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NBA INSIDE DRIVE
2002
Xbox video game, Microsoft Game Studios, $49.99
NBA Inside Drive 2002is the second basketball title released for the Xbox video game system. The game supports from one to four players. In addition to immediately opting for a single 5-on-5 game in Exhibition mode, players can select from two other game modes: Season (teams compete through an entire NBA season), and Playoffs (teams compete only in the post-season). We were impressed with this titleŐs flexible gameplay. It can readily accommodate gamers of every skill level. Those without a great deal of basketball knowledge can let the computer AI do most of the thinking while they simply focus on passing and shooting. Meanwhile, die-hard basketball gamers and more advanced players can opt to simulate the real game (including all the rules, fatiguing/injuries, substitutions, etc.) and select real-time play calls for each of the teams. NBA Inside Drive 2002is a must-havefor all Xbox sports fans.
The game is presented in a fullscreen version (for 4:3 monitors). The overall video quality is excellent and the best to date for any Xbox basketball title. Graphics are very impressive with life-like player movement and body figures, perfectly re-created stadiums, and authentic looking team jerseys. Player faces are rendered well enough to recognize specific players, but they donŐt approach a photo-realistic level. The game sports rich and vibrant colors that have fully saturated hues. There is dark contrast and no major compression or artifact flaws that we could observe.
Video Rating: 9 out of 10
NBA Inside Drive 2002offers audio in full Dolby Digital 5.1 channel surround and it is the basis for this review. All 5 channels are actively utilized and immerse the player in the NBA experience. The announcersŐ commentary is intelligible, natural sounding, and entertaining. The rear surround channels are constantly active with crowd noise. There is plenty of discrete channel information as distinctly different sounds emanate from the front, center and rear channel speakers. The LFE channel is moderately active and is most noticeable whenever there is on-court music or chants of ÔDefenseŐ from the crowd.
Audio Rating: 9 out of 10
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Overall, the tactile sound effects for this game are above average and are present in all 3 game modes. The type of tactile effects that can be experienced range from light to moderate impacts. The best tactile effects occur with dribbling, dunking, and the pulsating background music.