An outstanding game that gives players a unique experience, but comes with minor drawbacks.
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The gameplay alone deserves to have an above average rating, but not a very high one. Reasons for this is because this game gives everybody a unique experience, with almost full character customization to suit your tastes with alot of bling bling, shirts, shoes, backpacks, hats, sunglasses, and much more that can virtually make a character different in all aspects.
With a unique storyline, and the option of free roaming, the game offers a sort of RPG feel, which makes a player feel that s/he can feel more related to their character. The storyline is pretty solid, and you can easily imagine yourself being there following the same struggles.
The only downside to the gameplay is that during free roaming, the camera is fixed. Making things a bit harder to see, although the must frustrating bit towards every gamer would be the loading time, which can really annoy and tempt you to turn off the PS2.
Just a hint if your planning on buying this game, rent it first, see if you like it. Not to mention that there is no controller button assignment in the options menu, leaving people to figure out which button does what, giving a bit of experimenting.
Graphics
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Nothing too flashy, but it's just right, the graphics of this game are a bit above average for the Playstation 2, and gives alot of visually appealing movements. The dunks, passes, alley-opps, their all a part of what makes the graphics really high end.
Sound
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Now I was surprised when i first placed my newly bought game into my Playstation 2, the music in the main menu was actually enjoyable. I'm not a hardcore fan of the rap/hiphop culture, and I admit i do despise it a bit, but that doesn't affect this review. I was actually really pleased with the background music, giving the game a more appealing view, and has led me to some extent to view a difference in the whole hiphop/rap culture.
Not to mention that this game now allows your character to have voice overs! Which helps give your character a bit of life, better than the previous game where your character doesn't say much at all!
Conclusion
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An overall very pleasing game, yet most people will have mixed reactions towards the game. Personal advice is that you'd best rent it first before purchasing it, to see if it fits your taste.