Flashier
than a photo shoot and more fly than a kite, Kobe takes no shorts in Courtside
2.
Nintendo
Sports recently had the opportunity to hit the hardwood with a finished
version
of
Left Field Production's sequel to NBA Courtside.
Kobe
Bryant is one of the most flamboyant players in the NBA, and he provided
all of the
motion-capturing
for Courtside 2. Awesome cross-overs and creative dribbles vary from
player
to player, but Kobe's own moves are definitely the most impressive in the
Pak.
The
visual package matches the slick style of the gameplay. Left Field has
beefed up the
graphics
for Courtside 2, using 200 polygons-per-head to make sure you recognize
every
player
on the court. Kobe will take it to the rim in hi-res mode even without
the Expansion
Pak,
but the extra memory can be used for an extended replay feature. While
schooling
your
friends in slow motion, be sure to check out the animated facial expressions
which
change
throughout the game.
The
words "advanced artificial intelligence" seem to pass the lips of almost
all developers
making
sports games, but Left Field genuinely increased the brain power of your
opposition.
CPU-controlled
players behave more like real NBA players, by actually capitalizing on
the
strengths
and weaknesses of your team.
Defensive
players try to block your lay-ups and dunks, but only if they've established
proper
defensive
positioning. You'll still get breakaway dunks, but generally you have to
earn your
points
in the paint.
Courtside
2 allows up to four players to hit the hardwood simultaneously, either
two-on-
two
or three-on-one. |
