NBA 2K3
- October 07, 2002 16:31 PM PST
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After dominating the field with a tweaked port of the Dreamcast version, Sega?s premier hoops sim is finally getting the complete makeover it deserves for all the next-gen consoles.
Although last year?s versions of NBA 2K2 on next-gen platforms were merely buffed-up ports of the earlier Dreamcast title, they were still head and shoulders above the rest of the pack. This year, NBA 2K3 will be taking full advantage of the extra power that the PS2, Xbox, and GameCube are capable of.That added juice will be readily apparent in the graphics as this year?s models will barely resemble the previous outing. The likenesses of the players will be astonishing, and Sega claims that no two heads shapes will be alike, at least out of the starting five of each team. The animations will be equally insane, thanks to the implementation of five-man motion-capture data that creates realistic interaction between the players. All the stadiums are being re-created with laser accuracy and will feature fully polygonal crowds in the first rows, in addition to coaches, cameramen, and benchwarmers.
Can You Feel Me?
The preview version sported very smooth gameplay that any newcomer or 2K veteran could ease into. The biggest addition was the ability to change your shot in mid-air. If the defender was about to cleanly contest a dunk, you could switch to an under hand lay-up instead. You could also control how hard or soft you wanted to pass the ball, and players were able to dive for loose balls that were heading out of bounds. How successful they were in saving it depended on positioning and what their skill rating was. Audio portions of the game were still being implemented, but the commentary had many branching paths for a variety of timely observations.
Let the Rhythm Hit?em
Players in real life can be streaky, so this will be reflected in the game through the BioRhythm system. From the substitutions menu, you?ll be able to quickly see who is heating up, struggling, or ice cold, and then adjust your lineup and tactics accordingly.
Rounding out the features list will be the obligatory Franchise mode, online support, and a pumped-up Street mode that lets you play in daytime or nighttime, and in rain, fog, or heat-wave conditions. With everything and a couple of kitchen sinks thrown in, NBA 2K3 is looking ready to take on all comers this October.
