Like many games (golf, baseball, etc), I do not like watching the pros play, but like playing them myself in the comfort of my home. I do not watch Pro basketball, but like it on my TV or PC monitor. So, when given the chance to play games like this, I am usually psyched-up. Unfortunately, this game did not live up to my standards. Not that it was a "bad" experience, but it wasn't worth the hype.

989 Sports brings us the latest pro basketball venture via NBA Shootout 2003. Promising some great new features and customizable gameplay, it just doesn't do much to improve on the basics-- which is the essence of the game. In fact, the best thing about the game is not the play at all, but rather the commentary.

NBA Shootout 2003 offers all of the standard options: Exhibition, Season and Playoff. In exhibition, you play a single game against the team of your choice. In Season, you can opt for 28, 56 or 82 games. If you can play 82 games of this title, I salute you. Playoff mode is.... playoffs! I usually opt for exhibitions so I can pick on a team and play against whom I want. My first outing was against the Lakers. I wanted to challenge the NBA champs. Just like the real thing, all Shaq does is stand under the basket and dunk. Yawn. 

I played as the Memphis Grizzlies. I am a Shane Battier fan, and like to use him for his versatility. Well, usually. In this instance, not only did they make Shane a white player with black hair (he's dark-skinned and bald in real life), they also made him a miserable outside shooter. Hello??!! OK, that's a bit picky, but the game does boast how real it is on the package. I tried 3-pointers one after another with Shane, but success was rare. Too rare for his real life abilities. I tried a few other teams, but as I am not as well informed about other players' strengths, I stick with what/who I know. I did manage to beat the Lakers in my first attempt; no thanks to Battier's (lack of) outside shooting! That is rare for me in this genre. It usually takes me a while to learn what works and how to do the best. I picked this one up easily, which actually took some of the fun and challenge out of it. 

One of the features offered, as in a lot of pro sports games, is the ability to create your own player. Yes, you can create a 5'3", 320lb player with a beard and an afro if you want (I did, and it was fun). You can create his skills and strengths such as making him an excellent outside shooter (my preference, as it takes skill to make those shots). The details of customizing go right down to how high their socks fit. Though you can name your player and his college of origin, the AI does not, of course, announce you in play. 

There is also a "create your own dunk" feature, which I guess is supposed to be a great option, but I found it a waste of disc space (see my comments about skill). Yes, you can make fancy and thrilling dunks designed to suit your needs, but who cares?? A more useful option you're given is the ability to execute set plays using the L/R buttons. Just as in real life, you can set up a sequence of moves to enhance your chances of scoring. That was nice to have.

On court, the players were not recognizable at all. Shaq was large and tall, but otherwise did not resemble the giant of the court. The court itself was "OK", but nothing to be amazed by. The sounds were subtle. Sneaker squeaking and crowd noises dominate the audio. The commentary was very nice, and clear. They manage to quickly identify players and call the play by play very well. At least they got that right!

I am not sure what else can be done with the graphical limitations of the Playstation. Basketball is a very static and fluid game. It is difficult to make faces look real and bodies not be blocky and pixilated. So, I can not be much harsher to this game. It's just that there seems to be something lacking considering the (better) job done by games such as NBA Live. The same graphics, but more features and variation. I much prefer "Live" to this offering, and will stick with that one when I feel the need to beat the buzzer.  

Gameplay: 6.5
Less than exciting. The players move fine, but the shooting meter was not well done. Players with outside shooting talent should have an easier time making the long range shots. Passing was easy, which is a nice thing. 

Graphics: 6 
The players looked terrible, which can be expected with the limits of this system. There is a nice live action opening sequence, then you're dropped into graphical mediocrity. There isn't much to "wow" over.  

Sound: 6
Other than the commentary, the sound was slightly above average. The environmental noises were average, and the player sounds barely made an impact. Basketball can be a rowdy and loud sport. I expected more.

Difficulty: Easy
When I can defeat a team in my first try, the game is easy. It usually takes me a while to get the game "down", but this one was simple to pick up. The button configuration was basic, and the only challenge was the shooting meter. Master the 3-pt shot, and count your trophies.

Concept: 5.5 
Nothing original. The create your own dunk feature appeals to someone, but not this gamer. I prefer skill shooting and the thrill of making a long range jumper. Who cares how much I can contort in making a inside dunk? That's Shaq's specialty. Maybe they should create a "learn how to free-throw" feature for dunkers.

Multiplayer: 8 
Works just fine with two people. Not much more to say about that. Might have been more cool if you could multi-tap and have more than one person playing on a team. Maybe next time.  

Overall: 6.5
I think the limits of the PSX have been reached when it comes to this type of sport game. I enjoy 989 Sports games very much, but there is a point when there is nothing new to be done. Instead, goofy offerings are made, such as the dunk feature, or the one-on-one option in NBA Live. Maybe they know that and do not try to burn too many hours on the development anymore. It is a solid basketball game, but nothing thrilling, and not different enough from previous offerings. I shot. I scored. Give me a trophy. I earned it!!