Tim
Duncan rams home the basketball, pulling down on the rim and setting the
backboard to wobbling. The shiny glass catches the reflections of the lights and
floor as it sways.
Very
cool.
High
Voltage Software and XSN present NBA Inside Drive 2004 for the Xbox, a game that
has a nice options package, solid online support and a new defensive control
system. Add to that the new Drive Cam and you would think you have the earmarks
of a great hoops title.
The
game is solid in many regards, but dribbles off its foot in other areas.
The
real drive for the title this year seems to be the online package and XSN has
done a solid support job. Through Xbox Live, the game will provide roster
updates, head-to-head play and player ratings updates. And XSNsports.com will
link the Xbox, PC and cell phone so gamers can go online to edit and manage
their teams.
When it
comes to new features, the game sports a new defensive system, which allows
players to go for the steal, or simply try to poke the ball away. Juke moves
offensively seem to be expanded as well.
Of
course, you can set up some real-time coaching strategies on the fly with the
D-pad. But while the game sports a nice array of features, the controls are less
than highly responsive. At times, controller buttons had to be solidly mashed
down and held to get the desired effect.
And
while the game features some nice crossover and directional dribbling, players
away from the ball seemed less than realistic.
As the
players run out on the floor for the opening tip, they bump into each other,
and are like animatrons sent into the game. While the ball-handling skills are good, the actual
player movements seem sluggish and forced. Basketball is a game of flow, and
this game does not seem to have that.
In many
respects, NBA Inside Drive does have great graphical elements. The environments
are well rendered, with reflective, highly polished hardwood and great lighting
effects. The player modeling is also solid. Some of these players truly resemble
their NBA counterparts.
Game
modes include single game, season, network play, playoffs, and general manager.
In general manager you can create and edit players, teams and rosters.
Passing
can be pinpoint and use the directional controls, or go to icon passing by
stabbing the Y key.
The
announcing team of Kevin Calabro, Kenny Smith and Marques Johnson provide solid
audio to the game, but the spark of excitement is not there. In game, Duncan,
who is dominating the glass, swoops in on the offensive end, soaring up,
grabbing an offensive board and ramming it home. True, it is early in the game,
but it was an exciting play, and the commentary did not reflect that.
When it
comes to the online support, this game has it in droves. But the actual game
play is a little soft.
Gameplay:
7.5
The
game seems sluggish at times and you have to really mash the buttons to get a
response.
Graphics:
7.8
The
venues are nicely done and the player modeling is solid as well. The players can
be a little stiff at times though.
Sound: 7.8
Solid
but nothing here that really pumps the action and stirs the adrenaline.
Difficulty: Medium
The
game presents a very nice challenge and sports three difficulty settings to
challenge any player skill level.
Concept: 8
Online
play has expanded with this title and it is apparent that a great deal of
thought went into making this a strong element. A couple of new features in the
game play are also nice.
Multiplayer: 8.7
The online support for this game is superb.
Overall:
7.8
The
game suffers from sluggish game play and perceived slow controller response
issues. Several controllers were used, all with the same slow response times.
NBA Inside Drive 2004 has great environments, and solid player modeling but the
big draw is the online support.
