While there are a lot of similarities with classic arcade basketball games, NBA Playgrounds also has some new ideas that end up being a mixed bag. Overall, the gameplay feels extremely solid after a few hours, with only the blocking feeling stiff and awkward to do properly. This is the key to defense, as I could stop opponents regularly and cause turnovers. Defense has some complexity to learn as well, as I had to balance my stamina to use a highly powerful push to knock my opponent on the ground. After chucking up more air balls than I’d like to admit, I eventually began draining threes with such regularity that I never went for two-point shots unless I was dunking on fools. Thankfully, this can be turned off.ĭespite this familiarity, there’s a learning period to be had. The timing in NBA Playgrounds took me a few matches to really get used to (although the game helpfully will tell the player if they released a shot too early or late). Instead of the announcer providing iconic one-liners, Playgrounds ends up having lame insults that talk about basketball star’s masculinity. The biggest area where it goes for an NBA Jam feel, but fails is in its awful commentary. It’s a formula that has worked in the past, and it feels right at home here despite sometimes feeling like a knockoff. It follows the basic formula that Arch Rivals established in 1989, and has players shooting audacious three-point shots, and doing dunks that would make Julius Erving blush. Taking clear inspiration from Midway’s iconic franchise, NBA Playgrounds will feel quite familiar upon booting up the game.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |