The dreamcast's best sports sim, bar none. (Sega Sports NBA 2k (DC))

Member Name: pooky

Product:	Sega Sports NBA 2k (DC)
Date:	09/07/00 (8 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Great graphics sound and gameplay for up to four people. What more could you possibly want.

Disadvantages: A saved season and custom team takes up a whole VM Unit

The lack of great football games is continual gripe amongst dreamcast owners and for the near future we must be content with other sports. This is probably the best of the currently released sports sims and a simulation it definately is. This is not a game to buy for a quick slice of action packed gameplay but, given time, this game will suck you into the most realistic sports environment yet created on a home console. All the teams from the NBA are present with their real life players all accurately modelled, you can actually recognise them (although only in the replays where the camera zooms in and which, by the way, are fully controllable is speed of replay and exact positioning of the camera). The stadium detail is fantastic with the reflections of the lights in the polished floor, the crowd who move independantly and even take sips of drink. The sound too is wonderful with commentary that accurately reflects the game being played and doesn't repeat the same comments too often, crowd chatter and play instructions shouted from the team coach all help create the feeling that this is actually real. A custom team can also be made not only allowing you to name players but create their look from skin colour to height, tatoos, wristbands, goggles, facial hair, nose size (incredible but true) and team logo.
But great graphics and sound do not a great game make. Thankfully gameplay is spot on. Movement is precisely controlled by the analogue stick (although like almost everything else in the game, the control method is customisable including digital control) whilst passing can be conducted either by facing a team mate and pressing pass or by an icon system which makes passing to any of your other four team mates a very simple operation. Dunks lay ups and jump shots can also be conducted with ease and a novel penalty throw system utilising the analogue triggers is near genius. While it can be a little difficult to steal the ball from opponants this does accuratel
y reflect basketball itself so I cannot really gripe. Also the game takes a while to really get into and to start with the control can be a little overwhelming.
Also of note is the fact that a saved game takes up a whole Visual Memory Unit so if you want to creat a custom team or run an entire season you will need to spend an extra twenty pounds.
But, so as not to end on a bad note, this is a very worthwhile purchase which will keep you coming back for a long time, even more so if you have three mates handy and the controllers to go with them.

Summary: