Product Description

NBA Street V3 Gcube

---

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #14676 in Video Games
• Brand: Electronic Arts
• Model: 14633147605
• Released on: 2006-06-15
• ESRB Rating: Everyone
• Platform: GameCube
• Number of items: 1
• Dimensions: .75" h x 5.50" w x 7.50" l, .30 pounds

Features

• Play on 12 authentic courts around the world, from Rucker Park in NYC to Venice Beach, California -- even courts in Europe
• Go wild with the Gamebreakers - turn combos into a 3-man aerial dunk assault
• The Trick Stick gives you complete control of the rock -- take your dunka nd slams further, and make up your own crazy moves
• Show off your style with over 1,000 different custom options - hairstyles, gear and accessories are yours to play with
• Build and customize your home court from the ground up - Create a home court advantage with new court surface, net, and backboard styles

Amazon.com

Some franchises just run out of steam. NBA Jam is one of them. It started off strong – redefining video game basketball as we know it – had a phenomenal sophomore year, then plummeted from grace with such momentum that even those who praised the series wouldn't touch it with a ten-foot pole. NBA Street is walking directly in the footsteps of this highly influential game, but it has no intention of hanging its shoes up anytime soon. While sticking to the high-flying, rim-rockin' antics that launched the series to the top of the charts, developer EA Canada has implemented enough exciting new content to make the experience fresh and addictive yet again.

In many ways, EA has gone back to the drawing board to present the game in an entirely new light. Moving away from the mile-high afros, graffiti-riddled courts, and playful caricaturizing of the previous two releases, this series' ankle-breaking jukes and orbital slams are now visualized with the utmost realism. Courts are teeming with animated fans, leaves falling off of trees, and breathtaking lighting effects that produce blinding rays and photorealistic shading. The player models are also impressively detailed with swaying jerseys, the authentication of signature apparel, and facial texturing that is perfected to the very pimple.

For those of you who feel that looks mean about as much as a new hair color for Dennis Rodman, the most significant changes to this year's addition stem from gameplay. Focusing on the most exciting aspect of the game, dunks reign supreme in this iteration. Above and beyond the the assortment of jams that you'll be able to perform throughout the course of the game, players can now customize their slams when activating a GameBreaker. When your character takes flight, tapping the right analog stick in different directions will make your player perform different moves such as windmills, double pumps, and an array of remarkable feats. More impressive yet, you can also toss the ball to an airborne teammate before you land to create a two- or three-man combo that will simply decimate your opponent.

To ensure that players are flying through the air at any given time, EA has also created an insanely deep Dunk Contest mode. Bounce the rock behind your back, leap to grab it, then spin and double pump as you bring the backboard crashing to the ground. Or if you really want to get crazy, drag props such as vending machines and port-a-potties onto the court and soar over them. Unlike the latest entry of NBA Live, this mode is easy to use, has more slams in its arsenal than Spud Webb (who is in the game), and couldn't be much more entertaining.

Regarding the battle for position on the court, EA has removed the trick buttons in favor of mapping deke moves to the right analog stick. Each 45-degree angle performs a different move. Apply the modifier buttons to the equation and you have an expansive arsenal at your fingertips. This new format is much easier to tap into and be successful with. Much like dunking, a combo meter tracks how many dekes you can chain together and creates a higher multiplier for the forthcoming shot or dunk.

Be a Legend mode has been replaced by the similarly designed and equally amusing Street Challenge. Build a baller from the ground up, create your own shoes, and compete in challenges that range from dunk-only contests to the first to perform a GameBreaker. As you gain reputation, you'll be asked to join an NBA team for league play. You'll also get the chance to build your own court. As nice as it is to have turf to call your own, there's little in the way of customization options.

On occasion, your CPU opponents will make some silly mistakes along the lines of using a GameBreaker to shoot a three-pointer during a dunk-only contest, but the AI is still mighty impressive. Rather than going the way of the dodo like other arcade basketball franchises, Street continues to gain momentum and is more desirable now than it has ever been.

Concept:
Slamfest 2005. Killer dunk contests, amazing slams, and more windmills than Holland

Graphics:
A towering level of realism can be found in the player models, courts, and lighting effects

Sound:
The announcer is quite funny, but he'll drive you nuts after awhile. The soundtrack is a bit slim, but it has a number of catchy tunes on it

Playability:
The controls are like butta. Juking and taking flight almost becomes second nature

Entertainment:
Coming back for thirds is rarely this satisfying

Replay:
High

Rated: 9 out of 10
Editor: Andrew Reiner
Issue: March 2005

2nd Opinion:
Just when you think Electronic Arts can't take it up another notch, out comes a new sequel that squashes the previous entry. Today's case in point: Street 3. With a huge range of customization options, killer online play, and a fantastic dunk contest (that is thankfully easier to execute than NBA Live's), Street 3 does little wrong. The use of the right analog stick combined with the shoulder buttons to execute tricks, jukes, and dunks gives the player more control over what actions take place on the court, which in turn makes the game feel smoother. Even the AI is improved (though still not quite perfect). Between the various editions, I'd personally go with the Xbox's stellar graphics package, but they shine on all three. Heck, you may even have to buy the game twice, since the GC has Mario. I know, shocker…Street Mario…is that one of the signs of the apocalypse?

Rated: 8.75 out of 10
Editor: Andy McNamara


Subscribe to Game Informer

---

Customer Reviews

Must have for GameCube Owners
I love this game, I love it so much I have it for XBOX too. The reason I have it for the Cube too is the fact it offers Mario Characters too, namely Peach, Luigi and Mario. Honestly, it's a nice addition for Gamecube owners as the other systems dont' offer any mascot players, but I'll tell you up front the different characters dont play any differently from the regular basketball players so don't expect anything from that regard.

Wouldn't it have been great seeing Mario heat up and turn red like he does on his classic Mario games? Maybe some special Nintnedo"ish" dunks that only Mario or Princess Peach could pull off? Maybe an added touch of a basket catching fire or having princess Peach float through the air to reach the rim like she does in her Mario expeditions. These characters are for visuals only, they do the same dunks and moves as every other player in the game, so don't expect anything different from that regard. Mind you, most people wont' care, seeing these guys go up against Iverson, Shaq, Kobe and old school players is a comedic treat for Nintnedo fans.

This game is well worth the price of admission and I consider it to be the best multiplayer game to ever hit the shelf. With 3 other game controllers, you can have up to 4 human players at once. Online would have been nice for Gamecube owners, but the ultra long street challenge mode and mutiplayer options will keep you busy for sometime. The street Challenge mode takes you through an extensive season to get your created player up to speed. You can earn new workout clothes, new jerseys, new socks, new shoes, new hairstyles, new jewelery, new hairstyles, and even change your body style. You can even go the female route if you want, it's a pretty extensive customization option the game offers for your pleasure.

As with the PS2 and XBOX versions of the game, the game has a wagon load of current NBA Players and old school. As with many, a massive disappointment is the absence of Michael Jordan in Vol 3. Amazingly Jordan was all through Volume 2 so many are surprised not to see him in Vol 3, I guess it had to do with licensing issues. Bummer. But if you can forgive that, the lineup is very extensive, so don't cry. Good music tuneage, annoying announcer as always, tremendous graphics, players look amazing, and the vast amount of trick moves, dunks, venues for the courts are extensive, you won't be disappointed. Buy this game if you own a Gamecube, you won't regret it.

Greatest Game Eva
This game is awesome. On the Gamecube you can play as Mario, Peach, And my Favorite Luigi. I thought it would be hard to control but once you get used to it it is easy.If you like Basketball and even if you dont get this game. Your 50 bucks is worth it. There is probably only 1 problem. No Michael Jordan. The rest of the game is awesome. Good graphics, cool gameplay, and loads of fun. This game has many features. 1. You can make your own court. 2.Legends EX Magic Jonshion, Larry Bird, e.t.c. 3. Da Beastie Boys are unlockable. 4. Make your own charecter. 5. You can make your own shoes. Thats right your own shoes. If that isnt enought cool songs including 1 Beastie boys song to play to, a long, but fun Street Chanlenge mode, when you create a charecter many different things to chose from, and cool gameplay. That, my friend is why this is the best Basketball game for 2005 so far and most likely will be for the rest of the year.

Good,but the Mario team makes it better
I've played basketball with my friends, a lot. yet I've never played on a team. But with this game it doesnt matter. I would recommend only getting this game if your getting it for Gamecube. Why? Because of Mario Luigi and Peach. They just make the game seem more funny and less serious......just the way i like it! Also with the move stick it can become a natural way of moving in the game. The ability of chosing and customizing the character's looks and stats is just one of the many features that make this game overal A-

My Opinion:

Graphics- A-

Sound- B+

Controls- A

Replay value- A-

Overal Score- A-