Microsoft’s efforts at producing its own NBA title are virtually non-existent, and despite the company’s tendency to do everything its own way, sometimes it’s just more practical to seek development genius outside of Bill Gates’ elite team. That’s why Microsoft has enlisted High Voltage Studios to create NBA Inside Drive for Xbox.

Switching on the Xbox console, Inside Drive greets you with a repetitive but nonetheless spectacular introduction you will have come to expect from a basketball ... more >>

Microsoft’s efforts at producing its own NBA title are virtually non-existent, and despite the company’s tendency to do everything its own way, sometimes it’s just more practical to seek development genius outside of Bill Gates’ elite team. That’s why Microsoft has enlisted High Voltage Studios to create NBA Inside Drive for Xbox.

Switching on the Xbox console, Inside Drive greets you with a repetitive but nonetheless spectacular introduction you will have come to expect from a basketball title, featuring famous faces, legendary shoots and dozens of world famous lanky-limbed teams. It’s sets the mood, and lures gamers into an addictive game of virtual basketball.

From the outset, you have the privilege of playing as any of the United States’ biggest basketball teams. From the mainstream Manchester United equivalent, Chicago Bulls, to some of the game’s slightly more obscure team entries, Inside Drive lets you participate not only as the team, but at the team’s home stadium as well. But the stunning environments and motion-captured players are only a taste of things to come.

High Voltage has utilised the Xbox controller to create two very distinct playing methods. Players in possession of ball can use fake shots, passes and pivots to drive the ball closer to the basket, while those guarding the rim can make use of a plethora of block and steal manoeuvres in an attempt to win possession of the ball. The controls are carefully balanced, and although the onscreen action can get a little confusing to start with, the gameplay mechanics are pretty straightforward. If a shot is missed, it’s simply down to your own lack of skill or judgement, but if you hit a three-pointer, the victory is yours for the taking.

Main game aside, there are many other features that will keep you entertained. Game modes such as Playoffs, Season and Exhibition introduce plenty of variety, while signing and trading options and endless pages of stats keep the players motivated. It’s a great basketball title and the first of its kind for Xbox.
<< less