NBA Live 2001

However, the NBA Live series has consistently delivered a whole lot of fun, and NBA Live 2001 is no exception. Every NBA player is modeled and rendered in the game, including many basketball legends. This means you can play as or against basketball greats such as Magic, Dr. J, Wilt Chamberlain, and Abdul-Jabbar. Every NBA team is here, every court is rendered, and you have several cool options at your fingertips.

You can play a straight-up NBA season, exhibition game, or playoffs. You can play the 1999 Lakers vs. the 1984 Lakers if you wish. See if Shaq and Kobe have a prayer against Magic and Jabbar. You can also play one-on-one up to three-on-three on a blacktop half court. You can relive the video game magic that was the classic 1-on-1: Jordan vs. Bird, or, for even older readers, 1-on-1: Dr. J vs. Bird. Multiplayer options make this even more fun for some rousing two-on-two action on the court.

The controls are fluid and easy to learn, making for surprisingly accurate basketball action, but you'll need a gamepad with as many buttons as possible to take advantage of all of Live's moves. There are four difficulty modes, so you'll find a challenge every time you play. Whether you're a hard-core or only casual hoops fan, NBA Live 2001 is sure to impress and keep you dunking all season long. --Bob Andrews

Pros:

• Excellent graphics
• Superb control
• All the greats!

• Not much is changed from last year
• Late release date