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2 /5

Konami's fourth basketball game for the PlayStation brings together 29 NBA teams and over 300 authentic players with ratings based on the 1997-98 season. Added features include a 50-game schedule, NBA arena announcer Ray Clay, new motion-captured animations, and both three-point and slam dunk contests. As in previous games, the camera can be switched to different angles and zoomed in or out to offer multiple views of the court.

Players can choose from the following six modes of play: Exhibition (single game between two teams of your choice), Season (play as one team through 50 or a full 82 games as you try to make the playoffs), Playoffs (survive each round to reach the finals), All-Star Game (play as either the Eastern or Western Conference with random or custom rosters), Three-Point Shootout (try to land as many threes as you can within the time limit) and Dunk Contest (first choose a difficulty level, then execute a series of commands to perform each dunk).

The game supports up to eight players simultaneously with a Multi-Tap Adapter, and those owning a Dual Shock Analog Controller will be able to use both analog and vibration functions. Moves at your disposal include dunks, alley-oops, fadeaways, fakes, double clutches, drives to the basket and pinpoint passing. Pressing the L2 button will show symbols above each player, allowing you to pass or switch defenders with precision.

Options include changing game rules and features such as injuries, difficulty level, quarter length, fatigue and the number of games in a playoff series. Players can call one of four defenses during play (full court, half court, 3/4 and trap) as well as six different offensive formations (box, sideline, high post, three-point, inside or isolation). Roster management allows you to make trades, create players and adjust starting lineups, all of which can be saved to memory card.