on Xbox until they give us online play!!!!!!!!!! NBA 2K3 is awesome online! NBA Live isn't realistic and that is probably why the last guy likes it so much. He just can't handle a more realistic defense like there is in this game. If you want more of an arcade game, where you can drive to the hoop and make jumpers every time, go for live. If you want a more realistic game with online play, THIS IS THE PERFECT GAME FOR YOU!!!! Gameplay: Very smooth and very well done. Saving balls as they go out of bounds has never been better. Calling for a double team or pick has never been easier. The defense has been really amped up and won't let you drive without a fight. However, I would like to see them jump to stop a shot a little bit better. They always jump too late. Graphics: The graphics are very nice. Better than both Inside Drive and Live. The characters are very detailed and you can tell who the player is from the face instead of the name on the back of the jersey. The coaches are also nice detailed. Sound: Average. The announcing is alright, but even though they have alot to say they really never get into the game and there is no excitement. Get ESPN to really get into the game when announcing, that will help the players get more into it also. Also, have the players say stuff after making a nice dunk rather than just showing off. Suggestions: Add more unlockables, like old teams and players. Make it so we can make Byrd and Magic go one on one. Make street scrimmage have a one on one gameplay, rather than just two on two up to five on five. Improve the commentary and the players so the players talk a little trash after good plays. Make the computer defense better at reading when someone is going to shoot. Make a 2K4!!
Overall: Let me just start off with sayin i kno more about basketball then any of yall on this site. and this game sucks. Whoever said that whoever gives this a lower then a 4.5 or whatever then u donno nothin about basketball, well mutha !&%$@#* a i kno more then u do and this game is WACK as hell.. If youre lookin for a basketball game, NBA Live 2003 is the game that u want. Gameplay: NBA 2K2 is better, and 2k2 aint that good either.. Neither of these are good enough to buy. I thought that this was gonna be good, but I couldnt believe i wasted the money to rent it after i played it Graphics: What the !&%$@#* are these?? SEGA needs to know that they are now putting out games for XBOX not dreamcast. These graphics are lower then an AVERAGE graphic game. NBA LIVE 2003 looks a ton better.. Simply, this game sucks Sound: Ohh everyone the sound sucks... THIS WHOLE GAME SUCKS Suggestions: BETTER EVERYTHING!! If ur gonna make another like this, dont put it on the xbox!!
Overall: When I think of Basketball, I think of one of the Greatest Sports ever Invented. Basketball is a Game powered by Instinct and Emotions. And when you have the time to do so, theres also alot of thinking and Intelligence to Basketball. In order for a Sports Videogame to be a Good Basketball Videogame it has to be as good as actually playing Basketball, which is rare and hard for many Sports/Basketball Videogames. Over the years, I have followed the NBA Live Series and the NBA 2K Series, and I have kept my eye on anything else related to Basketball. I feel that not only is NBA 2K3 the best NBA 2K Sega Sports has made yet, but the best Basketball Videogame Ever Made. You can watch NBA Basketball all you want, go to the GYM and play Basketball everyday, but when you're at home, nothing will satisfy your Basketball needs like NBA 2K3. And with the XBOX Live Network ready and able to Play NBA 2K3, what more could you ask for. If you are looking for a Basketball Game or just a Good Sports Game, look no further. You have Found NBA 2K3. Gameplay: When Basketball Videogames first were created, we could really only Shoot and Pass. Because of New-Age Technology and "How Great Consoles Are Today," we are living in the best age for Videogames. Sega Sports was able to bring the most Detailed Basketball Videogame to us, this year. NBA 2K3 gives you complete control over the Game. You Run the Offense and Set the Plays, and Call the Defense and "Take that $#*% out of your House." The Artifical Intelligence is amazing, it's as if the NBA Players volunteered to be cloned into NBA 2K3. Kobe Bryant plays like Kobe. And if you leave Michael Jordan open, your gonna have to watch that three-pointer go in. NBA 2K3 has an amazing PIVOT mode, which allows you to control your Player's area without even Dribbling the Ball. And the Shoot and Pass mode can make you celebrate and cry at the same time. The Passing can be so Amazing you'll start screaming: "I GOT DIMES" and the Shooting can Result in nothing but net. But the Computer will take advantage of Bad Shots and Passes, so you will eventually learn to be a NBA 2K3 Master. And no Game can match the Level of Defense in NBA 2K3, from Time to Time the Computer will leave the Ball-Handler "uUaware" of what is going on, so you'll develop a Skill to Steel that Rock. I can't continue, because theres not much more to say. The only way to Understand how Great the Gameplay is in NBA 2K3, is to experience it First Hand. Graphics: For those of us, who owned a Dreamcast we all remeber how great looking the NBA 2K Series was on the Dreamcast. Now that NBA 2K3 is on the XBOX and PS2, the Graphics haven't really changed. There is not much of an improvement from the Dreamcast versions, but NBA 2K3 still has amazing Graphics. The key to NBA 2K3's Visual Appeal isn't necessarily in the Screen Shots, but in the Actual Gameplay. The Overall Environment is Picture Perfect, and the Players Bodies and Faces are Picture Perfect. The only Dissapoint is that the crowds have Faces in the back of their Heads, you'll see what I mean. In the Future, I hope Sega Sports will create more "Enthusiastic" Coaches. But besides a few negatives, the Graphics are amazing. Sound: Never have I heard Commentary from a Sports Game that doesn't get Boaring or Repetitive. It takes a while, and I mean a while, for someone to start disliking the Commentary. And the Crowd and Game Sound Effects are Amazing. Listening to the Referee's blow their Whistles on a Foul, makes me feel like I'm at the Game. And what can be better than Playing NBA 2K3 on XBOX Live. Your gonna love Crossing Over your Opponent, and then Rubbing it in his Face. And it's even better to hear your Opponent "Moan and Complain" when you constantly "BUST" Shots, right in his face. Suggestions: There are only a few suggestions that will make this game Perfect, and I mean Perfect. One, make the Graphics better, meaning the Players and theirs Faces should be identical to Real Life. Two, the Coaches should be Involved more, so on Replays and such we should be able to see the Coaches and their Emotions. And Finally give me a Free-Copy of NBA 2K4, NBA 2K5, etc.
Overall: I feel that this game is the most realistic, and has the most lasting appeal of any game on the market. After playing NBA 2k2 I wasn't too excited for 2k3. In 2k2, there was too many drives to the hoop, it was too easy to cross someone up, and I play every game on the hardest level, and me and my opponent shot up near 75%, and final scores went up to 150!. In this title, I can play a realistic 12 minute game shooting somewhere in the high 40's and low 50's, and end up with a score of like 100-97. If your looking for an arcade style game with unrealistic scores and 80% shooting, go out and buy Live or Starting five, but if you want realism, NBA 2k3 is the closest thing yet Gameplay: as far as realism as ive already said, it's the best out there. The different ways of shooting makes the game ten times more fun to play. I'll use the Wizards and post up with Jordan, and do that sweet fadeaway that he does, and it just looks so realistic, with one leg going out forward, and the release is solid. And if your low enough, just drop in the little half hook by pushing the arrow in the other direction when shooting. Then, if a players really close up on you in isolation, you can fade back, left and right, lean in, or just give him a jab step and take him to the hoop. The white button in this game is great, better then anolog in live I feel, I don't really know why, but it just seems a little easier and more authentic. They should also put the anolog in this game too, to make it even more complete. The feel of isolation your man in this game is unbelievable, you can jab step, step back, pump fake, sweep,cross him up, spin, back him in, or just put it in his eye and make him look foolish. When I play basketball games, I never usually run the plays because I never really needed too ( NBA Live 2003 ) But with this game, I run plays all the time. Whe im using the Celtics, I run iso with pierce in the corner, quick 3 with Delk, post up Antoine, and Motion PF with him as well. I also set picks at the top of the key ( which was a good feature for inside drive ) and go to the hoop or hit the man on the pick and roll ( although the roller rolls too slow, but sometimes it works. )
Probably one of the best editions too this game is the changing of the shot in mid air. sometimes it seems that they do it for no reason, but i'd rather have it the way it is then not have it at all. It seems that every time you drive the lane you do something authentic and different, and you are actually trying to avoid defenders. and also another feature is diving out of bounds for loose balls. I think it is much better in this game then live because in live you see it happen about 30 times a game, in this you see it 2 or 3, like real life, and there realistic saves. Another quality is jumping to intercept passes with X. I love doing this when playing another human, just when they think they are going to go over the top I jump in with a help defenser and snatch it away, and this doesn't happen too often either, only if who you are playing against sucks.
There are some issues though, like the passing, the passes are too slow and floaty,and are 9 times out of ten thrown over the head. and sometimes players stop to catch the ball for no reason, and if you don't use icon passing, it's really hard to throw to the guy you want. But the good parts in the game overide that with ease. I have a small problem witht the post up game, it is too easy to steal when your playing against someone, and it's too hard to back down someone when your ten times stronger then them. also it is really hard to pass in sometimes, alot of times because of the floaty passes, but you'll push the pass button, the player will come to the ball and step on the line. This is very annoying, this also happens in other areas of the game as well. Another problem I have is glitches, probably about 3 or 4 times during a game one of these things will happen. I'll go up for a layup and when I change my shot in the air and my player will go like 20 feet out to the 3 point line and do a high arking finger roll over his head with out looking and it will drop in the hoop. Then, there's the passing glitch, for when you throw a pass and it gets tipped and the ball goes sailing up to the jumbotron and just sits up there for awhile, and then finally falls back down. These definatly need to be fixed for the next game. The there's the dreadful free throw shooting. I started a franchise, and I played the first 5 games with the Celts, I shot 50-51 on the hardest level ( the only reason I missed was because I was trying to get out of the substitution screens and hit A while I was supposed to be shooting ). It seems that either you are really good at these or you just plain suck at them. I like the Inside Drive free throws the best, they shoot imports those into this, because this is the worst besides NBA Shootout 2003.Another problem is players lunging for the ball when your not using them and the guy they are covering goes in for a layup. I was playing against my friend and I think Reggie Miller had about 8 or 9 layups on the fast break because pierce would lunge for the ball for no reason. The definantly need to fix this in 2k4.
Overall this game is the most realistic out there, I don't think I have ever had this much fun with a video game. I am a hard critic, and I have never been able to call a basketball game even close to realistic, well, Sega did it and impressed me, If they fix those mistakes I mentioned, this game will be very close to real life Graphics: The graphics on the players are very good, the body structure is what I like the most, very realistic. But I always liked the facial graphics on live better, and I do for this year too. But what took away from live visually was that there was no TV camera view, and the bodies werent really like there real life counterparts. I like the way that Live moves a little better when your watching it, it's too fast, but just the way it looks as far as motion is amazing. What really impressed me about 2k3 was the courts. The T wolves court looks exactly like the real court, and when put on the press camera view, and the 3 options at 4, 5, and 3, this game just looks amazing. The editions of mascots and cheerleaders is a huge plus, adding to the realism. When players do the moves, the realism is unbelievable, the only problem is when you watch on replay, you'll see travels and the ball somehow transporting to your hand when the dribble is in mid air and hasnt hit the ground yet. And also when dunking sometimes you will hang off an invisble thing in the air instead of the rim. Little things like this don't get noticed without replay, but still it's something that should be worked on. I think the ESPN license is very nice, the menus are decent, a little out of date, but I always loved keeping thing simple, I like the classics. But it kinda takes away from NBA 2k's legacy,acompletely new format, they have never had this before. But I like it, im glad they took the ESPN license so that horrible games like ESPN NBA tonight don't ruin the ESPN video game name. The pop ups of stats during games are very nice, and just like ESPN's real live telecasts. The crowd is pretty much the same as all the other baskeball games, id like to see a more realistic crowd in 2k4, this would definatly add to the realism. So when you look in the crowd you won't see a bunch of paper thin people repeating the same clap over and over and over again during the game. Players seem to have real contact with eachother, the best ive ever seen, when watching a replay, you'll see someone backing in, and the playyer behind him is actually holding him out, and it's very realistic, better then live when sometimes you'll be backing in and the guy holding you out is actually pushing on air.
Overall this game is great visually, Live is too, but the games realism and other qualitie put it up much higher. Sound: Alright, heres the good, The commentaters are the least annoying out of any game, which is good, and I love the talking through the replays, it makes you feel like they are actually watching the game. Sometimes they same the same thing over and over, but thats ok considering it's not half as bad as Live or Inside Drive. I love it when Im doing a fadeaway with Jordan and he makes it, they say " that's his shot, the better play better D on that " or something like that, I also love what they say when I miss it " You won't see him miss that shot too often, that's his bread and butter " or something like that. And I really like how they quote stats during the game, not too much, and not too little. The halftime stats are good, I like how they show the player of the half, some bball games dont have this. I like the way the crowd reacts. I feel they react very realistic to certain parts in the game. ( I just wished they looked a little better )
Overall I like the the sound in this game. I like the ESPN music and the license, it adds to a already steller game. There's a few things to work on, but nothing major. Suggestions: new free throw system, passing system, crown graphics, work a little on the post game, add maybe a 3 point contest and 1 on 1, ( and mayb a dunk contest if it isnt something like the IN THE ZONE ones ) facial graphics, and other very small things. Overall though, this is the best video game I have ever played, well done.
Overall: i've never played 2k2 so when i
picked this up i was dissapointed
live is so much better, there are
some places that thi game is
great but overall i think ima buy
live 2003 Gameplay: blah the controls were easy to get
used to, but i didn't like all the
overhead passing when your
teammate is right beside you.
The reason i rented it, besides to
help me decide which one to buy,
was because i is live enabled that
is a very big factor but after playing
it ill only rent it to play online ill
settle with playing live with my
buddies Graphics: this is where this game kicks !&%$@#*
its about the only thing that sega
has that EA doesn't, also sega
has better animations at the line
and celebrations, i hated the
replay sequences they were too
slow to skip through Sound: as i though the music is repetitive
hip hop beats although, they dont
bother me, when i was playing live
it would hype me up a bit more
when im singing after a win or
during substitutions
Overall: I bought last years NBA Inside Drive and that was a pretty bad game. So i decided I'd buy NBA 2K3 this year. It is a great game. It has awesome graphics and is better than the other bball games out there. Gameplay: the gameplay is really good and the defensive and offensive AI is good. On defense you can't drive through the lane easily and there is rarely a blow out. Graphics: The graphics are the best out of the all 3 basketball games on Xbox this year. You can see sweat going down a players face and the players faces look like what they do in real life. Sound: The commentary is great. It soundds like the guys are actually watching the game and the replays are fantastic.
1-This game is ok, not great, just ok.
2- To those who to talk about others opinions especially towards the expectation of that Arcady feel, know that the 2K series IS known for an certain amount of arcady feel, while being a great sim. It's been the best mix ever, and no series can top that. So lets not separate some b-ball players to others. Just because certain people expect a little more on the fun side..does NOT mean that they should be playing some sort of blitz game. I know for a fact, mastering all the 2k series, that this particular one, excels on the sim features, and unfortunatly lost some of the smooth athletic feel from it's previous versions.
My point is, WHILE the more sim oriented player was playing 2K2 LAST year (which pales to this years game in sim features), I heard NO complaints from them in terms of gameplay. No one complained it was TOO arcady, TOO fun, and TOO smooth.
So all the better features in 2K3 game is FINE, but it does NOT explain why certain gameplay aspects of this game have taken a step backwards. Which indeed makes the game less fun and less playable, in the respect to it's game play and fun factor.
The 2K series has 2 fun factors: Sim features, and GREAT gameplay. This year the game play has gane down a notch. That's ALL. This really is not about Sim players, and Arcady Players, the 2K series has always, excelled in both, until now.
3-I expected more from this game because it was'nt a port from the DC versions. I do like the graphics, but, the view that I play in, does not show the improvment. Overall, I the the game is grear, but for me, it is brought down quite considerably for the blatant RE-gression in the passing system. What was once smooth, intuitive passing, is now, slow, and all uncontrollable lobs. And the so called fast passing feature is still very slow, and causes steals. I play basketball and watch it all the time. The way these guys are passing in this game is dead wrong, and boring.
I can still deal with the game, but it seems buggy, and not quite sluid. It's like they needed more time. But I must stick with it, because even still, I long to play it on Xbox Live.
Good game, but they made a fatal flaw. They must redeem themselves next year Or I can't see myself buying 2k5. I stick with VC because let's face even with the flaw, they deserve all the respect in the world for b-ball games, and until this series, I've been extreemly satisfied, so Im not going anywhere.
But as a fan I must be honest: Fix that messed up passing system guys. Gameplay: Everything is still exciting, I like thie animations better this year. I also appreciate the ankle breaking juke moves, much more than before. It's more workable than it was in 2K2 which is a huge plus.
The low post defense to me seems to have been improve greatly. Im a good defensive player, and in 2K2 no matter what it seemed you could not defend against 90% of the centers shot attempts. In 2K3 that is not the case, Im blocking more than before, and I like the fact, that good pressure, and alter a players shot and not go in. 2K2 almost all their shots went in, within the paint.
The passing has gone to the birds. Like I said before, it's now slow, mostly lobs, and unrealstic. Very floaty. I feel that the amount of steels have increased just because the passes are made too slow. This does not appeal to me. It's such and odd thing, because the passing system was pretty much STANDARD in all the 2K games...WHAT HAPPENED?? Graphics: I think when this game is played in a close up view, it looks good, but I can't play that way. So the visuals in are in the same league as the other games, depending on which view you play in.
Sound: I hate the ESPN interface. It's boring, and sterile. And a huge dissapointment, from last years great intro and music. Let's keep it real, let's stay close to society, by keeping the intro with rap music. HECK, even some really good metal, would do as intro music.
The ESPN anchor music, with horns and all that is BORING, and takes a step back from being excepted by the masses. It does'nt hit a chord with the gamer, so there's no need to sit through the intro, when you dont care for the music.
I feel that EA sports has recognized what 2K2 has done, and upped the ante with real music featured in it's intro. It toatally has the feel of what stemed from 2K2.
And the worst thing of all is the missed opportunity for the use of Xbox's music ripping feature. I would have LOVED to play my OWN music playing my favorite b-ball game. Suggestions: VC Please listen:
1-First and foremost, return to the OLD passing system, specifically from 2K2. There was nothing wrong with it. I would buy 2K4 if all it was, was 2K3 with 2K2 passing added. I'd pay for that. That's how important and polished the old passing was. It was great,...bring it back!
2-Even if you stick with ESPN, bring back the excitement of up to date, and original NBA inspired music. It helps. And it helps create a Legacy for the 2K series, when people look foward to something new next year. Not boring ESPN anchor music.
3-Use the xbox music ripping feature.
4-Also, the AI's Inbounding is a bit flawed. Where only a little pressure is needed to push them out of bounds.
5-I've said this since the original NBA 2K! Add a 3 POINT SHOOTING CONTEST AND DUNK CONTEST. It makes sense, why go to such lengths to create street ball, and then stop there. Contest's are plain fun, period. And Please create some sort of animated victory celebration when beating the season. Do you know how depressing it is, when after all that work, your the only one excited
to win the finals. The players should be shown in the locker room, celebrating or something.
Overall: I was very disappointed with this game. I played the crap outta 2k2 and couldn't wait for the next one. In fact, I think its a notch below 2k2. Gameplay: Slow, sluggish and boring. There is no feel of speed in this game whatsoever. The dunks don't look like they improved and when you run into someone, you just stop dead. The picking off of passes looked nice. Graphics: Great graphics. Nothing wrong in that department. However, what the hell is up with those stupid multicolor replays??? I didn't like that at all. But that can be turned off thank god. Sound: Its really hard to rate sound but I feel it was good for the game. The announcers sounded good and the crowd was right on as well. Good work there. Suggestions: Sega, go rent a copy of EA's NBA Live 2003. Thats what a basketball game should look and play like.
Overall: I was really disappointed in this game all the way through. I REALLY wanted to like this game. It's very irritating that EA decided not to do Xbox live support, and I wanted a good basketball game that would support live. In my opinion, this isn't it. The graphics are average at best, the gameplay isn't too bad, but the camera angles are all terrible. If you zoom in too far, the camera seems to point at the floor and you can't even see the basket, for example. Overall, I was just really disappointed. I liked their 2k1 and 2k2 products, but I feel like they took a step back this year. Gameplay: I could never get past the camera moving enough to really get a good feel for the gameplay. It seemed fine. I've always liked the way Sega has done basketball games. I really enjoy games that seem like a real pace, not constantly fast breaking back and forth down the floor Graphics: I was really hoping that this game would look better. I think the models look pretty jagged and the overall feel of the game isn't all that good. Sound: I didn't see any particular problems with the sound. The crowd sounded pretty good, and the announcers were pretty good as well. Suggestions: Stick with the good things that you've done in the past. Don't break things that were already good trying to improve them.
Overall: Anybody who gives this game less than 4.5, don't know anything about Basketball.This is one of the best sport games out right now.I play this everyday on XBOX LIVE and I cant believe it. Its FANTASTIC.It follows along with NFL2K3 from Sega to be the King now of sports games.If you haven't bought this game you don't know what your missing. And by the way Electronics Arts sport games are on there way out. SEGA RULES. Gameplay: This game will have tons of replay value until NBA2K4 comes along. Easy to pick up the control scheme on this game with no problems. Its just a great game. Graphics: This game looks great .The players are well detailed and there signature move are unbelievable.
Just a beautiful game just to watch while you take a break and let your buddy play. Sound: Sound is right on the money with this title. The PA anouncer is perfect and the play by play anouncers are also easy to listen to. Suggestions: No suggestions here. Just come out with NBA2K4.And from now on I will be playing SEGA SPORTS GAMES instead of Electronic Arts games. You can beat on that.
Overall: Overall, a very fun game to play. I think its a little hard to work the offense the way I want to right now and it seems the computer can break on me pretty easy, but its just my rust of playing a basketball game right now. I really have been enjoying the dynasty mode and its options. Gameplay: The gameplay is smooth and very easy. I haven't played a basketball game since NBA LIVE 99? But I picke dup on controls immediately. However, the free throw thing totally sucks. I'd rather use the old wya of how Double Dribble did free throws. Graphics: Looks great. ESPN is the layout and loks fantastic. Players look great. I haven't seen enough of coach's faces. Maybe I am just missing that part. Sound: The sound is there. I love the random music coming from the PA speakers such as the classic basketball tunes. Suggestions: Hmm...more than one person should be able to be in a dynasty at a time.
Overall: This is the greatest basketball game I have ever played!! Too bad punks hafta review it so low just to bring down the score. I on the other hand LOVE it! Gameplay: The gameplay is tight, (the controls) not tight as in cool..lol and the only beef I have is the consistency in dunks on the default setting...BUT you can easily fix this with the slider options. Nice passing, and nice shot percentages otherwise. Graphics: The graphics are SOOOOOOOOOOOOO good. I love the sweat that forms, and the fact that the jerseys move, The afros, and cornrows look perfect, I love the T-Mac shoes...thats great! Good contact detection and everything. I especially love the 3D fans!! Sound: GREAT sound, the anouncers are NOT annoying, they are good to hear, they say smart things, and analyze plays. I love the crowd noise, and the UMPHS from the players. Nice work! Suggestions: I cant wait for 2k4.....That sounds funny but its true!
Overall: This is one of the three best basketball games I have ever played. The other two, in my opinion, would have to be NBA Showtime for Dreamcast and Coach K for Genesis. However, those two games are both arcade style, so this is the best SIM basketball game I've ever played. It's very balanced. Oh yeah, the ESPN license doesn't hurt. Gameplay: After purchasing ID 2002 last year, it took a game or two to get used to the 2k engine, which although similar, has it's differences. I was more than inclined to buy Sega's game though, as it was the only one that features online play. I was really impressed with how diverse the game could be. You could make shots from anywhere, just like the pros, whereas in some games there are about two "sweet spots" which are the only places you can consistantly score points. It's also very fluid, which is common throughout all of Sega's sports titles, and very much appreciated, atleast by me. Graphics: Upon first glance, I thought that they were so-so. Strangely, though, I think this every time I play a new sports game. It seems like I have to warm up to their different styles, or something. Well once I did, I friggin' love em. Close ups are cool with the black and white backgrounds, and from a few feet away, if you squint your eyes... it will look real. Sound: Nothing exceptional here. I liked ID's outrageous comments because, while cheesy, they made me and everyone else who played laugh. Unfortunately, the 2k game has pretty monotonous announcers. Next year, though, we'll have a sportscenter personality, no doubt. The crowd gets into it and whatnot. I may have rated this lower, but on Xbox Live we are going to have voice chat, which will make it incredible. Suggestions: Well I already know that you are going to have an espn personality in the next version, so... I'm at a real loss for words. And that's a good thing :)
Overall: If you are a serious Basketball fan/player, this is the game for you hands down. If you are into arcade games for a quick play and then put the game down...this game may not be for you. This, the best b-ball game EVER! The franshise mode is endless and so addictive. You could possible play for 30 years. See you when I'm 65. Gameplay: Tight controls. Better players will play better than weaker by a correct margin. When you call for a pick and roll, your teamate correctly sets the pick. It is harder to score and you will not shoot over 55% in the pro mode and the AI will also shoot between 40% and 55%. Realism is the word. Graphics: Most players look identical to the real players. The crowd is ok, the arenas do feel unique to their real counterparts.....Madison Square Garden's crowd looks dark just like the Garden. The Graphics are very well done. Some of the All-time players don't match. Larry Bird looks like Dirk N. Minor complaint. Sound: Typical stuff. Music is not annoying, all you could ask for from a b-ball game. The announcers are pretty good, but sometimes what they say doesn't match from what is happening. But you hear the grunting of the players, the squicking of the sneakers...all well done. Suggestions: None......great game. Best ever!!!!!
Overall: Id first off like to comment on those who felt it neccasary to rate this game poorly for what seems to be reasons other than an actual opinion. I have no problem with the reviews if you wrote in truth about your true opinions. I personally think this game is a major improvement from last year. The graphics have come a long way and the new features add plenty of fun without taking away the simple gameplay that sega does so well.
Gameplay: I always loved 2k2 because it was a simple, fun game that accurately was enough of a sim to be depthful with enough style to be fun. The addition of new moves made me think that sega was veering to much into the simulation field. I was greatly impressed however, to find that they somehow incorporated some very realistic features into the gameplay, without making it anymore complicated than past years. Graphics: I havent yet seen the other ball games in motion, so I cant quite compare. But compared to last years games, 2k3 takes a big step towards realism. The faces and player models are absolutely incredible, as well as the sidelines. My only problem is that the crowd, apart from the first row, is not only 2d, but is boxy and undetailed. I realize that this will take time and applaud sega for their improvements. Sound: Not much to say here, commentary is decent but will get old eventually. Effects are pretty good but nothing special. I am not one to judge a sports game by what it sounds like, nor do I care if it has sounds at all. Suggestions: I hope that in a few years, that every fan will be three dimensional and will effect the players performance. I think that xbl will make this game a lasting classic. Good job sega.
Overall: This game has the same overall appeal that 2k2 had last year. Better graphics more moves and addicting gameplay. Plenty of different gameplay modes are cause for loads of replay value and the franchise mode is one of the best to date. Gameplay: The gameplay on this game is very good. The new passing system is ok could have used some more polish. Some of the passes become lobs when they shouldn't and the icon is still the best way to pass. The analog stick does help on fastbreaks. The computer AI is done very well but they make stupid mistakes like catch the inbounds pass outta bounds. The game is still very fun and addicting. Graphics: WOW!!! The faces look so real. You can easily distinguish players apart from each other. Really cool. However, everything is still the same as last year, all the dunk and crossover animations are the same. Thats not all that bad it just feels exactly like last years edition. Everything else looks great, stadiums, crowd and replays are done well. Sound: Overall sound is good. The announcers talk about certain plays as they happen. Players talk on the court which is cool in the street games. Game and half-time recaps are awesome as they talk about how you faired in the game. I was looking for more ESPN announcers and replays on "Sportscenter " after the game in season mode. Could have used more music on the menus. Suggestions: Great game but is so close to being the absolute best. Game needs work on the passing system, players could use some more NEW animations, make more use of the ESPN liscense, (where is Stuart Scott's BOOOYAA) a create a dunk would be cool, as well as 3 point contest and dunk contest, one on one would be good. Not real important but adds to replay.
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