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Stars indicate the most critically-acclaimed games.
NBA 2K3
Generally favorable reviews
Based on 15 critic reviews
How did we calculate this?
Based on 8 votes
Read user comments
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Game Info
Publisher: Sega of America
Developer: Visual Concepts
Genre(s): Sports
Players: 4
ESRB Rating: E (Everyone)
Release Date: October 8, 2002
Summary
Imagine jump shots so real players actually adjust their movement in mid-air based on distance from the hoop and defensive pressure; a passing touch that gives you the control to skirt a defender or start a fast break; and dribble moves that let you jab left, rock right, crossover, spin and much more. It's all happening in NBA 2K3. No other game delivers the physical element of basketball like this. Accurate impact from collisions, especially hard fouls and authoritative dunks; shot blocking with emphasis on precise hand-to-ball contact; and the ability to lunge for the loose ball, even if it means ending up on some celebrity's lap. With commentators that analyze strategy, cutscenes portraying lifelike player interaction, uniforms that move like real fabric, and a brand new ESPN broadcast system that wraps it all together, NBA 2K3 provides the complete NBA experience. [Sega]
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...
GamePro
A deeply rewarding simulation experience... Once again, the Xbox version has the best overall effects and looks the sexiest.
Read Full Review >Gaming Age
The bottom line is a basketball game that has almost airtight controls, wonderful graphics, along with the most immersed franchise mode you can find, (outside of working for your local team’s front office) can only described as a finely tuned and polished basketball game worth buying no matter what system you own.
Read Full Review >Game Revolution
Despite its random flaws, the game's gorgeous graphics, solid gameplay and top-notch Franchise mode make it an easy choice for the discerning Xbox baller.
Read Full Review >Electronic Gaming Monthly
It's easily the best all-around basketball game on the market this year. [Dec 2002, p.250]
IGN
By far the best basketball sim out there. However, if you are looking for an experience closer to old-school bball games like "NBA Jams," then you don't want to go here.
Read Full Review >Team Xbox
The best basketball title on the Xbox right now...Great graphics, fantastic gameplay, and a very enjoyable online mode make this a keeper for every sports fanatic.
Read Full Review >Official Xbox Magazine
The most polished, complete, and best-looking basketball game ever made. [Dec 2002, p.108]
Sports Gaming Network
Some of the major AI problems (specifically the lack of fast breaks and effective CPU team defense) mentioned above definitely took away from my enjoyment of the game.
Read Full Review >GameSpot
With excellent online play supported through Xbox Live, NBA 2K3 stands as an ideal choice for serious basketball enthusiasts.
Read Full Review >Xbox Nation Magazine
The pace of the action is spot-on, resulting in players who move and react at the right speeds and results that are realistic over a game with 12-minute quarters. [Winter 2002, p.98]
GamerWeb Xbox
The graphics are standard, the gameplay is far too simulation for my liking and the frustration level is higher then in any basketball game that I've ever played before.
Read Full Review >Play Magazine
Although the player models look better than they do in EA's game, the movements aren't as fluid. Some of the animations (especially passing) are a little awkward. [Nov 2002, p.88]
TotalGames.net
The trouble is (and we can’t really expect anything different) that it doesn’t do anything above and beyond the call of duty.
Read Full Review >What Our Users Said
The average user rating for this game is 7.7 (out of 10) based on 8 User Votes
Note: User votes are NOT included in the Metascore calculation.
Terrence G. gave it a 10:
Franchise mode is the most realistic on the market to date.
Jeff C. gave it a 7:
At first glance it LOOKS great graphics wise...and some gameplay problems w2k2 have been solved (high shooting%).....However....for some reason now the passing sucks...it's too soft..and lollipop like....there is no pass to player closet to hoop button (crucial to fast breaks)...and getting defensive control of the last man back is ridiculous(combination of buttons).....PLUS....once again....you CANNOT draft all-time players in the Fantasy Drafts......Man....why why why did Sega change the controls....they don't give you a customize button option either........For all the improvements....Sega just screwed up other parts of an already solid BBall game....stick with 2k2...
Matt R. gave it a 9:
Dan C, have you ever even played basketball? This game is by far the most realistic basketball sim out there. If you want cheesy arcade action, play Live, but if you actually know what a 1-3-1 zone is, this is the game for you.
Dan C. gave it a 6:
- Bad controls, bad player models, and simply does not convey the overall NBA lifestyle. The only thing it has going for it is Online. I would not recommend this game to anyone.
