NBA In The Zone 2 Review

The first thing you'll notice when you play NBA In The Zone 2 is the graphics. The game sets a new standard of visual excellence for sports games on any console system. The realistic players practically jump off the screen, the play animation couldn't be smoother, and the camera angles provide several great views of the action. (The reflection of the overhead lights off the wood floor looked real enough to send shivers down my spine). If you choose to watch only one basketball game to this year, make sure it's NBA In The Zone 2.

Of course, you choose a basketball game to play, not just to look at. That's where NBA In The Zone 2 comes up short. The game feels as though it's moving in slow motion, meaning the excitement of a fast-paced game just isn't there. In fact, the pace of the game is so leisurely that the other players, instead of aggressively pursuing you, stand dead still and wait for you to act. It's ironic: The game looks truly picture-perfect but lacks the intensity of the real thing.

Still, NBA In The Zone 2 may be a good choice for beginners, precisely because the game lacks the frenetic speed of other basketball titles. The controls are laid out intuitively, which makes it easy to pick up basic moves. The passing feature works well: Just look at another player and toss the ball. Once you're near the hoop, scoring one of the six available dunks isn't all that hard.

You'll find all the standard basketball fare included in NBA In The Zone 2. These include a comprehensive roster of teams and players, full season play complete with playoffs, and a number of team options, including mid-game substitutions and trades. And during play there's plenty of crowd noise to get you pumped up (along with the basic soundtrack, which includes a rousing "Dooh dooh dooh dooh do-dooh Charge!).

NBA In The Zone 2 offers the best sports graphics anywhere, but if you want the best gameplay and excitement look somewhere else.