Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

NBA Basketball 2000 delivers a deep and immersive basketball simulation that caters to both casual players and die-hard hoops enthusiasts. With 340 officially licensed NBA players and 33 all-star and rookie teams, the game provides a faithful recreation of the league’s talent pool. Each player’s complete set of statistics and historical records translates into authentic on-court performance, ensuring that superstar scorers feel explosive while defensive stalwarts clamp down the paint as expected.

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The variety of game modes amplifies replay value: jump into a full season mode to chase the championship, test your skills in an all-star weekend complete with three-point contests, or keep it quick and competitive with a classic exhibition game. On PC, network play allows up to 10 friends to compete simultaneously, while the PlayStation version supports up to eight players via Multi Tap adapters—perfect for epic living-room showdowns and party nights.

Beyond pick-up action, NBA Basketball 2000 shines with its comprehensive coaching options. You can swap players in and out, negotiate trades, adjust for injuries, and even dive into roster management. The create-a-player feature further personalizes your experience, letting you insert yourself or a friend into the league with custom attributes and appearances. For those who love the X’s and O’s, the depth of strategy here is a major draw.

The in-game commentary by Greg Papa and Doc Rivers elevates every bounce and breakaway. Their insights capture the ebb and flow of a real broadcast, calling out star performances and crunch-time heroics. This layer of presentation brings an extra dash of authenticity to each matchup, keeping you engaged whether you’re running a fast break or setting up a post feed.

Graphics

For its time, NBA Basketball 2000 sets a high bar in visual fidelity. Player models boast authentic faces derived from NBA headshots, making it immediately clear which superstar you’re controlling or guarding on the court. The arenas are detailed and atmospheric, complete with accurate team colors, logos, and crowd animations that respond dynamically to big plays.

On both PlayStation and Windows platforms, frame rates remain smooth during fast-paced sequences, allowing for fluid dribbling, cutting, and dunk animations. Pay special attention to the slow-motion replays—the lighting and shadow work highlight sweat flying off players as they rise for a slam, enhancing that “You’ve got to see it again” feel.

From detailed jerseys with realistic fabric textures to authentic sideline advertising, the presentation keeps you immersed in the NBA world. Bench players and coaches also receive attention to detail, reacting vocally and gesturally to momentum swings, which adds to the game’s overall polish.

Story

While NBA Basketball 2000 does not offer a traditional narrative campaign, the game’s season mode organically constructs its own storyline as you guide your team through the highs and lows of an 82-game schedule. Rivalries emerge, hot streaks become headline news, and underdog teams can rise to championship contention.

The commentary duo of Greg Papa and Doc Rivers helps craft this unfolding drama, providing context to your team’s journey. They’ll highlight rising rookies, discuss trade rumors prompted by your front-office moves, and build suspense around pivotal playoff matchups. This dynamic narration weaves into your playing experience, making each win sweeter and each loss sting a bit more.

Customizable player creation also offers a personal storyline. Upload your own avatar, tweak attributes, and watch as your created player climbs the stat sheets, wins awards, and etches a legacy in NBA history. This personal arc adds an engaging thread that keeps you invested beyond mere exhibition contests.

Overall Experience

NBA Basketball 2000 strikes a compelling balance between arcade accessibility and simulation depth. Newcomers will appreciate the intuitive controls and pick-up-and-play feel, while veterans can exploit advanced tactics and roster management. The wide array of modes ensures you always have something fresh to explore, whether you’re grinding through a season or hosting a multi-player tournament night.

The authentic presentation—from licensed players and teams to realistic arenas and professional commentary—immerses you in the NBA atmosphere. Network play on PC and expanded multiplayer on PlayStation turn the game into a social event, perfect for competitive matchups or cooperative dynasties with friends.

With its robust feature set, polished graphics, and dynamic audio, NBA Basketball 2000 remains a standout title for basketball fans. It may lack a linear story campaign, but the emergent narratives you create on the court offer more replayability and emotional investment than many scripted sports titles. For anyone seeking a comprehensive, authentic basketball experience at the turn of the millennium, this game is a slam dunk.

Retro Replay Score

6.9/10