NBA Fastbreak 98

With so many similar sports video games being released today, it becomes
difficult to determine which one deserves the crown.   It only makes
sense therefore to focus reviews more upon how a game (in this case NBA
Fastbreak 98) sets itself apart from other video games of the same genre.


Let me start by saying that NBA Fastbreak 98 is the best basketball video
game available.  What makes this game unique is its variety of
natural-looking NBA athletic moves including driving to the basket, side
stepping, running backwards, etc.  The game also allows great control and
it is easy to execute these spectacular moves.  In addition, it uses real
basketball coaching strategy to compete, superbly accurate stats, has an
extensive playbook, several useful game views, and an exciting player
introduction!  Furthermore, characters look and perform like their real
life counterparts!  The one area that could have really set this game
apart is better environment sounds.  Nonetheless, the game does convey
the feeling of actually playing in a real NBA game.  While a rookie at
simulation basketball, Fastbreak plays like an All Star veteran.   

-Graphics
The graphics are stunning!  One of the most impressive features of the
game is its smooth and authentic motion capturing of real NBA athletic
moves.  Even little things such as point guards raising one hand to call
plays, left handed shooters, and players limping when injured or slumping
when tired are included to enhance the game.  All these features combined
are what help set this game apart.  Unfortunately, the crowd graphics are
very poor.
	
-Realism
This is the only game which showcases the impressive signature moves,
dunks, and drives to the basket of All Star NBA players.  The game also
includes many NBA rules as well as basketball fundamentals.  For example,
players constantly move around attempting to get into their respective
positions or set picks as plays are called.  Ball movement by the CPU is
also done very well to get men open.  Each team further has team specific
play sets used by their real life counterparts.  Adding to coaching
strategy, users have the ability to adjust game tempo on offense and
pressure on defense.  Realistic ball physics such as overthrown passes,
overshooting, or undershooting the basket can be noticed as well. 
Turning to stats, player performances and ratings are actually based on
the 96-97 NBA season.  A forty eight minute game yields realistic team
and player stats.  Work has to be done however on CPU play calling during
the final one minute of play.  When on offense and leading, instead of
spreading the court and running the clock out, the CPU attempts to move
the ball up court and score as usual.  When on offense and behind, the
CPU does not hurry shots in order to preserve time, but instead continues
to play as usual.  Other than these shortcomings, the CPU adjusts well
against your playcalling.
 
-Sounds
One area which needs improvement is the environment sounds.  The crowd
needs to elevate more in response to big plays or scoring runs by the
home team.  Sounds such as players colliding with the court or screaming
for the ball would enhance the presence of being on the court.  In
addition, occasional music during key situations and a PA announcer would
also add to the atmosphere.

-Camera
Viewing the action can be accomplished from eleven different camera
angles, many with autoswitch and rotation ability.  Some angles also
allow a dynamic perspective that zooms in when the ball is in the key.

-GamePlay
GamePlay is another area which really helps this game stand out.  This is
the only game that allows such effortless control of side stepping,
setting a pick, boxing out, calling for a shot or pass, or performing an
assortment of drives to the basket.  Although the default gamespeed
closely reflects natural motion, it can be adjusted to the user
preference.  The action control interfaces appear well thought out.  The
ability to execute a desired action such as positioning to draw an
offensive foul is unmatched.  Rebounding on defense can be easily done
without inadvertently shooting across court to your basket.  This is a
frustrating problem commonly encountered by many other games.  Fastbreak
offers an extensive selection of plays which can be called on the fly. 
Switching to the player closest to ball and blocking shots from behind or
side are an unfortunate weakness.  Chosen plays need to be displayed on
screen whenever the user has play calling set on auto.  This would help
users unfamiliar with a play study how it unfolds. 
	
-Presentation
Just prior to game tip off, players jog out onto the court one by one as
they are introduced.  This is an incredible sight especially when the
home team is introduced while music is playing, cameras are flashing, and
the crowd begins to roar.  The atmosphere is further enhanced during the
game as cameras flash from the crowd as the ball is shot.  Ball
possession is shown using a triangular cursor that is in my opinion too
bright and distracting.  Text alone underneath the ball carrier seems to
be all that is needed.  Unlike many games, Fastbreak chose grey text to
identify players with the ball.  It may not be a concern to many, but in
my opinion, it reduces on screen distractions encountered by many other
games.

-Season
League leaders, team standings, and league player awards at the end of a
season all appear consistent with likely outcomes.

-Options
Practice mode is a great way for users to perfect their skills or simply
go two on two against each other.

-Errors
Combined two point and three point field goals plus free throw totals do
not add up correctly.

-Summary
The Bottom Line:  Although ShootOut 98 and In the Zone 98 have not been
released yet, they both will need to make major changes to catch this
one.  When compared to the newly released NBA Live 98, Fastbreak has far
smoother motion capturing and a variety of easily executed athletic
moves, offering true NBA style basketball.  To credit EA, Live 98 however
delivers better sounds -- "NBA style".  Live 98 also has a three point
competition while Fastbreak has a more useful two on two game.  If you
want fluid authentic graphics, great control, and realism then NBA
Fastbreak 98 will not disappoint!  It will be very interesting to see if
Sony can top this one.  My Rating:  9-1/2 out of 10.

Wishes for next year include one player by position of the 50 Greatest
NBA Legends, team colors worn by the crowd, and players reacting in
frustration after missing crucial shots.

Basketball video games are by far the most realistic attempt at
simulating the actions and strategy required to compete in its sport. 
Football still needs to experiment more with directional and distance
passing controls.  To date, an artificial passing system using icons is
duplicated by a majority of football games.  After having done such an
excellent job on Fastbreak, who knows, maybe Midway will take on this
challenge.