FreeStyle Street Basketball

This is a good sports game for people who don't like sports games, i.e. me. [Vol 3, Issue 2, p.62]

Free mode is definitely worth trying, but don't go out and buy the store copy unless you're comfortable spending extra cash for in-game items. [Sept 2007, p.60]

Freestyle Street Basketball's low cost makes it an appealing option for people who crave easy, fast-paced competition. In addition, it lacks the complex controls found in more expensive sports games, and costs just $19.99.

Despite its technical issues Freestyle Street Basketball is a charming, fun street-style basketball MMO with a great value proposition. With its five-minute play time and free low-level game, it can be enjoyed by those looking for a quick game on an afternoon lunch break.

The game can be addictive and enjoyable, but when you get down to the last two minutes of a tight game and are suddenly booted to your Windows desktop, or the lag is so bad that you are rendered immobile or things are happening that have no base in real physics or logic (like sliding across the court to a position the game determines you are at regardless on how often you try to move to get involved with the game), then frustration will mount.

So even though I can't give this title a really high score, you don't have anything to lose by checking out FreeStyle for yourself. You won't get much customization without spending a little dough, but the core game mechanics are fun on their own.

Yes, the graphics are bland. Yes, the controls are limiting. Yes, the action is slow-paced. Yes, there’s a bit of price-gouging with the “bills” system, especially if you want to get to the higher levels in the game. However, for fans of pick-up basketball, there's no denying that Freestyle Street Basketball is a fun outlet--and that’s the whole point, right?

Freestyle has a lot heart and, just like a real game of basketball, it takes heart to be any good. This, of course, does not say that it is not without faults, but for $20 how can you turn down a game that could shape the outcome of a new massive multiplayer online genre?

Freestyle Street Basketball is for those who enjoy outspending their opponents to buy the coolest gear and not so much for gamers just looking for a fun street hoops game.