Publisher: Microsoft
Ages: Eight & up
Parental
Advisory:
None
For satisfying on-court action, you may look to NBA Inside Drive 2004, Microsoft's third installment in its Xbox-exclusive basketball franchise. Besides offering first rate virtual hoop, the game features new online playability. The game may not necessarily make the playoffs against formidable competition from Electronic Arts and Sega, but it's a decent title.
This year's biggest addition is the ability for sports fans to create and customize online leagues and tournaments and go one-on-one against friends and others. Players can also check online stats and standings that are updated every 15 minutes. And the Xbox Live service also allows for updated rosters.
In addition to online play, NBA Inside Drive 2004 offers entertaining basketball. Notable pluses include pressure sensitive passing, diving loose ball saves, dominating post moves, responsive "juke" controls and pressure-sensitive steals. The game offers solid passing and play-calling, but its franchise mode is rather basic when compared to those in competing games.
The game does a great job of capturing the visuals and sounds of the real game. Players look much like their real-world counterparts, and the game does an adequate job of recreating the arenas. Announcing is done by Kevin Calabro, Marques Johnson and Kenny Smith, which adds to the ambiance.
Virtual basketball offers a fine family activity and NBA Inside Drive 2004 is a decent program that delivers the goods. It may not be the best basketball game for the Xbox, but it's a good one. And if players really want to play online, it's a great choice.
1/16/04 Daytrum Editorial Staff
