NBA In The Zone '98
Reviewed by Chris Hagler
This particular game is the newest in the "in the zone" series....In The Zone '98.
Long awaited due to roster changes and new players in the NBA, this game puts
realistic play, with good sound and good options together for an extremely pleasing
playing experience.
Graphics 7 out of 10
Graphics were well done, as far as motion, background, and scrolling...the only thing
lacking is the players' differential. For example, Chris Mullin looked almost exactly
like Jeff Hornacek..knowing the difference in appearance...(especially hair color) it
made it odd. Also, jumping was slightly choppy.
Music and Sound 8 out of 10
The sounds were VERY well done on this game...the squeak of shoes on the floor...the
echo of the dribble in a large stadium. All of these were exceptionally done. The
random organ music was a nice touch. As for the announcer...very well done, he is
not completely monotone, like some other announcers on other games..and his
dialogue changes enough to keep him from getting tiresome. Sound is an outstanding
feature on this game.
Game Challenge 4-8 out of 10
The reason for the unspecific rating is this... if you create your own players, the game
can get too easy if you overdo them...otherwise,on the original rosters, you can get
plenty of challenge. It is realistic in level...as the computer team doesn't make every
short shot..nor do they lie down for the player, either. Dunks can be missed, but they
can also surprise you with the clutch play. Realistic for the serious fan.
Game Play-Fun 8 out of 10
My rating is one of a serious fan..if one can imagine the game being played, as Karl
Malone hits a jumper over Dennis Rodman..a person like me can really get a lot of
serious fun out of this game..The realistic play makes it easy to imagine..unlike
games like Hangtime (where the player can jump 30 feet in the air, do a somersault
and dunk.). Even a novice basketball fan an enjoy this game however, if they like the
challenge of taking a team through a season, or through a championship game.
Frustration
Only two frustrations in the game.....one previously mentioned, when directing
traffic, you might not know who you're passing to, the other is that there are a
couple flaws in shooting range...it is possible for someone to make a basket from
exceptionally odd angles under the backboard...as well as hitting the backboard from
the side on occasion.
Replayability 6 out of 10
If you're a serious fan, you'll enjoy taking different teams through the season on
this game...otherwise....doing it all over again just doesn't hold water for some
people. Playing with the rosters and mixing it up makes it more interesting the
second time around..but the gameplay remains similar no matter what you may do.
Depends on the type of fan you are.
Game Value 7 out of 10
You can't really beat this game for a good NBA experience...it is unparalleled in
realism, however...the replayability makes me suggest that you try renting it to
make sure you want to shell out bucks for a game you might only play for one
season's length. As with any sports game, if you get skilled with it, it can grow
monotonous. However, if you like changing things, like putting Rik Smits on the
Spurs, or switching John Stockton for Grant Hill, then by all means....buy it for
the best NBA game out there.
Overall 8 out of 10
To the hardcore fan: BUY IT...PLAY IT ENJOY IT...you'll never regret it....it's a wonderful
NBA game, and you'll enjoy it, you'll also catch yourself trying to force other people
to play it, whether they like basketball or even Nintendo or not. To the Rest of you:
Try it out, the sound, gameplay, options, and overall fun may surprise you and provide
you with a game you can certainly enjoy and get into.