NBA Starting Five

Konami shakes off losing the ESPN license and brings a solid game, but who did that soundtrack? Dance Dance Basketball is in the house!

Shaking off its loss of the ESPN license, Konami comes back with an interesting part sim, part arcade mix. NBA Starting Five is a welcome hybrid and a solid continuation of Konami?s In the Zone tradition.

Post ESPN
Released from the constraints of the ESPN license, NBA Starting Five is now free to be judged on its own merits and puts on a very respectable showing. The visual presentation is sharp, sporting solid player animation and satisfying ball physics. While there isn?t a large variety of animations, what?s there looks good.

The controls have a crisp touch that is highly reminiscent of Konami?s arcade game, NBA Run ?N? Gun. The button layout, on the other hand, would benefit from a greater level of customization.

The one area that needs serious work is the player A.I. Teammates are hard-pressed to cover any man other than their own and often look confused as to where they are supposed to be. They also have a hard time figuring out how to pick up loose balls and rebound efficiently.

Back In the Zone
The music is sure to cause a controversy that will split fans. The Dance Dance Revolution faithful will dig the bouncy, disco-rap jams permeating the game, but everyone else will hate it.

NBA Starting Five?s enjoyable mix of sim and arcade gameplay is well worth your time, especially if this combo of styles appeals to you. With some work on A.I., animations, and a deeper Franchise mode, Konami?s game has a shot at spoiling the establishment?s party next year.

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