NBA ShootOut 2001 Review

To run or not to run? That is the question basketball coaches, at all levels, face when considering the primary strategy for their teams. On the one hand, coaches can build a team like the San Antonio Spurs, with a focus on defense, rebounding, and methodical team play. On the other hand, a coach can opt to mold his players into a flashy team like the Sacramento Kings, who specialize in fast-break basketball. In creating the PlayStation 2 version of NBA ShootOut 2001, it is very evident that Sony's 989 Sports division decided to create a gameplay system that leans heavily toward the arcade-style up and down game. ShootOut 2001 on the PS2 is the Sacramento Kings of video game basketball, and that metaphor even extends to its cover athlete, Kings forward Chris Webber.

The gameplay system in NBA ShootOut 2001 generally coaxes the player into fast-break basketball. Although play-calling options are available in the game, success in ShootOut 2001 is best achieved by taking the ball to the hole or simply pulling up for a three pointer. The gameplay is slightly unbalanced--scoring is usually a breeze, but playing hard-nosed defense is very difficult. The game brings back the auto-defend system to compensate for the lack of true defensive controls, but the general lack of control while using the system can be frustrating. However, as mentioned, ShootOut 2001 features a rewarding and intuitive offensive gameplay system. There are several dribble moves, including a one-handed fake crossover, and more than 50 signature dunks. The dunk and dribble-drive animations in particular are extremely smooth and fluid, and they look very realistic.

There are some specific gameplay quirks, however, that detract from the strong offense-oriented play dynamics. The most glaring of these flaws is the unimpressive AI. Computer-controlled players at times run around like chickens with their heads cut off, with no sense of purpose or direction. For example, a computer player will grab the offensive rebound right under the basket and pass it out to the perimeter instead of taking it up strong. In other instances, players will have wide-open jumpers and pass them up in favor of an ill-fated pass or drive to the basket. Players frequently stand out of bounds and fail to box out, and big men hardly ever post up of their own accord. Illogical AI routines like this, although not prevalent, are noticeable in ShootOut 2001.

The game's features set effortlessly meets the most basic expectations, but it is mostly utilitarian. The basic modes of play, such as exhibition, season, and playoffs, are readily available, but peripheral modes such as the one-on-one street mode found in EA Sports' NBA Live 2001 or even a franchise mode are missing from the game. Naturally, this limits the game's overall value and longevity, as the available modes of play can become repetitive after some time. ShootOut initially held our attention with its fast-paced gameplay--particularly in multiplayer games--but there aren't enough options in the game to present you with a lengthy single-player experience.