A Sleeping Giant in Inside Drive 2003????

[DocHolliday]

Ive been viewing these boards for awhile, and I have to say, im rather dissapointed with the results for the big two. (live, 2k3). I loved 2k3 last year, and I loved Live in 2001 for the PC. But this year, ive been reading some scarce previews, and I think im gonna hold out for Inside Drive. The videos look good, smooth animations and such, good looking shots, etc. It has franchise, and sliders that make sense. I.E. ones for human and ones for Computer. Know, if these work well, along with the toning down of blocks and steals (I read they were a problem in 2002, and thats pretty much the only real gameplay complaint ive heard, thats pretty good in itself!!!!) then this might just be a great F'n game!! I want to hear some more thoughts on ID 2003 by people who know there [censored], or have seen other preview or videos or rumors. I think Billy might have snuck up on everyone this year with a good, quility sim game in ID 2003. Whats up!!!!

[CMH]

Re: A Sleeping Giant in Inside Drive 2003????

personally i gave up entirely in basketball video games. I just thought that it was too difficult to grasp the entire NBA experience into a decent enough product. there were just too many things that an NBA player can do, and will do, in the post, on the run, with the ball, etc. that i just didnt see happening in a video game.

then i bought an XBOX and decided to give it one more shot. I rented ID2002 and I was disappointed. why? b/c i waited so long to find this game and i didnt wanna buy it and then shell out another 50 bucks for the 2003 version. so i had to wait. but the wait has been all good.

ID2002 just did so many things that I never saw a basketball game do. its almost difficult to explain. The first thing i noticed is the player movement on the court. not animations but movement on the court. The guys never stood still. they would set picks for each other (without even asking for one) and the best shooters would run around looking to get open.

Then the players battled for boards. There was actually rebounding in the game. Even though I didnt always feel like I was gettin the boards, it was nice to know that i could count on the AI to grab boards for me. There wasnt an unrealistic number of offensive rebounds or computer dominance on the boards. I would consistantly see guys like Wallace, Duncan, O'Neal, Webber, grabbing about 10-12 boards a game.

The flow was also really good. The Computer would run the fastbreak or slow it down if they were on top or tired. Driving to the basket wasnt exactly too easy. It was far more easier with guys like T-Mac or Kobe, but you werent gonna have Charlie Ward break a spin off the postup straight into and through the lane for two. However, big agile guys (Webber, McDyess, Garnett) did have an easy time spinning off the post and dropping in a dunk. Maybe a bit too easy at times. One of the reasons this might have been easy is b/c of the lack of post up moves. You had one move that had to work b/c if it didnt then you had nothing. So hopefully this is fixed (though it doesnt need to much fixing) in 2003.

Some reviewers complained that as you play the game you'll realize that players miss a load of easy baskets. I disagree. I felt that over 90% of my "easy" missed baskets were really difficult shots to pull off. It seemed easy b/c it was a video game, but in real life Mike Bibby is not gonna drive to the basket and easily drop a layup over O'Neal's outstretched arm while knowing that Fisher is chasing him from behind. The space was there, but in the real deal you worry about the arm of both defenders lookin for the ball. This is where i really wanted to see something similar to what 2k3 implemented - altered shots. that in my opinion would complete the driving aspect of the game.

I speak only about drives to the basket and not outside shots b/c a game really cant mess up the outside game. I mean, the guy jumps and shoots. nothing difficult about that. I will say that ID got it right and guys can not have their foot over the line and expect to get awarded for three points. (love the fact that the refs put up one arm when you attempt the three and then the second arm when you hit it!). The driving aspect of video games is always a major problem and b/c of that we get games like Live 2001.

anywayz, the improvements ID is making for 2003 will greatly benefit the game. Some people may be weary of 100 new animations and imagine that it could never improve gameplay. However, if you realize that those animations are goin into making the post up game more real (just to name one aspect of what the animations are doin) then you'll respect the reasons behind drawing 100 new animations.

I also want to add that I think NBA 2k3 is a very good game. I rented it this weekend and enjoyed it very much. IMO it has made great strides. I played 2k2 and didnt enjoy it at all. 2k3 seems much more realistic and fair at the same time (2k vets may understand why i say fair in terms of computer dominance in certain aspects of the game).

However, since ID was the game that gave me hope for basketball video games, i'll stick to dropping 50 bucks on 2003.

[DocHolliday]

Re: A Sleeping Giant in Inside Drive 2003????

Thanks for the reply, now im sure im getting this game, just a few tweaks and it should be bliss!!!! Wow, great rookie and hopefully sophmore attempt by Microsoft!!! go Xbox!!!

[IDHQ]

Re: A Sleeping Giant in Inside Drive 2003????

I can't wait for the 22nd. The main complaint I've seen about ID2003 from reviewers is the fact that the gameplay hasn't chagned a lot. To me that is the best thing they could have said. We know they fixed the excessive blocks which was the only "major" flaw in the gameplay last year so I'm very happy that they didn't mess with a good thing. You know the old adage, if it ain't broke don't fix it. Why would you mess with the most realistic on-court simulation of real bball (minus the excessive blocking)? Wake up reviewers...

[shpankey]

Re: A Sleeping Giant in Inside Drive 2003????

Yes, but at the same time your own previewer said...

"this game is a LOT better"

So while the core gameplay that earned it the "best gameplay" title last year is still there, we can expect a much more polished title.

Honestly, and I kid you not... last years probably had the best gameplay of any sports game I've ever played. Period. I'm 31 and been hardcore gaming since the Atari 2600. I am a sports nut and a gaming freak. I play all sports games with an open approach... so please, listen to me... ID 2003 will be where it's at AGAIN this year!

Just trust me and get it... I promise you will NOT be dissapointed!

[DueceDiggla]

Re: A Sleeping Giant in Inside Drive 2003????

It looks as though every player has the same form when it comes to shooting in the game. Is this true?

And the screenshots look too dark. Like someone shut the lights.

[shpankey]

Re: A Sleeping Giant in Inside Drive 2003????

It's not that dark. Those are very poor captures. Some people complained that ID 2002 was a little too dark, but I think they have their sets adjusted wrong. I used Avia on my TV and 2002 looks perfect.

But, the Inside Drive developers (High Voltage Software) have said they have "brightened up" 2003 due too some complaints. So that should put your mind at ease.

Problem is, most people have Contrast cranked to 100% on their TV's and Brightness too low... which would give the game that dark effect.

[**DONOTDELETE**]

Re: A Sleeping Giant in Inside Drive 2003????

I thought 2002 was ana wesome and the gameplay was great. I hope they don't change anything about this game, just add more. There was nothing to really change. I know people were complaining about blocks, but that's what sliders are for. And I didn't think it was too dark. It was fine with me. 2003 can only get better...and for those that loved 2002...get ready!

[twilla]

Re: A Sleeping Giant in Inside Drive 2003????

I have wrote a long list of amazing Inside Drive features but
I keep getting disconnected so here is the little version.
Crazy injuries
Good post game
Fluid animations
Play calling that makes a huge difference
Free throw challenge
Foul calling I was called for some bogus fouls thats NBA
Dunks Vince Carter ELBOW in the rim dunk nuff said
Losing Yes losing is so good in this game!

[DocHolliday]

Re: A Sleeping Giant in Inside Drive 2003????

Well, heres to ID coming out on wendsday!! (takes shot of jagermeister) But, if it isnt, i odnt know if I can wait till the 22nd, ill probally get 2k3 then, and maybe trade in, i need a fix BAD

[**DONOTDELETE**]

Re: A Sleeping Giant in Inside Drive 2003????

twilla: I have wrote a long list of amazing Inside Drive features but
I keep getting disconnected so here is the little version.
Crazy injuries
Good post game
Fluid animations
Play calling that makes a huge difference
Free throw challenge
Foul calling I was called for some bogus fouls thats NBA
Dunks Vince Carter ELBOW in the rim dunk nuff said
Losing Yes losing is so good in this game!

----------------

You're right about everything there, I think...? I heard that injuries were pretty much going to be the same as last year so what exactly do you mean by crazy injuries??? Are they out longer or does it show them getting injured??? Sorry...confused.

[CityWideAllStar]

Re: A Sleeping Giant in Inside Drive 2003????

I'm liking what I hear about ID2003. Looks like it could be the best of them all.