Console team game fun

ESPN NBA 2K5

ESPN NBA 2K5

ESPN NBA 2K5
XBox Live

The game: NBA Jam was all the rage when basketball simulators hit the streets but ESPN NBA 2K5 is a far cry from the comical courts of NBA Jam.

The play: This game is complicated, fully optioned and will enable a basketball fanatic hours of in-depth analysis and entertainment. There is a lot of realistic play including Air-IsoMotion, improving the ability to adjust your shot in the air.

There is an annoying feature in that, defensively, everything is automatic, leading to instances where the artificial intelligence doesn’t turn you around properly, allowing your opponent to score unopposed. Graphics are good, including the stadium detail and lighting down to the sweat on the players.

There is a franchise mode allowing motivational and inspirational coaches to help the team, be it a defensive guru or an NBA legend. Each has a different effect, but they all cost some cash, and money is important in the NBA, even though there’s no form of ownership mode.

The terrain: An interesting mode of play is the 24/7 game, which allows you to create a street baller and events that happen day and night. Certain players and events become available at different hours, based on the clock in your XBox, or true time if you use XBox Live. With these modes you will only meet specific ballers when your respect level is high enough to demand their attention.

The experience: The longevity of this game is exploited through the online function, which will have international tournaments with real prizes, including trips to the US to participate in an XBox NBA tournament. If you’re into basketball this title won’t disappoint.

Quick pick

Outlaw Golf

Outlaw Golf
XBox Live

The game: Golfing is seemingly forever changed with this bad boy golf simulator. Shocking language and character actions, with excessive computer help mean there’s no rush to buy it.

The game is:

• Bearable when played online.
• Played over eight courses but three are versions of the original.
• Best bought from a clearance table.

The experience: The game play drags on with constant interruptions from animation sequences, to repeated lengthy commentary before and after every shot. The game heavily revolves around the player composure meter. If it goes into the red then the shots get shorter and the accuracy gets worse. If you maintain the green range then you’re cruising. The game would help slide away a rainy afternoon.

– Flt-Lt Nick Hogan

In the post

The ADF Gamesman competition winners are: Halo2 – Maj Jonathon Beesley, Splinter Cell, Pandora Tomorrow – Capt Mick Virtue, Wings Of War – Flt-Sgt Wayne Thompson, Terminator 3 – WO1 Mark Dunn, OutRun2 – Maj Todd Everett, V8 Supercars – Mr P. Iac, Richard Burns Rally – Sgt Steve Douglas.

We have an XBox copy of ESPN NBA 2K5 and Outlaw Golf 2 to give away.

To win e-mail the ADF Gamesman at adfgamesmen@telstra.com with the name of the game and include your address. Only one entry a person.