NBA Hangtime
Reviewed by Mark the Great
Like basketball? Go for NBA Hangtime only if you really, REALLY enjoyed
the arcade version. Perhaps this is because they changed absolutely nothing.
Graphics 9 out of 10
As I said in the introduction, the graphics are the same as the arcade
version. Not that bad. The slam dunks and double dunks really add to
the fun of the game, and the dribbling and other skills handle like a
dream. Incredible passes, moves and shots compliment the graphics
very well.
Music and Sound 6 out of 10
The music of this game is really out of place. It is like rap music
without the vocals: very hallow. The music does very little to help
out with the gameplay. The only good music you can possibly achieve
is when you get a team fire, which is impossible altogether. If you
do manage this feat, though, the music lasts twenty-five seconds.
As for the sound, as the voice of Neil Funk, the Chicago Bulls announcer,
is really not that bad. His cool comments when you do something well
are unique and invigorating, but he can slam you when you screw up.
My advice is to turn sound off while playing, and listen to Funk.
Game Challenge 7 out of 10
The challenge of Hang Time is very out of proportion. There are
three main areas to it. The first is just playing alone. No matter
what team you play as, I could not even the Grizzlies until about
the tenth time. The second one is creating a player. With his or her
unique abilities, which no other regular player has, they can dominate
the whole game, doing whatever you want them to do, and usually
succeeding. And the kicker is, the more games your guy wins, the stronger
he becomes. And last but not least is playing with a non CPU opponent.
With two of you, the computer expects logical computer moves, but you
weigh the odds with unexpected moves. Think about it.
Game Play-Fun 8 out of 10
For game fun, this game is out of this WORLD! You can go for points,
pushing, trivia, or just about anything you can imagine. If you have a
friend to play against or on their team, you can double the fun by going
for anything you want- and probably achieving it. Another major point
for game fun is cheats. These game cheats enable you to do lots, while
having to do nothing to get them. In this sense, you can customize your
games.
Frustration
The key points to frustration on NBA Hangtime are very little, but very
effective. The first is that there is nothing changed with the game from
the arcade version, except for the create players menu. Another one is
the difficulty. If you don't have a second controller or a memory card,
winning is going to be very difficult. Be careful. And lastly, don't be
surprised if your opponent makes a full court, three point shot to win
the game with a second left.
Replayability 0 out of 10
Out of all the things that I do not recommend for this game, replaying
it is the highest one. It is always the same opponents with the same
moves on the same court (maybe not the court). However many guys
you want to have, they always wind up in the same spot.
Game Value 6 out of 10
Unless you are really high on basketball, or really enjoy playing against
or with your friends, I would not recommend buying this game, due to
that you can play it at about every corner video arcade for about a dollar.
If you do like basketball, though, buy this game. It gives you a good couple
of months of playing before you get bored of it.
Overall 5.5 out of 10
If you love basketball, go play it outside! Other than that, buy this game
if you are sort of desperate, or if you loved the arcade version. This game
was not really made for just anybody to go pick it up, make sure you really
want to by it before purchasing it.