Ok, I've played HOURS of 2k3, rented ID2003 and gave it a run a few times and consider myself pretty objective so here goes.
I first started playing ID2003 and had the same thoughts as FWhite...this game is absolutely horrible. If it wasn't for so many great posts about it that would've been the end of my experience right there. THe problem? The default camera. Using the Drive camera is by far the best option so for anyone "trying it out" switch it immediately.
I expected the graphics to be better. I still haven't played live but am pretty convinced now that 2k3 can't be touched in graphics. In fact some of the player models are down right horrible IMO. My first time playing a Microsoft game so maybe it was more of a shock for me.
The little problem with the players "looks" can be ignored pretty quickly once you see how they "feel". The animations are VERY SMOOTH. Everything is, well, perfect. The moves, post game, layups, steals are all wonderful. I'd like the jump shot to be a little quicker but the animation is incredible. And last but not least, the tips are amazingly realistic. In comparison to 2k3, I'd say I find myself trying to get smooth transistions with moves in 2k3 where ID2003 is so smooth it may make you turn the ball over. 2k3's tips are a joke if you aren't right next to the basket. Both game's dunk in rebounds are nice.
Gameplay (multi-player) in 2k3 is almost flawless IMO. Solid half court set ups with a number of very good plays when run well. The "call for pick" can be abused a bit but can be easily stopped by calling zones, which can be beat by running good offenses...nice chess game. It's pretty easy to guard the ball handler but you can also be beat by running off a screen or performing a cross over move (or posting up).
ID2003 is also solid but a little different. The collision detection doesn't seem to be as nice. It's much easier to drive by a man and at times you get the ball stolen without even knowing it. I guess the game appears a bit 2-D making it a bit harder to D up or even make your own moves. The plays work pretty well though.
Passing sucks IMO in ID2003 compared to 2k3. Many complain about the passes in 2k3 but once you get used to it you throw the right passes in the right situation. In ID2003 you don't have a choice. You hope a bounce pass is made or a lob but many times it's a bullet that gets stolen, even if it's too a player across the court. Fast breaking is also insanely easy. In short, it seems like the passing/fast breaking game is similar to NBA2k2 which was very easy to abuse.
Gameplay (single player) is where the game shines. The CPU is very aggressive. They do a GREAT job of finding the open man at the right time, running plays and fighting to get by a man even when covered. They definitely get out on the break better than the CPU of 2k3 and very rarely settle for a bad shot. They also feed the hot hand for as long as you allow them, making for very challenging games.
Post play in 2k3 sucks and this couldn't be more clear than after playing a game of ID2003. The basic moves look the same but are sooo much more fluid in ID2003. Too make it worse, this allows them to happen faster which is more realistic. I do think backing people down is too easy but I like the difference between backing down a center with a center and backing down a guard with a center.
CONCLUSIOIN: Unlike many, I really don't like the way the game looks at all. It's enough to make me not want to play it since I have other options. If you like the looks or don't care as much as me about them then I'd focus on the gameplay. It's much smoother than 2k3 but has faster gameplay than 2k3 to the point that it can become slightly unrealistc though still fun.
The key, and reason I am considering getting the game is more a fault of 2k3. Single player 2k3 difficulty can't touch ID2003. The game makes you work and in a very realistic way. I'd say if you're only going to play the CPU this is the game for you. If you'll mostly play online and against friends I'd prefer 2k3. If you do both you gotta decide for yourself.
I first started playing ID2003 and had the same thoughts as FWhite...this game is absolutely horrible. If it wasn't for so many great posts about it that would've been the end of my experience right there. THe problem? The default camera. Using the Drive camera is by far the best option so for anyone "trying it out" switch it immediately.
I expected the graphics to be better. I still haven't played live but am pretty convinced now that 2k3 can't be touched in graphics. In fact some of the player models are down right horrible IMO. My first time playing a Microsoft game so maybe it was more of a shock for me.
The little problem with the players "looks" can be ignored pretty quickly once you see how they "feel". The animations are VERY SMOOTH. Everything is, well, perfect. The moves, post game, layups, steals are all wonderful. I'd like the jump shot to be a little quicker but the animation is incredible. And last but not least, the tips are amazingly realistic. In comparison to 2k3, I'd say I find myself trying to get smooth transistions with moves in 2k3 where ID2003 is so smooth it may make you turn the ball over. 2k3's tips are a joke if you aren't right next to the basket. Both game's dunk in rebounds are nice.
Gameplay (multi-player) in 2k3 is almost flawless IMO. Solid half court set ups with a number of very good plays when run well. The "call for pick" can be abused a bit but can be easily stopped by calling zones, which can be beat by running good offenses...nice chess game. It's pretty easy to guard the ball handler but you can also be beat by running off a screen or performing a cross over move (or posting up).
ID2003 is also solid but a little different. The collision detection doesn't seem to be as nice. It's much easier to drive by a man and at times you get the ball stolen without even knowing it. I guess the game appears a bit 2-D making it a bit harder to D up or even make your own moves. The plays work pretty well though.
Passing sucks IMO in ID2003 compared to 2k3. Many complain about the passes in 2k3 but once you get used to it you throw the right passes in the right situation. In ID2003 you don't have a choice. You hope a bounce pass is made or a lob but many times it's a bullet that gets stolen, even if it's too a player across the court. Fast breaking is also insanely easy. In short, it seems like the passing/fast breaking game is similar to NBA2k2 which was very easy to abuse.
Gameplay (single player) is where the game shines. The CPU is very aggressive. They do a GREAT job of finding the open man at the right time, running plays and fighting to get by a man even when covered. They definitely get out on the break better than the CPU of 2k3 and very rarely settle for a bad shot. They also feed the hot hand for as long as you allow them, making for very challenging games.
Post play in 2k3 sucks and this couldn't be more clear than after playing a game of ID2003. The basic moves look the same but are sooo much more fluid in ID2003. Too make it worse, this allows them to happen faster which is more realistic. I do think backing people down is too easy but I like the difference between backing down a center with a center and backing down a guard with a center.
CONCLUSIOIN: Unlike many, I really don't like the way the game looks at all. It's enough to make me not want to play it since I have other options. If you like the looks or don't care as much as me about them then I'd focus on the gameplay. It's much smoother than 2k3 but has faster gameplay than 2k3 to the point that it can become slightly unrealistc though still fun.
The key, and reason I am considering getting the game is more a fault of 2k3. Single player 2k3 difficulty can't touch ID2003. The game makes you work and in a very realistic way. I'd say if you're only going to play the CPU this is the game for you. If you'll mostly play online and against friends I'd prefer 2k3. If you do both you gotta decide for yourself.
Comment