ESPN NBA Basketball: Thumbs up or down?

Kodos · 11-19-2003, 02:18 PM

Is it worth getting or not? I've heard conflicting reports.

FBPro · 11-19-2003, 02:26 PM

There's another sport going on this time of year besides football?

Kodos · 11-19-2003, 02:44 PM

That's part of the reason why I'm considering not getting any NBA game this year - I always end up playing the football games all year to the exclusion of every other game. Every year I want to get an NBA game that is good enough that I will have no need to buy future installments. So far, that basketball game doesn't seem to exist.

Calis · 11-19-2003, 03:07 PM

You know, ESPN Basketball is a great game, and definitely the best B-Ball video game I've played, but from what you say, I don't think it's for you.

I still think there are some things that need to be added/changed before this would fall into the category you're looking for.

The biggest problem I have is that the team's don't run offenses. There's 4 plays you can call, all very very basic things, like a pick and roll, isolation, etc.. and as far as I can tell every team runs the same offense, which is basically none. Then again, maybe that's closer to what the NBA is today.

That and I seem to run into what I consider a very high rate of trading with Superstars in Franchise. Basically you can expect about any big name star to be gone from his team within the first two years or so.

Hmm, this sounds kinda negative, but really the game is fantastic. For the most part it feels like a real game of basketball when you play it, and I come up with pretty consistent believable stats.

People really seem to enjoy the 24/7 Mode, which I haven't really got into yet, but it looks like it could be interesting.

EDIT: Realized I didn't give a clear answer either way. I think it's easily the best Basketball game around, but you might be better off waiting another year if you can.

Butter · 11-19-2003, 03:14 PM

You are aware, Kodos, that it is not an EA title.

Dammit, that never gets old.

Kodos · 11-19-2003, 03:35 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Butter_of_69
You are aware, Kodos, that it is not an EA title.

Dammit, that never gets old.

WHAT?!?

Whew. That was a close one. I almost bought an non-EA sports game...

The review at Operation Sports says that your team never runs an offense unless you call a play. So guys just stand there unless you tell them to do otherwise. Is this true?

Calis · 11-19-2003, 03:49 PM

Nah, they move...but there's no rhyme or reason to it, and the movement is minimal.

I'll once again reiterate that this is my biggest gripe with the game, I can't believe they would leave out something like different offenses and such.

RPI-Fan · 11-19-2003, 03:50 PM

I know in 2k3, if you got two quick passes going, you'd get plenty of movement. But getting things started could be a bit difficult, at times.

kingnebwsu · 11-19-2003, 04:44 PM

I really am enjoying NBA. Unfortunately, the offline mode has no challenge for me...so I play exclusively online. I love the "A+X" pass (X-box version). Basically, it leads the guy who's cutting to the basket. Or, if someone is in position, it's an alley-oop. I don't remember that pass in previous games, and its inclusion makes ESPN NBA an absolute blast. I can't remember the last time I enjoyed passing the ball so much.

I think if the default setting had blocks turned down somewhat/quite a bit, it'd be an absolutely amazing game. But with that slight slider tweak, the game is absolutely amazing. Even without that tweak, the number of blocks doesn't detract from my personal experience with the game. It makes ya think about getting open shots/dunks/layups.

ESPN NBA isn't gonna be the best basketball game forever, but for my money it's the best one available for my interests&needs in a quality console NBA game.

mrskippy · 11-19-2003, 05:03 PM

I have it out on my unlimited rentals plan at Hollywood Video. I like it, but have yet to play NBA Live 2004.

I've done some great trades ... adding Lebron James to the Kings for example.

Eaglesfan27 · 11-19-2003, 06:09 PM

I'm really enjoying it as I use Iverson to break down the defense and he is tough to stop in the game, but I agree the lack of team specific offenses is disappointing. However, I do think the game does a realistic job of getting the stars a lot of shots and this is the most challenging edition yet in my opinion.

tucker342 · 11-19-2003, 09:29 PM

It's awesome.

What Calis said pretty much sums it up

View Poll Results: Should I get it, or skip all NBA games this year?
Yes, it's the greatest thing since rectal trout were introduced?	11	84.62%
No, save your money for a larger trout.	2	15.38%
Voters: 13. You may not vote on this poll

11-19-2003, 02:26 PM	#2
FBPro College Starter Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: SE	There's another sport going on this time of year besides football? __________________ GM RayCo Raiders-est. 2004-2012 Charter member of the IHOF-RayCo GM GM Tennessee Titans PFL 2011-2014 GM Tennessee Titans FOWL 2020-2025

11-19-2003, 03:07 PM	#4
Calis College Starter Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Kansas	You know, ESPN Basketball is a great game, and definitely the best B-Ball video game I've played, but from what you say, I don't think it's for you. I still think there are some things that need to be added/changed before this would fall into the category you're looking for. The biggest problem I have is that the team's don't run offenses. There's 4 plays you can call, all very very basic things, like a pick and roll, isolation, etc.. and as far as I can tell every team runs the same offense, which is basically none. Then again, maybe that's closer to what the NBA is today. That and I seem to run into what I consider a very high rate of trading with Superstars in Franchise. Basically you can expect about any big name star to be gone from his team within the first two years or so. Hmm, this sounds kinda negative, but really the game is fantastic. For the most part it feels like a real game of basketball when you play it, and I come up with pretty consistent believable stats. People really seem to enjoy the 24/7 Mode, which I haven't really got into yet, but it looks like it could be interesting. EDIT: Realized I didn't give a clear answer either way. I think it's easily the best Basketball game around, but you might be better off waiting another year if you can. Last edited by Calis : 11-19-2003 at 03:09 PM.

11-19-2003, 03:14 PM	#5
Butter Coordinator Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Dayton, OH	You are aware, Kodos, that it is not an EA title. Dammit, that never gets old. __________________ My listening habits Last edited by Butter : 11-19-2003 at 03:14 PM.

11-19-2003, 03:50 PM	#8
RPI-Fan Pro Starter Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: Troy, NY	I know in 2k3, if you got two quick passes going, you'd get plenty of movement. But getting things started could be a bit difficult, at times. __________________ Quis custodiets ipsos custodes?

11-19-2003, 02:44 PM	#3
Kodos Resident Alien Join Date: Jun 2001	That's part of the reason why I'm considering not getting any NBA game this year - I always end up playing the football games all year to the exclusion of every other game. Every year I want to get an NBA game that is good enough that I will have no need to buy future installments. So far, that basketball game doesn't seem to exist.

11-19-2003, 03:49 PM	#7
Calis College Starter Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Kansas	Nah, they move...but there's no rhyme or reason to it, and the movement is minimal. I'll once again reiterate that this is my biggest gripe with the game, I can't believe they would leave out something like different offenses and such.

11-19-2003, 04:44 PM	#9
kingnebwsu College Benchwarmer Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Ohio	I really am enjoying NBA. Unfortunately, the offline mode has no challenge for me...so I play exclusively online. I love the "A+X" pass (X-box version). Basically, it leads the guy who's cutting to the basket. Or, if someone is in position, it's an alley-oop. I don't remember that pass in previous games, and its inclusion makes ESPN NBA an absolute blast. I can't remember the last time I enjoyed passing the ball so much. I think if the default setting had blocks turned down somewhat/quite a bit, it'd be an absolutely amazing game. But with that slight slider tweak, the game is absolutely amazing. Even without that tweak, the number of blocks doesn't detract from my personal experience with the game. It makes ya think about getting open shots/dunks/layups. ESPN NBA isn't gonna be the best basketball game forever, but for my money it's the best one available for my interests&needs in a quality console NBA game.

11-19-2003, 05:03 PM	#10
mrskippy Banned Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: California	I have it out on my unlimited rentals plan at Hollywood Video. I like it, but have yet to play NBA Live 2004. I've done some great trades ... adding Lebron James to the Kings for example.

11-19-2003, 06:09 PM	#11
Eaglesfan27 Hall Of Famer Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: New Jersey	I'm really enjoying it as I use Iverson to break down the defense and he is tough to stop in the game, but I agree the lack of team specific offenses is disappointing. However, I do think the game does a realistic job of getting the stars a lot of shots and this is the most challenging edition yet in my opinion. __________________ Retired GM of the eNFL 2007 Super Bowl Champion Philadelphia Eagles (19-0 record.) GM of the WOOF 2006 Doggie Bowl Champion Atlantic City Gamblers. GM of the IHOF 2019 and 2022 IHOF Bowl Champion Asheville Axemen.

11-19-2003, 09:29 PM	#12
tucker342 Pro Starter Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Iowa City, IA	It's awesome. What Calis said pretty much sums it up

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