Even with the lack of competition in the basketball genre, Sega seems to continue to put out high quality basketball games that seem to get better and better every year. They try and perfect their gameplay, and make any additions they see fit. This is the true king of basketball.

Like all the other Sega Sports games, the primary focus is the gameplay. They strive to create the most realistic and entertaining game possible. This year, they have by far made the best simulation basketball game I've played.

Gameplay has been improved over last years game, with a better post game, fixed glitches that plagued last years game, and an authentic simulation that accurately describes the NBA season in real life. Sega offers several modes in NBA 2K3, including franchise, season, practice mode, street mode, online play, and even a few others. The franchise is by far the most focused on aspect of the game, but the others are still no last second throw in. The franchise mode has been greatly improved upon, especially with the all new ESPN license Sega seems to be putting to good use. They have put in many more stat tracking categories than last years version had, improved tactics on the court, and many more options in franchise. You can even import your rosters from NCAA 2k3 if you want, even though this isn't anything new to the sports genre. Upset your rosters are old and out-dated? Then just sign on xbox live and download new updated ones then. The fluidity of the game when playing is amazing, and it really feels like your playing a basketball game.

Grahpics in this year's version of basketball are basically the same from last year, but with added animations and several other minor changes. Sega has so many different animations, they seem to never get repetitive. Dunking, driving, posting up, stealing, passing, etc. have all new animations plus ones from previous games. Now when a ball is about to go out of bounds or deflects off of your players, he will dive or jump out of bounds and throw it back into bounds making an attempt to preserve the possession. A completely new feature graphically in the basketball genre, is the fact that players will now sweat when they become tired, or even start breathing heavier and leaning over with their hands on their knees. I personally think this is definitely one of the best looking sports games I've ever played.

The commentators provide some decent play-by-play, but their lines easily get repitive throughout the game. It may seem funny or something for the first twenty minutes or so, but then it just gets downright annoying hearing the same stupid joke over and over again. You can even hear a little bit of talking at times from the players on the court, and the crowd cheering really adds to the atmosphere of the game. Upon turning on the game, you'll encounter part of the ESPN license being put to use, the theme for sportscenter. Other than this, there really isn't any music in the game.

You control your players by moving with the left joystick, and then the basic buttons that have always been the same for basketball games. You can call picks, and plays by pressing their corresponding btutons on the controller, as well as icon passing. I've found that if you don't use the icons to pass, you might as well not pass at all because they tend to pick your passes off. Also, on occasion I've passed the ball in bounds, and had my guy standing on the line and get a turnover from it. This also happens to the computer on numerous occasions, and is one of the most annoying things ever.

Up to you and three of your friends can play this game on your xbox, against each other, or against other people on xbox live. This makes for some great, competitive games that never get old. With the ability to download new rosters every couple of weeks, it keeps the game updated and a lot like the real NBA seasons.

NBA 2K3 is a great buy for anyone who has ever liked basketball games, and for people who are looking for a great mix of gameplay, replay value, and incredible visuals. This is one game that will keep you coming back for more and make you happy you spent $50 on it.