Full-time team talk...
One gripe I had is the lack of game-modes and I'd guess that after completing the single player campaign you'll probably head straight over to Xbox live to show off what you've learnt, but after playing through dozens of AI controlled matches and mastering all of the tricks (which is fairly easy) in Homecourt Challenge there's not enough variety in single player mode to warrant playing it for long periods. There's a Gamebreaker battle mode, trick battle, back to basics - where you can just play a standard game of basketball without gamebreakers - and a custom mode with few options. In all honesty I can't really see what else could be added, because the strength of the game does lie in the pick up and play, accessible gameplay, rather than offering any tactical challenge. In single player I'd play half a dozen games, turn it off and then go back to it later on, but I'm sure that's exactly what I'll continue doing way past it's release date.
Graphically, NBA Street Homecourt lacks the graphical sheen of the NBA series. You won't see sweat pouring down faces or rippling muscles, but it still holds it's own against other next-gen titles and the superb animations make up for a few inconsistencies.
Click for larger imageNow, I can't say I'm into soul, hip-hop or funk, in fact you could count the amount of Commodores albums I have on 'no hands', but even I recognised some of the classic tracks. There's some superb music from the likes of the Average White Soul Band and Quincy Jones and even a great remix of the Jackson 5 classic 'I want you back', all of which add to the atmosphere to what is a a solid sport's title.
Out of all of the basketball games I've played in the past, I've found Street Homecourt to be the most accessible and easiest to master. Aside from the repetitive matches, which is a common trait in many sport's games, it's addictive in short spurts and Xbox live play against real opponents will be where the real challenge lies.
Click for larger imageI'm rather surprised. I thought I'd hate it, I hate basketball after all. But, NBA Street Homecourt has a great game mechanic and improvising with the impressive array of tricks is great to watch and fun to execute. The simplicity of the gameplay means that it's easy to pick up and play in between bouts of the tactically deeper NBA Live. Thumbs up to EA for their latest sporting sequel!
Pros
Pick up and play
Loads of great tricks
Smooth matches
Soulful audio
Cons
Single player is repetitive, it's just match after match
A superb sequel with a great game mechanic.
HEXUS Awards
NBA Street Homecourt - Xbox 360
