ESPN NBA 2K5

This installment in the series, adding to the rivalry between 2K games and EA Sports, already intensified by EA's purchase of the rights to NFL video games, the win in this year's battle goes to ESPN NBA 2K5.

With a fully-interactive 24/7 mode that places you as a baller starting out, with a emphasis on practice, practice, practice, to rise through the ranks of 24/7. Along the way, you engage in games such as Historic Mode (playing ballers from back in the day) and Bomb Ball Egg (each dribble ticks the bomb). Winning challenges and shutting down your opponent will unlock items you can use to customize the baller. Eventually, you must defeat the final Boss, Phenom.

Association is the name of the franchise mode. You take over one of the 30 NBA teams and guide it to the Finals, and even the Championship series. Chemistry of the team will affect how you do, but that can be toggled on or off. Make trades for men like Manu Ginobili, Tim Duncan, Chauncey Billups, Rasheed...

THE GOOD:
Graphics - Very sleek and lifelike , superb animations and authentic licenses 9/10

Gameplay - Quite tactical but can be changed to suit the player , very lifelike dunks , passes and steals. 9/10

Game Modes - 24/7 mode allows the gamer to create him/herself and pursue the dream of playing in the NBA - it starts with the player gaining friends to eventually compete on centre stage , other modes include Assosiation (the NBA League) , there is also a healthy mix of street and court play and there is loads of unlockables 10/10

Sound - Fairly decent array of music - most ive never heard of in the game , should be more rock stuff to compete with the unoriginal rap songs 7/10

Lifespan - With a load of unlockables , such as bobbleheads and unlockable teams this will keep you going for ages. 9/10

Verdict - Get it - even if you are not a true fan of basketball

THE BAD:
Can be repetetive in the meaning of lay-ups and...