NEWS - Thursday, October 23, 2003
ESPN NBA Basketball Ships!
ESPN Videogames today announced that the highly acclaimed ESPN NBA Basketball has shipped to major retailers across North America. Having set the standard in basketball realism and entertainment, ESPN NBA Basketball continues its dynasty delivering unparalleled visual quality, unrivaled gameplay entertainment, and true innovation that is the foundation of the ESPN Videogames brand. Furthering the commitment to creating a telecast-quality experience, ESPN NBA Basketball includes the talent of Kevin Frazier - ESPN SportsCenter anchor - and Tom Tolbert - NBA analyst for ESPN - as in-game announcers. ESPN NBA Basketball and other ESPN Videogames are produced by Visual Concepts. "Basketball is a brilliantly fast game that encompasses elements of athleticism, strategic teamwork, and showtime style, "states Greg Thomas, president of ESPN Videogames. "I’m proud to say that ESPN NBA Basketball is our finest basketball effort to date, striking a wonderful balance between the authenticity of the NBA and the tremendous fun of a video game. We’ve added several new features to ESPN NBA Basketball which will grab the attention of gamers familiar with our franchise, and new consumers looking to play the best basketball game." Available for both PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system and Microsoft Xbox console, the creativity and athleticism of NBA stars are demonstrated through the addition of IsoMotion. This new feature invites players to create crossover, spin, and quickstep combinations and counter with proper positioning, anticipation, and timing in this unique control system. The core concept behind this new feature is to bring the one-on-one game that exists within every NBA team match-up to the user. Every scenario is now a chess match as every offensive action has an equal defensive reaction. Through the use of IsoMotion, players can use their creativity to disrupt defenses, create mismatches, and blow by inadequate defenders as they drive to the hoop. Along with new advancements in control mechanics, ESPN NBA Basketball debuts themost innovative gameplay mode in any sports game to date - 24/7 mode. In this mode, players can create their own b-baller, with all the necessary customization including height, hairstyle, accessories, tattoos and more. As they progress through 24-7 mode, gamers are challenged to continuously train their athlete’s skills in real-time or suffer falling behind the pack as the in-console clock keeps track of player’s statistical data, timing of matches and virtual gear that the player has unlocked. Simply put, if the gamer wants to get the jersey off of Larry Bird’s back, they will have to wait until he’s available for a one-on-one match up. 24-7 mode offers both online and offline play as challenges can be made to other users. ESPN NBA Basketball pushes the limits of reality with the addition of simulated cloth jerseys and shorts animations on each player. With every movement made, the player’s clothing reacts realistically as the lines of realism are further blurred.Source: http://www.espnvideogames.com
