NBA Ballers is a one on one basketball game, focusing on the ‘Bling Bling’ lifestyle of the game’s superstar players. According to the spiel, “chromed-out cars, ice, ladies, tatts and jets all hinge on the killer cross over”.

The reason this game stands out is because it’s the first licensed sports game to offer a story mode - in the form of a ‘Rags to Riches’ section. You take on the role of an unknown player who has to make his way up the gaming ladder until you have to play the likes of NBA legends such as Shaquille O'Neal to determine who the greatest Baller of all time is. You play your games in these guys’ ‘cribs’ adding to the ‘Bling Bling’ atmosphere of the game. All in all you have the opportunity to play more than 60 current and 24 all time player legends.

If you’re a fan of basketball, this is a pretty fun game to play, especially with the introduction of a new story mode element. You begin by creating your character a la Tony Hawks – giving him the looks you want, and then the threads etc. Next you get to take your attributes and spread them out wherever you feel fit. You begin with a max of 35 – but don’t think this is the best you can do – as you further the game you find your how high your abilities can go grows; eventually ending with 100 points max in each skill area.

Next you get to actually play the game. This uses a classic best-of-three format in games to 11or two minutes, depending on what comes first. It does however start to get a bit repetitive as there aren’t many different options – you just play one on one game after one on one game to progress. To add something a little different, every now and then you get the change to play a special rules match which could be either ‘Game to 30’, ‘Must have 5 steals’, or ‘Must ‘Bring Da House Down’ to Win’. But even after a while they lose their ability to suck you back in. Gaining Bling is a nice idea, but with so many games to play in order to get anywhere it can become very monotonous and you may find that you loose interest.

In addition, NBA Ballers isn’t very simple when it comes to controls; there are loads of different moves you can do, but its best to pick up the instruction manual and learn the moves off by heart – especially because the on-screen help isn’t very helpful at all.

The game truly does get minus points for its lack of explanations. For example, as well as hard to understand tips on controls and making the most of your ‘Juice’ special moves, most sports games involve unlocking new sections, items, levels etc. But this one however, doesn’t give you an explanation on how to unlock things, and after four hours of gameplay nothing had been unlocked. It really does come across as a game where you need to read the manual before playing; you cant just sit down, pick it up and play it very easily.

Don’t expect an easy ride from the gameplay either. NBA Ballers starts off quite tough, and doesn’t get any easier. It’s a good-looking game though, and once you’ve come to terms with the controls it plays really well.

On the plus side, NBA Ballers is a great choice for some two player action, and the one vs. one vs. one mode is a cool addition. But, comparing it to other basketball games of old, NBA Jam still kicks ass!

Other fun little things within the game is the ability to make your opponent ‘act the fool, and to be able to bounce the ball off their head. You can also involve your spectators, and get them to help set you up for an Allie-Oop.

Graphics-wise, the game is visually very good, with the characters ‘avatars’ being spot on with the real-life players’ moves and style. Fans of Hip Hop will also be impressed as the game offers a good selection of tunes to create the soundtrack to your rise to fame. Artists include Jurassic 5 and MC Supernatural.

All in all, if you’re a fan of this genre it's definitely worth checking out; Rags to Riches offers something new, but be prepared for a long haul if you want to reach the top. It looks good, it sounds good and the multiplayer option will bring out the competitor inside (if he’s not already out that is). KA