It’s true that 989 have struggled for the last couple years since jumping to the PS2. It just seems the other developers have caught on to the capabilities of the system faster than Sony’s in house team. Year after year they attempt to rival the best, but they end up dying like the rest. For Shootout 2004, the improvements are nice, the visuals tons better, and the online play fast and furious. In the end though, it really just can’t hang with the big two EA’s and Sega’s round ball wonders. Is it worthy of play? Sure, if you’ve tried the others and want a new approach. The game is solid, but 989 are just too far behind the times to really be a contender in this sport.

The graphics in 2004 have been retooled and noticeably improved. Everything from the presentation, to the player models, and even the stadiums has been touched up for this year’s version. Shootout really gets you into the game with its riveting presentation. The overlays, replays, and even the slow motion slams really get you pumped to play. The player models have been recreated and easily look the best in the series. While still lacking in the facial areas and animation, the player models are vastly improved from previous versions. All your stadiums are up to date and modified perfectly this year; complete with 3D crowd to cheer you on. There are also some spots of noticeable frame rate dipping throughout the game, especially when passing the ball far down the court. Shootout may not be the best looking game on the market, but at least it’s finally not the ugly beast we remember from days gone by.

The audio is very familiar to last year’s game, with not much retooling in this department. The commentary is accurate, but too blunt giving only a few play-by-play notes in a game. Even some of the one-liners are just forgetful. The crowd, like in most 989 games sounds very genuine, not only in likeness, but in real time situations. Crowds do get pumped up at the right times, and die off in blowouts. The ambient sounds are typical, and if you’ve played one squeaky shoe title, you know the drill.

989 have always forgone visuals for game play. Fans of the series will admit, “My game ain’t the prettiest, but it kick your games but where it counts.” The same can be said for this year’s Shootout. With plenty of quick plays, no looks, crossovers, fancy lay-ups, and big slams, it does hold it’s own with the other powerhouses. What’s more, Shootout plays slick online, with little to no lag to be found. What has changed the most this year is the free throw attempt. Each franchise has tried to make the free throws as realistic as possible, without being too easy or too difficult. 989 may have found a formula. You shoot a free throw by pulling back on both analog sticks and in a fluid motion pushing them back to the front. Think Tiger Woods, but with two sticks. It’s tricky, but once you get the hang of it, the result is a satisfying one. Look for this to be mimicked in the future. All in all the game plays just fine and will appease any fan of the hardwood.

Shootout delivers in the options department as well giving players everything you’d want to see in a hoops title. You have multiple play modes from Exhibition, to a detailed Career mode, to the thrill of competitive bragging rights in online mode. Online you can even join 64 man tourneys, complete with roster updates. The fun doesn’t end there either. You now have 50 retired vets returning to relive their glory days, with such stars as Wilt the Stilt and Karl Malone. Want more? You got it! Customize your game in every way, from roster adjustments, to create-a-player, to even create-a-dunk! Without a doubt 989 has the options to satisfy, and if you enjoy the game, you’ll be in for a long year with this title.

As you have read, the game by all means is not a bad game. It easily hold ground with EA and Sega, but offering the same options, with dated looks and sounds may turn off most fickle gamer. Hardcore fans that just want to throw down will find plenty to enjoy in this year’s Shootout. It’s their finest effort to date.