• ID = PS0748
• STYLE = Basketball
• DEV. = Visual Concepts
• PUB. = Sega of America, Inc.
• R-DATE = Oct-10-2002
• ESRB = E / For Everyone
• PLAYERS = 1-2 players
• LIST PRICE = $19.99
  

NBA 2K3 powers forward with the kind of improvement that only results from an off-season dedicated to perfection. Imagine jump shots so real players actually adjust their movements in midair based on distance from the hoop and defensive pressure; a passing touch that gives you the control to skirt a defender or start a fast break; and dribble moves that let you jab left, rock right, cross over, spin, and much more. It’s all happening in NBA 2K3.

No other game delivers the physical element of basketball like this: accurate impact from collisions, especially hard fouls and authoritative dunks; shot blocking with emphasis on precise hand-to-ball contact; and the ability to lunge for the loose ball, even if it means ending up on some celebrity’s lap. With commentators that analyze strategy, cutscenes portraying lifelike player interaction, uniforms that move like real fabric, and a brand-new ESPN broadcast system that wraps it all together, NBA 2K3 provides the complete NBA experience.

From J&R Music and Computer World
NBA 2K3 recreates the thrilling jump shots, passing games, rebounds and even the players you love to watch on the court!

• You'll be amazed at the tight, realistic controls -- jab left, rock right, crossover, spin, and much more.
• Feel the impact from collisions, hard fouls and serious dunks.
• Incredible passing controls let you pick a pass type & direction, fake your passes and more.
• Low post controls give you fronting, faking, pivoting and total control over your drop step.
• Take any NBA player outside to the blacktop courts for streetball games.
• All-new Franchise Mode lets you recruit new players, hire and fire coaches, scout talent and more.
• New animations and cutscenes for more realistic action.
• More accurate play-by-play, and more in-depth stats and performance comparisons.
• Take your favorite team all the way in this spectacular basketball experience!

Description 3:
Sparing no detail, Sega’s well-liked NBA basketball series goes through another round of touch-ups and easily wins the distinction of the best entry to date. Awesome post-ups, shot physics, and rebounding make the gameplay realistic, while graphics improvements include such minutia as beads of sweat. All of the NBA teams and players are here, and even the arenas and crowds are just like the real deal. Play against the computer’s amazing AI, or see how your roundball skills match up against your friends.

• Super-detailed basketball sim.
• Accurate impact from collisions.
• Precise hand-to-ball contact.
• Uniforms that move like real fabric.
• 1-8 players.
• Online enabled.

Amazon.com Review
Sports fans with little interest in video basketball games may want to rethink their stance after getting a look at Sega Sports’ NBA 2K3. They--not to mention hard-core basketball simulation enthusiasts--will likely find it hard to keep from being drawn in by the game’s picture-perfect detail, engrossing realism, and challenging gameplay. Like NFL 2K3, NBA 2K3 is presented in the patented ESPN style. The game has all the sights and sounds of the NBA: the pomp and circumstance of pregame introductions, accurate arena re-creations, realistic player animations and sizes, and fluid dribbling and shooting (including crossover moves and the ability to change shot direction in midair). All of this is accentuated with special touches such as alley-oops, tipped shots, the ability to make passes on the fly, fierce rebounding battles under the basket, and the added drama and excitement of the ball bouncing off the rim before it either falls in or goes awry.

NBA 2K3 offers a host of moves and modes on either side of the ball, with 25 offensive and 10 defensive plays from which to choose. Throw in fully customizable strategy options--everything from player clutch factor to computer shot tendencies, plus all types of shot percentages and fouls--and it’s easy to create the ideal matchup and game environment. The limitless roster manager feature also ensures that league and franchise modes will keep from getting stale.

Street mode offers a break from the grind of NBA play, allowing you to go two-on-two or all the way up to five-on-five in nine playgrounds and gyms. Pick your favorite players from current teams or choose greats from the '50s through the '80s and go at it as the Ballers vs. the Ringers. Street even features requisite trash talk such as "Yeah! You like that?" and grunts backed with "Get some!" --Larry White

Pros:
Accurate, eye-catching graphic representation.
Challenging artificial intelligence.
Realistic gameplay.

Cons:
Blocky player movements.
Players celebrate with fans after key shots.
Lob quality of passes.