NBA 2K3

 Xbox
Metascore
87

Generally favorable reviews - based on 15 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 13 out of 15
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 15
  3. Negative: 0 out of 15
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  1. GamePro
    100
    A deeply rewarding simulation experience... Once again, the Xbox version has the best overall effects and looks the sexiest.
  2. Gaming Age
    100
    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.
  3. Operation Sports
    95
    The best simulation of videogame basketball bar none.
  5. Game Revolution
    91
    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.
  6. Electronic Gaming Monthly
    90
    It's easily the best all-around basketball game on the market this year. [Dec 2002, p.250]
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  7. IGN
    89
    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.
  8. GameZone
    89
    The audio of NBA 2K3 is exceptional.
  9. TeamXbox
    88
    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.
  10. Official Xbox Magazine
    87
    The most polished, complete, and best-looking basketball game ever made. [Dec 2002, p.108]
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  11. Sports Gaming Network
    85
    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.
  12. GameSpot
    84
    With excellent online play supported through Xbox Live, NBA 2K3 stands as an ideal choice for serious basketball enthusiasts.
  13. Xbox Nation Magazine
    80
    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]
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  14. GamerWeb Xbox
    80
    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.
  15. TotalGames.net
    60
    The trouble is (and we can’t really expect anything different) that it doesn’t do anything above and beyond the call of duty.
  16. Play Magazine
    60
    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]
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Awards & Rankings

17
#17 Best Xbox Game of 2002
84
#84 Most Discussed Xbox Game of 2002

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
7.9

Generally favorable reviews- based on 9 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 9
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 9
  3. Negative: 1 out of 9
  1. TerrenceG.
    Nov 28, 2002
    10
    Franchise mode is the most realistic on the market to date.
  2. JeffC.
    Oct 26, 2002
    7
    At first glance it LOOKS great graphics wise...and some gameplay problems w2k2 have been solved (high shooting%).....However....for some 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...… Full Review »
  3. MattR.
    Oct 13, 2002
    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 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.… Full Review »
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