Review: 'NBA Street' dribbles past competition

From...

By Air Hendrix

(IDG) -- If you think you've played this game to death back when it was called "NBA Jam," think again.

Midway's games are packed with fanciful moves that even an Olympic gymnast couldn't pull off without more wires than on the "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" set. "NBA Street," though, sticks to more authentic, real-life dunks, fakes, and alley-oops -- though admittedly even Michael Jordan would have trouble busting this many sick moves in one game.

Much more important than "Street"'s cred, though, is how smartly and smoothly it plays. In the "Jam" series, the A.I. alternated between blatant cheating and playing worse than a grade-school newbie, but "Street"'s CPU players play a smart, tough game. If there's a rebound, they're up to nab it; if you make a mistake, they're quick to exploit it. The result is thrilling, addictive gameplay loaded with tough battles and jaw-dropping moves that'll lure even the most jaded b-ballers back to the court.

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When the final buzzer sounds, "Street" get serious props for breathing a huge blast of fresh air into what had been Midway's stinky old locker room. "Street" has staked its claim on the court, easily earning the title of this summer's latest must-have PlayStation 2 game.

NBA Street at a glance

Graphics: 5.0 (out of five)

One of the stars of "Street"'s showtime, the graphics bring a serious "wow" factor to your PS2. Razzle-dazzle animations, sleek player models, and awesome courts put the pop in "Street"'s shots.

Sound: 4.0

"Street"'s commentator is way too excited in an annoying, over-caffeinated way -- but don't let that stop you from digging the amusing, well-varied smack-talk and sound effects.

Controls: 4.5

These smooth controls keep you on the court without requiring a Ph.D. in hoops. If you're familiar with "SSX," the shoulder button/trick combos will come naturally.

Fun factor: 5.0

Street hands out lessons on what Midway hasn't accomplished in years: addictive, exciting, and highly playable fantasy hoops. This must-buy game ranks alongside "SSX" as one of the PS2's stars.