Now I have been a big fan of basketball games for over 15 years now as well as a die hard basketball fan for over well...over a few decades now. Due to the combination of the two, I am always on the lookout for a basketball game which does more than throw a few hoops but also gives me plenty of interaction with my player or team in the game. Let’s face it, any sports game can have some of the most awesome graphics around but if all you find yourself doing is staring at the game and going on auto pilot just to score some points, then the game has not lived up to its potential.

Okay fellow sports gamers, here is the game you have all been waiting for! Now it has the standard dunk em play but it also has so much more! Like in most games, you first want to get your team in place and this game gives you more options than the coach of the Celtics! I personally like the fact that the game is perfectly lined up with the pros on who they are fashioned after.

The one thing I have to point out here is the extra bennie you are going to get with this game. You like 2 on 2? Well, try 3 on 3. Yes gamers, it just doesn’t get any better than this! Instead of the usual fav two you can now add a third favorite, and how many times have you found a game where you think if only I could add another team member I would have the dream team? You can also choose to put whatever player want in whatever position and this to me is half the fun of the game as you have to see the outrageous shots you get with this option to believe it.

The game out rivals any arcade similar game on the market or in an arcade itself. The overhead views of the shot being made are something you have to see to believe. I have never seen such clearer graphics on any other sports game and you get the feeling that you are the cameraman clicking this shot in person. If you look closely you can even see rivulets of sweat on the player as he nails the shot. Make sure you hit that hoopz button often, as you want to get as much diversity in the shots as you can. There are so many pluses to the game that it is hard to keep count! Besides the fastest game play I have ever seen in a hoops game, this game is also filled with some serious fun and this is something that unfortunately similar games seem to leave out or not understand. Gaming is just as much about winning as it is creating a laugh or two. Just like the Harlem Globetrotters play it.. Scoring is scoring but some laughs mixed in makes the game a winner!   

Gameplay: 8.5
Playing hoops just doesn’t get any better than this. No matter what players you decide on, just as in real time basketball each player has his own specialty. After you form your team, they may be playing but it is obvious that you are in complete control. Deciding on what shots you take, they can be the serious “gotta score to the have to see to what happens if I take this chance”, each one is will keep you moving. The whole game keeps this pace and you will find your feet and hands itching to reach for that hoop as your control the action.  

Graphics: 9.0
The graphics are superb and the detail is absolutely amazing. From the shoelaces on the sneakers to the ripple of their muscles, I have never seen a basketball game so intent on defining even the smallest detail. Even the sponsor’s ads on the banners surrounding the court are as realistic as they come!

Sound: 9.0
From the roar of the crowd to the sounds of defeat or victory as the play is made, each and every sound you hear is crystal clear. Unlike some other games where you get the blanket cheer or oomph of the player, this game stands out. You get the feeling of a bleacher full of individuals instead of cardboard cutouts and I really appreciate this fact. Some of the best sound on a game will be found in Hoopz.

Difficulty: 8.5
The game keeps an even balance throughout which is a nice touch. No matter what shot you may be making it is all about some trial and error and skill you pick up from playing. Good consistency helps to keep this game at a good pace and at one you are comfortable with and choose.

Concept: 8.5
The concept has been around for awhile but Midway has given it a whole new feel with Hoopz. From replay to replenish this game offers new option that none of the other games have yet to come up with. It is one of those sports game, rare to find that if you are not a fan of the sport itself, you will find yourself one after playing the game.

Multiplayer: 8.5
Like most sports games the more the merrier! You get a lot more challenge with this one as you do with other Multiplayer games. I have to admit though that the one on one is as much fun as the other although multi does offer a different dimension in the way of team picks.

Overall: 9.0
I cannot say enough about this game and all it offers. It is definitely high addictive as you have so many options to choose from that you want to try one shot after another with a different team. The laughter you will find with the challenge gives this a family feel.