|
|
NBA Showtime: NBA on NBC
|
|
|
|
|
|
Graphics & Sound:
Have you ever played those arcade games where the animated players look just like the real ones? Well, NBA Showtime NBA on NBC for Game Boy Color doesn't even come close to that ... but it has lovely pastels. Seriously, the graphics aren't bad at all for a 16-bit hand held system. As I mentioned before, the colors are a little on the ... weak side, but over all, not too bad. I mean let's face it, you can clearly make out the goal, the ball, and the players - that's all that counts anyway. I would have to say that the graphics are pretty doable. The best thing about the sound is that you can mute it. I found the MIDI music and effects started to drive me insane after about 30 seconds.
|
|
|
Gameplay:
Remember NBA Jam? Well, this is that game under a different name (they can make more money this way by using Shaq and NBC). What you have here is two on two, very unrealistic basketball. I hate this type of game, but I must respect the fact that it is done well. With four modes of play, tons of animations, and true team members, this game seems to have it all. You can play in Exhibition, Season (with password progression), Playoff, or Practice mode. Basically, here's the game: you pick two players out of your NBA team roster (and don't pick Kobe and Shaq every time). You then select which of the two you will control and the computer will take over the other. Like NBA Jam and other arcade style basketball games, you can do super-480 degree summersault-from half court-dunks, give free fouls, and get some awesome vert. Of course, let's not forget the infamous 'he's on fire!' Make a few baskets in a row, and your pyrotechnic shots always go in. That should tire the average player out, right? Don't worry, you have the option to substitute your players if you wish. Even though I don't like these unrealistic type sports games, I have to give credit where credit is due. For this type of game, Midway did a good job on the gameplay. All of the teams are here, carrying most of the players. The dunk animations are great and the 'on fire' has always been fun. Even milking the turbo button makes things interesting. Not a bad job on gameplay.
|
|
|
Difficulty:
Cakewalk. Well, that's not necessarily true. The difficulty is adjustable, so it goes from cakewalk to taking a cake from a baby who won it at a cakewalk. There really is no competition in this game. If you want to play a game where you can't lose, this is the one for you. Of course, if you wanted realism, you'd be playing NBA Live.
|
|
|
Game Mechanics:
Okay boys and girls, two buttons and a controller. If you can't figure this one out, maybe that addiction to Game Boy isn't your only problem. The layout it simple; however the controls are awful. The game runs slow and choppy. The sluggishness helps with the control, but the choppiness is just down right irritating. Good graphics, bad sound, great gameplay, no difficulty, and poor mechanics make this a bearable game, but if you like this style, you'll find none better for the GBC.
|
|
|
-Storm, GameVortex Communications AKA Jeremy Kelso |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
