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Platform: Playstation 2, Xbox
Genre: Sports
Publisher: Midway
Developer: Midway
ETA: April 2004

 

Related Links:

Review NBA Street Vol. 2 (PS2)

Review: NBA Inside Drive 2004 (XB)

 

 

 

 

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NBA Ballers

 

nba ballers           nba ballers

 

I know it might be a minor point, but who slapped the “Ballers” title on this game?  I’ll let you make your own jokes, because if I do it the jokes will get out of hand (particularly because Wilt Chamberlain is one of the playable characters).

 

NBA Ballers faces stiff competition with the likes of NBA Street Vol. 2 and NBA Jam already available.  What it has going for it most is the one-on-one action, with a hint of RPG flavor.  But here’s the official line:

 

Lifestyle One-on-One Basketball - Only the freshest of the NBA and NBA Legends ball for cars, houses and, most importantly, the reputation as the top NBA baller. Compete in one-on-one tournaments hosted by some of the biggest NBA stars. Compete against multiple competitors in one-on-two, one-on-three and special rules matches.

 

60 Current NBA Stars and 24 NBA Legends - Take control of your favorite players such as Vince Carter, Allen Iverson, Chris Webber, Shaquille O'Neal, Jason Kidd, Kobe Bryant and more. NBA Legends featured include Larry Bird, Magic Johnson, Julius Irving, Bill Russell, Jerry West and Wilt Chamberlain among others.

 

Realistic Player Attributes and Skills - Each NBA baller and NBA Legend has more than 10 different off-the-hook skills, which determines their player rating, creating a genuine representation of each NBA superstar's mad skills.

 

In-Depth Create-A-Player Mode - Ball as the best! Personalize the game by hooking-up a player with the skills and attitude to take on the best ballers in the NBA. Select from multiple hairstyles, body types, on-court attitudes, gear, shoes, jewelry, planes, cars and your own posse to construct the ultimate one-on-one baller.

 

Stunning Player Art and Animation - From cornrows to afros, one-on-one gameplay allows unparalleled player animation sets, delivering an incredible level of detail and nuances not found in other basketball videogames. Watch players' realistic reactions to intense dunks and amazing blocked shots, whether they perform the move or get embarrassed by it.

 

The Story - "Welcome to NBA Ballers! The show takes you inside the spectacular lives of the players as they battle to determine, in intense one-on-one authentic gameplay, who is the best baller in the world."

 

Multiple Game Modes -Take your player from "Rags to Riches" by building your own mansion with winnings, or battle through a ballers tournament to unlock your favorite NBA star and discover his moves, or try to make it through a season in the league, or survive "Last Man Standing" team mode.

 

nba ballers          nba ballers

 

Announcers - Featuring in-game commentary by champion freestyle rapper MC Supernatural and on-the-court beats by the renowned DJ Rocky Rock.

Explosive Soundtrack - Features hip-hop, R&B and a hip-hop/rock mix.

 

Amazing 3D Player Models - Set to each player's height, weight, body size and athletic ability based on real life.

 

New 36-point Facial Animation Technology - The most accurately detailed player faces and expressions.

 

6,000 Poly-Count Player Models - The highest number of polys of any basketball videogame available.

 

Exclusive Midway Sports Asylum Fantasy Lifestyle Courts - Fully detailed and structured with beautiful lighting effects and images. Animated sideline characters react to the action on the court in real-time!

 

Lifestyle courts include - Play at Vince Carter's "Toronto penthouse," Jalen Rose's "luxurious Lake Michigan yacht," or Tim Duncan's "pad in the Virgin Islands."

 

 

On paper, NBA Ballers has quite a bit going for it but only time will tell if it can stack up against the cartoon b-ball games mentioned at the beginning of this preview.

 

You can get your hands on NBA Ballers this April.

 

- Omni

(March 21, 2004)

   
 

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