NBA Street Showdown

 PSP
Metascore
75

Generally favorable reviews - based on 25 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 16 out of 25
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 25
  3. Negative: 1 out of 25
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  1. GameSpy
    70
    Gameplay issues aside, Showdown is still a very enjoyable game, mostly due to the fact that it offers a wide variety of game modes.
  2. Play Magazine
    80
    My only focused gripe though is with the leaner trick system, which had been downgraded from implementation across the PS2's four shoulder buttons to a single PSP button. Small gripe. [May 2005, p.70]
    All this publication's reviews
  3. GameSpot
    77
    While the game is currently the best choice for hoops fanatics looking for a portable fix, veterans of the console versions may find themselves a little frustrated with controls that aren't quite as responsive as they could have been.
  5. IGN
    80
    The package of sheer content is immense.
  6. Modojo
    80
    While the visuals are the weakest part of the game, it's by no means a deal breaker. NBA Street Showdown finally brings the game of basketball to the PSP, and does it with authority.
  7. 1UP
    75
    If there's one problem with EA's portable baller, it's that the controls simply aren't responsive enough.
  8. Cheat Code Central
    80
    A re-creation that is somewhere between 60-70% of the original. It's great for a portable handheld but it's never going to come close to a top-shelf PS2 version.
    All this publication's reviews
  9. GamerFeed
    70
    Fans of the series won't be disappointed, and those seeking something fast and fun will be happy they picked it up.
  10. Gaming Target
    75
    Manages to be pretty good despite itself, as it's still NBA Street at heart, which is the best arcade hoops franchise this side of 'NBA Jam."
  11. GameZone
    80
    A strong basketball title with few thrills.
  12. Gaming Age
    83
    Visually the game lies somewhere between the PS2 versions of Volume 2 and 3 of the famous NBA Street series.
  13. Worth Playing
    68
    Unless having a portable Street title is absolutely necessary for you for some strange reason, do yourself a favor and stick with Vol. 3 for now.
  14. Electronic Gaming Monthly
    67
    More rehash than reinvention. [July 2005, p.118]
    All this publication's reviews
  15. PSX Extreme
    75
    Stacks up favorably to the console versions of the franchise. Anyone that is already burned out on the console games may want to pass on this one, but everyone else that is in the market for a street basketball game should rush out right now and buy it.
  16. Official U.S. Playstation Magazine
    60
    If you can get over the learning curve for the controls, you'll have fun brining it to the streets. [July 2005, p.79]
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  17. PSM Magazine
    75
    You won't get the full Street experience with Showdown, but it more than gets the job done. [July 2005, p.89]
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  18. Operation Sports
    60
    It's an entertaining one that faithfully carries on the NBA Street line. However, there's no getting around the slightly dumbed-down game play and the button timing issues. [*Note: original score posted by Operation Sports as 3/5 = 60. Current score on their redesigned site is inaccurate.]
  19. Game Informer
    70
    It's a fun play, but being a veteran of the console versions really pulled out this handheld incarnation's glaring flaws. [July 2005, p.127]
    All this publication's reviews
  20. Game Chronicles
    87
    Thankfully, NBA Street Showdown makes it easy to enjoy this sport. I had a lot more fun playing this than I did the official NBA titles, but then again, Showdown forgoes the rules in favor of fun.
  21. netjak
    82
    If you've played or own any of the games in the NBA Street series there's enough new content here to offer a unique experience as well as plenty of familiar ground to tread while on the move.
    All this publication's reviews
  22. IncGamers
    80
    It retains all of the core features of its console brethren but has the advantage of being portable.
  23. Games Radar
    80
    Plays a great game of basketball and is entirely entertaining. The only problems are the loss of a few moves from the PS2 version and a lack of extra game modes. [PSM2]
  24. G4 TV
    40
    An otherwise solid playing game that comes up short in the control and play modes, especially when compared to "NBA Street V3," which is clearly the better option for those new to the arcade b-ball franchise.
  25. AceGamez
    90
    Looks and sounds amazing, fantastic gameplay whether you're after a quick match or a long session... Like games? You'll love this.
    All this publication's reviews
  26. PALGN
    70
    This is NBA with a little bit less seriousness. Don't take it to seriously and it's fairly entertaining.

Awards & Rankings

22
#22 Best PSP Game of 2005
57
#57 Most Discussed PSP Game of 2005
40
#40 Most Shared PSP Game of 2005

User Reviews

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User Score
8.0

Generally favorable reviews- based on 20 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 14 out of 20
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 20
  3. Negative: 2 out of 20
  1. HiRoller
    Oct 25, 2005
    9
    Everything a baller could want in a handheld game. Very impressive debut of the NBA Street on the PSP!
  2. JoeR.
    Jun 18, 2005
    10
    Best game EVER!
  3. Josh
    May 18, 2005
    10
    All the fu n that Street has offered us over the years. a classic brought to portable gaming system.
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