Street Hoops - PS2

Got packs, screens, info?
Also for: Xbox, GameCube
Viewed: 3D Combination Genre:
Sport: Basketball
Media: CD Arcade origin:No
Developer: Black Ops Entertainment Soft. Co.: Black Ops Entertainment
Publishers: Activision (GB)
Released: 4 Oct 2002 (GB)
Ratings: 15+
Accessories: Memory Card
Features: Vibration Function Compatible, Multitap adaptable

Summary

Basketball games are by no means in short supply. There's a plethora of Total NBA and NBA Jam games in circulation, not to mention several unofficial spin-offs. But here in the UK, it seems we can't get enough, so Activision is here, offering Street Hoops for PlayStation 2.

The second we put this game into the console, we were bombarded with a series of repetitive but spectacular clips of shots and dunks, but more notably, a surfeit of American street lingo. That's when we knew what we were letting ourselves in for. Street Hoops is a far cry from the official licenses and professional style seen in, for example, EA Sports games. It has an aggressive, crude feel that's very distinct and will no doubt be popular with many of today's yout'.

The atmosphere and style seen in Street Hoops helps to make the game feel somewhat different, and the street locations are a welcome change from those all too familiar squeaky clean courts and reflective surfaces. But underneath this thick veil of strange language and tarmac'ed visuals lies a simple basketball game similar to most others available. But there's a ever-so-slight difference. Near-identical gameplay is an inevitable feature of basketball games, but if the game itself has been developed with care, the end result can be quite varied. In the case of Street Hoops, the end result is very appealing.

Many basketball games are confusing, the pace can be too quick, and you can soon find yourself discouraged from playing altogether. Thankfully, Street Hoops isn't dogged by any of the above, it's just a well-delivered, simple, arcade-style basketball game that's worth a few hours of anyone's time, and a few more if you're up for an eight-player scramble.