ESPN NBA is a solid basketball game but could've been a little better.

User Rating: 8.2 | ESPN NBA 2K5 XBOX
ESPN NBA 2K5 now hits the stores and it has big exprectation becasue of 2 things. Last years game was so good and the other 2 ESPN games (NFL and NHL) have been so superb. So how does this game match up against those 2, sadly it isn't as good as those 2 and isn't as good as last years game but still is the top pro basketball game out there at the moment. ESPN NBA 2K5 features some interesting modes, the franchise mode has been renamed the assication and is probably the top dog of the modes, there is a tournament mode, a street mode, a practice mode and your standard quick game mode. But the most interesting mode is the 24/7 mode where you make a player and train him by playing opponents 1 on1, going with a bud 2 on 2, and practicing your shots. When you think your player is good enough you can take him online and play with other 24/7 players. A problem with this is that if you don't play the mode for a while, the players stats will decrease, and the free throws are very difficult to make when you first start. So the game packs in alot of value, the question is if the gameplay makes the value worth it and the answer is yes. The controls for this gameare very easy to learn and use, it won't take you long until you've mastered all the moves and controls. The best part about this game is the graphics, all the players look very detailed and realistic and the court and crowd are very well done. The sound is also pretty good, the game features and soundtrack that isn't bad but isn't great, and the commentary in the game is well done. So like if you lauch a 3 early in the shot clock and miss the commenator might make a comment on the poor mistake. This game isn't that much improved from last years game which isn't a bad thing. Take my word this is still a very solid game of basketball but could've been a little better. But if your a basketball fan then this game should be your top pick.