ESPN NBA Basketball

 PlayStation 2
  • Publisher: Sega
  • Release Date: Oct 21, 2003
ESPN NBA Basketball Image
Metascore
89

Generally favorable reviews - based on 18 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.4

Generally favorable reviews- based on 39 Ratings

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  • 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 playerESPN 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.… Expand
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 17 out of 18
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 18
  3. Negative: 0 out of 18
  1. Official U.S. Playstation Magazine
    100
    Represents the pinnacle of the sport in videogame form with its nearly flawless gameplay and wide assortment of modes.
  2. Game Informer
    95
    ESPN NBA is not only one game but two, and they both kick ass... The best in video game basketball. [Nov 2003, p.146]
    All this publication's reviews
  3. GamingWorld X
    94
    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.
  4. Electronic Gaming Monthly
    90
    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.
  5. Next Level Gaming
    86
    I like more of a sim aspect in my sports games which leaves me undecided about the new arcadish feel of this game.
  6. Game Revolution
    83
    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.
  7. Gaming Age
    50
    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.

See all 18 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 19 out of 21
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 21
  3. Negative: 1 out of 21
  1. H.S.
    Jun 30, 2004
    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 orThis 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. … Expand
  2. OlisaelokaakathenextbigOImonugo
    Feb 23, 2004
    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 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.… Expand
  4. JBalla
    Mar 12, 2004
    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 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.… Expand
  5. JM
    Jan 1, 2004
    9
    This game rocks. It would have a ten if it wasn't so hard to dunk and rebound.
  6. Chrisj
    Jan 22, 2004
    9
    Good game to hard to dunk and but great modes and gameplay a must play game.
  7. JM
    Jan 1, 2004
    9
    This game rocks. It would have a ten if it wasn't so hard to dunk and rebound.
  8. JeremyT.
    Oct 24, 2003
    1
    I think this is the worst basketball game I have ever played. I don't know why this gets such good ratings. There is absolutely no I think this is the worst basketball game I have ever played. I don't know why this gets such good ratings. There is absolutely no realism what so ever. The game is too hard. The defense is bogus. I can't even make a shot on offense. This game sucks. … Expand

See all 21 User Reviews

Awards & Rankings

15
#15 Best PS2 Game of 2003
71
#71 Most Discussed PS2 Game of 2003