Games Database
Xbox
Sport: Basketball
| Viewed: | 3D Third-person, floating camera | Genre: | Sport: Basketball |
| Media: | CD | Arcade origin: | No |
| Developer: | High Voltage Software | Soft. Co.: | Microsoft |
| Publishers: | Microsoft
(GB) |
Released: | 6 Dec 2002
(GB) |
| Ratings: | 3+ | ||
| Accessories: | Xbox Memory Unit | ||
Summary
With the series now produced internally by Microsoft Game Studios, NBA Inside Drive's latest instalment has been dubbed the finest basketball sim on Xbox by the American behemoth and console manufacturer.
Like the 2002 version, NBA Inside Drive 2003 welcomes its players with a series of spectacular in-game dunks, fully demonstrating the game's capable graphics engine and camera control. Fluid animations, motion capture techniques and character likenesses put forward an accurate representation of what the sport is really all about, at least in a visual sense.
Again, you have the privilege of playing as any of 25 American teams including the world-renowned Chicago Bulls, LA Lakers and several less recognisable outfits. But you'll not just be responsible for scoring 3-pointers. In fact, you'll probably spend more time learning how to defend your hoop from the opposition. Scoring is easy, but without the ability to prevent your opponent from scoring, you'll only end up stuck in a run of dead heats.
Additionally, you'll have to manage your team and adjust player skill levels from season to season. Victories will earn you ego-massaging trophies and you'll be given the chance to 'upgrade' your players. Theoretically, you can reach the age of ninety and still be perfecting your ball-throwing skills. It's one of those games that just never ends.
Game modes such as Playoffs, Season and Exhibition introduce some much-needed variety, and the game's management options and endless stat pages will ensure players always have something to do. It's a clear rival to EA's NBA Live series, and a worthy one at that.
Like the 2002 version, NBA Inside Drive 2003 welcomes its players with a series of spectacular in-game dunks, fully demonstrating the game's capable graphics engine and camera control. Fluid animations, motion capture techniques and character likenesses put forward an accurate representation of what the sport is really all about, at least in a visual sense.
Again, you have the privilege of playing as any of 25 American teams including the world-renowned Chicago Bulls, LA Lakers and several less recognisable outfits. But you'll not just be responsible for scoring 3-pointers. In fact, you'll probably spend more time learning how to defend your hoop from the opposition. Scoring is easy, but without the ability to prevent your opponent from scoring, you'll only end up stuck in a run of dead heats.
Additionally, you'll have to manage your team and adjust player skill levels from season to season. Victories will earn you ego-massaging trophies and you'll be given the chance to 'upgrade' your players. Theoretically, you can reach the age of ninety and still be perfecting your ball-throwing skills. It's one of those games that just never ends.
Game modes such as Playoffs, Season and Exhibition introduce some much-needed variety, and the game's management options and endless stat pages will ensure players always have something to do. It's a clear rival to EA's NBA Live series, and a worthy one at that.
