Such as?
The crowd looks so realistic, instead of the usual repeated textures. If you watch them for a short time you'll notice someone turn to their mate and say something in their ear, and you just know that they're probably mocking your last play. The suited figures of the two coaches stand at the side of the court, gesticulating and occasionally berating their overpaid stars. If you're doing particularly well you may even hear the odd word of encouragement. If you've ever watched the NBA on TV you'll know that these buggers can get quite animated. Latrell Sprewell of the New York Knicks once throttled his former coach during a practice session, earning himself a hefty one-year ban!

That'll teach him. Surprised he didn't pull out his 'nine'.
Yeah, right! He's one badass mo' fo'. Did we mention the free throw system?

Not yet. Well?
It's absolutely inspired. You've got two big bendy arrows, pointing to either side of the hoop. You need to gently squeeze both triggers on the controller in order to aim the arrows straight down the middle. Sounds easy, eh? Not in the slightest. At first we thought it was nigh on impossible, but with practice (as with the real thing), we now rarely miss. Now if only a football game could learn from this we may actually get to feel the tension during a penalty shootout.

What about the commentary?
One word - unbelievable. The witty repartee between the two commentators is seldom repetitive and spookily accurate.

Do say...
Sega take a 20-point lead as we go into the final quarter.

Don't say...
There are already too many basketball games