NBA ShootOut 2003
Score: 74% ESRB: Everyone Publisher: 989 Sports Developer: Killer Game Media: CD/1 Players: 1 - 2 Genre: Sports
Graphics & Sound: It's been a while since I played any 989 Sports game, so I didn't know what to expect when I played NBA ShootOut 2003. For the most part, it looked just like it did the last time I played this series. It's hard to compare PlayStation One graphics to anything else, since everything else out on the market blows it away in comparison (i.e. apples and oranges). Still, things don't look too bad with the player models, although they are very blocky and pixilated. The biggest problem is that some of the animations aren't as fluid as they could be. Background wise, the courts and arenas aren't bad. The crowd actually gets into the game, as opposed to sitting like statues. There's a lone commentator for NBA ShootOut 2003, but it seems to fit the bill. A couple of his phrases sound alike, but at least he follows the game. I think the game needs more sound effects though, like squeaky tennis shoes and an even louder crowd. The little things really do add up to make a complete game.
Gameplay: When you look on the back of ShootOut's case, you'll see a little saying: "If it's not from the NBA, it's not the NBA." To me, it sounds like a bad rip-off of, "If it's in the game, it's in the game.". Regardless, the gameplay of NBA ShootOut 2003 seems to be a bad rip-off of the NBA. The components are there to be an exciting game, it's just that it's not very realistic. It really felt like it was all offense and no defense, when I picked up the controller. Players can't miss from anywhere on the court (especially if they get hot), and everyone has the leaping ability of someone on a trampoline. If you think I'm kidding, try taking the ball to the hoop with Terrell Brandon, the point guard of the Minnesota Timberwolves. First off, he's old, he's had how many knee surgeries, and I've only seen him dunk the ball once in my life, and that was three years ago. Still, he had mad hops in ShootOut 2003, and was able to throw it down hard plenty of times. Another unrealistic thing I encountered was after simulating through a season. The computer seems to trade anybody for anybody. In one season, this is what I saw for SOME of the trades: -Shaquille O'Neal for David Robinson, then David Robinson for Alonzo Mourning. Granted, all three centers are talented, but let's be honest. We all know Shaq will never leave L.A. -Kenyon Martin for Scott Williams, then Kenyon Martin for Joel Pryzbilla. Ever heard of Scott Williams or Joel Pryzbilla? I have, but that's only because I live in Wisconsin, where Williams was a former Milwaukee Buck and Pryzbilla still is one. If you have heard of them, you'll know that both men together aren't enough to trade for half of Kenyon Martin. NBA ShootOut 2003 doesn't offer much for game modes either. You can play in an Exhibition game, go through just ONE Season, or skip ahead to the Playoffs. It's possible to create your own NBA all star, but the feature I liked the most was creating my very own dunk.
Difficulty: You can play on four different difficulty settings for ShootOut 2003: Rookie, Veteran, All Star, and Hall of Fame. With the first two levels, you really can't miss from anywhere on the court. But the last two levels, you'll actually have to learn how to play offense and defense to win. Obviously, the higher the level, the better the computer gets.
Game Mechanics: The controller configuration for NBA ShootOut 2003 is pretty easy to understand. Those that are new to the game can pick up the controller with ease, while old veterans can take on more of the Total Control features, like passing, screening and shooting. Nine memory blocks will be used on your memory card, which is a lot for PlayStation One. Thankfully, the loading time barely exists. PS2: Should you adjust the features on your PS2, the loading time will speed up just a little bit, and the graphics will smooth over only slightly. There are still better games out there for basketball gamers, but NBA ShootOut 2003 isn't that bad. If you're all about offense, and no defense, then maybe this is the game for you. Regardless, this is a rent at best.
-Red Dawg, GameVortex Communications AKA Alex Redmann
Power Spike Pro Beach Volleyball NBA ShootOut 2004