Each player is solid, as you'd expect. You can't simply run through them - and neither would you expect to be able to. Problematically, though, NBA In The Zone '99's collision detection is, shall we say, somewhat draconian. If a single pixel of a rival team member blocks your path, your player remains rooted to the spot.

This is annoying, to say the least. Future Gamer is well aware that blocking attacking players is an integral aspect of the real life sport. But it stretches your patience when In The Zone halts an attacking run with an outstretched hand. In the time it takes to manoeuvre your man around this insurmountable obstacle, the opposing team get back to defend their basket. Stylised 'interpretations' of real life events or rules for the sake of gameplay are fine. But they've got to be convincing. NBAITZ's AI and collision-governing routines are not.

Were it not for its mediocre game engine, NBA In The Zone '99 would be a far better game. Its passing system, for example, is really rather good. Like EA's NBA Live, you can perform pin-point throws to team members by holding a button and targeting your man with the C buttons. There's also a bias towards passing play that we at Future Gamer - being artistes on the court - genuinely appreciate.

It can't be faulted for its selection of game modes, either - NBAITZ has pretty much anything you could ask for. But at its core it just doesn't feel right. Besides, with NBA Courtside being by far the best basketball game on the N64, how can we recommend In The Zone '99? The simple answer? We can't.