• Publisher: Konami
  • Release Date: Oct 27, 2002

Mixed or average reviews - based on 10 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1 out of 10
  2. Negative: 4 out of 10
  1. 80
    With some work on A.I., animations, and a deeper Franchise mode, Konami’s game has a shot at spoiling the establishment’s party next year.
  2. There are far too many flaws for it to compete. [Dec 2002, p.123]
  3. Shows promise, but it's not yet enough to win over serious fans. [Dec 2002, p.52]
  4. If you’re looking for the worthy successor to Konami’s venerated "Double Dribble," NBA Starting Five isn’t a worthy heir. It really isn’t even a bastard child.
  5. Doesn’t even do an average job in simulating real basketball. Too many blocks, no sliders, and bad rebounding AI are just a few of the things that cause this title to be sub par.
  6. Passing is this game's big problem... Otherwise, the flaw that perturbs me most is the lack of special moves. [Dec 2002, p.171]
  7. 40
    The gameplay is outdated. Stuck somewhere between Electronic Arts' "Bulls vs. Lakers" and Sony's original "ShootOut," the simplicity of the mechanics and baffling defensive choices feel as though you're playing a game on your Sega Genesis and not a modern day console.
  8. A horrible train wreck of problems ranging from poor rebounding and passing to inconsistent shooting percentages and a worthless post-up game.
  9. The game falls apart in its execution. Quite frankly, it's not very fun to play. [Dec 2002, p.90]
  10. The perfect April Fool's present for people that like to waste fifty bucks (or countless hours of their life) staring at a 'Loading' sign.
User Score

Generally favorable reviews- based on 6 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 3 out of 3
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 3
  3. Negative: 0 out of 3
  1. JeremyB.
    Apr 8, 2003
    I feel it is very realistic and has almost every thing it needs to be a 10 except its weak post up.
  2. JY.
    Mar 21, 2003