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Stars indicate the most critically-acclaimed games.
ESPN NBA Basketball
Generally favorable reviews
Based on 18 critic reviews
How did we calculate this?
Based on 34 votes
Read user comments
Rate this game >
Game Info
Publisher: Sega
Developer: Visual Concepts
Genre(s): Sports, Basketball
Players: 8
ESRB Rating: E (Everyone)
Release Date: October 21, 2003
Summary
ESPN Presentation - Step up and join the most anticipated presentation known to date! With detailed visuals, picture-in-picture introductions, a variety of eye-catching callouts and new studio and color commentary -- why settle for anything less! The next step in realism, accurate player models bring extremely natural looking players to life while all-new game lighting raises the standard for detail with realistic self-shadowing, creating a more dynamic look and feel for every NBA player! Total Game Control - Incredible dribble moves, stellar passing control, split second defensive reactions -- all at your fingertips as you control every aspect of your NBA game on both sides of the court! Intuitive Showtime Pass Mechanics - Your game, your show! Conquer every defense with a variety of jaw dropping no-look and behind-the-back passes, setting up monstrous finishes around the rim! Smart Camera Intelligence - Innovative, new picture angles based on ESPN's broadcast cameras will tightly follow all of the NBA action, offering the perfect viewing perspective of every play.
Also On Metacritic
GAMES: ESPN NBA 2K5 NBA 2K2 NBA 2K3
Cheat Codes & Hints: Cheat Code Central Game Revolution
Also On The Web: GameSpy Preview IGN Preview
What The Critics Said
All critic scores are converted to a 100-point scale. If a critic does not indicate a score, we assign a score based on the general impression given by the text of the review. Learn more...
Official U.S. Playstation Magazine
Represents the pinnacle of the sport in videogame form with its nearly flawless gameplay and wide assortment of modes.
Read Full Review >GamePro
A basketball technician’s dream. Games against the CPU realistically mimic a real game, while scrimmages against friends received a boost of energy thanks to sped-up gameplay and better shot blocking. ESPN NBA Basketball 2K4 retains the top slot by just a hair.
Read Full Review >Game Informer
ESPN NBA is not only one game but two, and they both kick ass... The best in video game basketball. [Nov 2003, p.146]
GamingWorld X
Drop-dead gorgeous and the gameplay is as smooth and realistic as ever. ESPN looks, plays and sounds as close to the real NBA game as you can possibly get on a console right now.
Read Full Review >IGN
Not only is the gameplay tight, but the addition of 24/7 mode adds a whole new level to the term "must buy"... Overall the best playing basketball game this season.
Read Full Review >Sports Gaming Network
A great portrayal of professional basketball. While its counterpart, "NBA Live," may have more razzle and dazzle, ESPN has the fundamentals covered. If you know the difference between a "2" and a "5" when it comes to basketball positions, ESPN is your choice.
Read Full Review >Play Magazine
When you face a player, it's almost like a fighting game: who will execute the proper move first? [Nov 2003, p.104]
Electronic Gaming Monthly
Until the developers master the riddle of team A.I. (players here don't always respond properly in certain situations), work remains undone. Even so, this year's model is great.
Read Full Review >PSM Magazine
Treads the fine line between simulation and arcade play - and pulls it off. It's quite simply the best hoops game on the PS2. [Dec 2003, p.40]
GameSpot
If you are planning on buying only one basketball game this year, ESPN NBA Basketball is the one to get.
Read Full Review >Next Level Gaming
I like more of a sim aspect in my sports games which leaves me undecided about the new arcadish feel of this game.
Read Full Review >GameSpy
While there are still some control problems that keep it from being perfect, Sega's dominance on the hardwood continues. This year makes it a three-peat.
Read Full Review >Game Revolution
With its excellent graphics and myriad game modes, ESPN NBA Basketball is a good, strong title. The gameplay quirks like rebounding difficulty and the canned animations are there and can be frustrating, but are easily overlooked when you take in the big picture.
Read Full Review >BBC Sport
Overall while it's actually quite fun it really is lacking in imagination, leaving it in the same league as many of its average competitors.
Read Full Review >G4 TV
Clearly, the 24/7 mode is the most impressive element, and it could've easily been its own release. All combined, it adds up to a very good game, due largely to the breakout star.
Read Full Review >GMR Magazine
Just as "Madden" continues to dominate gridiron play, so does ESPN NBA Basketball on the hardwood. [Dec 2003, p.84]
Gaming Age
It's the bugs, the lousy camera, ... and absolute necessity to adjust all of the gameplay sliders to find that decent game that shoots the overall score way down.
Read Full Review >What Our Users Said
The average user rating for this game is 8.4 (out of 10) based on 34 User Votes
Note: User votes are NOT included in the Metascore calculation.
H. S. gave it a 10:
This game is the best nba game of all time. Moreovrer the 24/7 mode is addictive. The graphics are awesome. You can play on the street or start your own dynasty.
Edward F. gave it a 10:
I think the controls are easy.rebounding and dunking are very easy.
JBalla gave it a 10:
This game is the hottest 2K4 edition of Basketball. It's realistic and correct gameplay puts it in the "on fire" mode.This game is crisp and clear and is fun so It never gets old. The realisticness and crisp clear graphics make it fun instead of dull to play. This game is a proud show off for all the games with unrealistic graphics,weak dull super nintendo graphics, because it is the best. If you want a game with futuristic clearitiy and crisp sharp graphics then this is the game. HOLLA ATCHA BOY.
Jason G. gave it a 10:
This game is the best basketball game ever made. It has the best features, the best game play, and the best realism of any basketball game I've ever seen. Anybody who thinks this is a bad game must be playing something besides ESPN NBA basketball. This game is much better than NBA Live. I can't see how anybody would think this game is even close to bad.
Olisaeloka aka the next big O Imonugo gave it a 10:
Anybody who says that ESPN nba basketball sucks needs to get their heads checked. Either they think the game is too hard or because they got a whupping from their little brothers or sisters. You have got to love the game not only graphic wise but because it is very realistic. For example: Your player can get tired on Espn nba B-ball but on Live they run up and down the court so fast that it makes you wonder if they are using steriods.
Tyson B. gave it an 8:
Espn nba basketball has a good presentation, great graphics, a new 24/7 mode, all 29 nba teams, and good competive gameplay that gives this game a pretty good look.
Chris j gave it a 9:
Good game to hard to dunk and but great modes and gameplay a must play game.
