PlayStation 2 Critic Reviews
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89
Metascore
Generally Favorable
positive
17(94%)
mixed
1(6%)
negative
0(0%)
Showing 18 Critic Reviews
100
Represents the pinnacle of the sport in videogame form with its nearly flawless gameplay and wide assortment of modes.
100
A basketball technician’s dream. Games against the CPU realistically mimic a real game, while scrimmages against friends received a boost of energy thanks to sped-up gameplay and better shot blocking. ESPN NBA Basketball 2K4 retains the top slot by just a hair.
95
ESPN NBA is not only one game but two, and they both kick ass... The best in video game basketball. [Nov 2003, p.146]
95
A masterpiece.
94
Drop-dead gorgeous and the gameplay is as smooth and realistic as ever. ESPN looks, plays and sounds as close to the real NBA game as you can possibly get on a console right now.
92
A great portrayal of professional basketball. While its counterpart, "NBA Live," may have more razzle and dazzle, ESPN has the fundamentals covered. If you know the difference between a "2" and a "5" when it comes to basketball positions, ESPN is your choice.
92
Not only is the gameplay tight, but the addition of 24/7 mode adds a whole new level to the term "must buy"... Overall the best playing basketball game this season.
91
When you face a player, it's almost like a fighting game: who will execute the proper move first? [Nov 2003, p.104]
90
Treads the fine line between simulation and arcade play - and pulls it off. It's quite simply the best hoops game on the PS2. [Dec 2003, p.40]
90
Until the developers master the riddle of team A.I. (players here don't always respond properly in certain situations), work remains undone. Even so, this year's model is great.
