Kobe Byrant in NBA Courtside

Written by Jonathan Nicklas  on June 22, 2000

Review: Think Kobe will introduce me to the Laker Girls?

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Kobe Bryant in NBA Courtside, endorsed by L.A. Laker star Kobe Byrant, hence the name, proves to be one of Nintendo's first satisfactory basketball game. The full NBA licensed game, seems to be a contender for best N64 basketball game.

NBA Courtside provides decent, satisfactory visuals. The graphics are impressive, but add nothing new to the genre of basketball games. NBA jerseys, and appearances of the NBA players, are very well done. The faces and bodies are realistic, but seem to be a tad polygonal. Created players look appropriate, which will blend in with other players. Witnessing many dunks, etc. are nice produced. Courtside's frame rates are amazing, and with the addition of medium resolution graphics conclude a nice effort by developer Left Field.

Courtside's tight controls are very easy to adapt to, which simple control configurations. You can set some simplistic plays, and more. The turbo button is very useful, which can make performing dunks etc. an easier task, while trying to make the game more fast paced. Fancy moves such as alley hoops, and other nifty moves are enjoyable to perform and watch. The controls are very useful for parties, for 4-player action.

The audio is standard, with addictive tunes, and many tiny tunes and beats. The play-by-play announcer, Vic Orlando calls commentaries crisp and clear, but more commentary would have been nice. The crowd's cheering is realistic, and suitable to the atmosphere. Although during gameplay, it will tend to get tiresome. Overall, good quality sound accomplished by Left Field.

Was I satisfied? Well, considering Courtside is Left Field's shot at the N64, yeah i would say i was pleased with this game. Its also THE best b-ball game for N64 at this time. The game sports many modes, and even gives the option of a create-a-player mode. Left Field did some nice work, and I hope to see some more, both in this sport and in others.

NBA Courtside is certainly enjoyable, but the replay won't last you very long. Many options, creating NBA stars will last you only a few weeks. 3 difficulty settings, can be played during pre-season, season, and playoffs. The A.I. is competitive, but in time you will be able to compete with it. Definitely a rental.