Even thought the demo only allowed you to play 2 teams, for 2 minute quarters and only half a game it was still enough to convince me to buy the game.

This has a very similar feel to Fifa 08, which I also find a great game.

With regards to the 1 star reviewer, all I can think is that they haven't spent enough time learning how to play the game. The game shows you "hot spot" areas where you're particular player is strong on shooting (e.g. Don't use your centre for three pointers!!! Surely that's too obvious?)

I've only played the demo a handful of times, but am scoring sweet three pointers, alley-oops and slick dunks without any problems at all.

Just bought the game locally and looking forward to getting all the teams and players, plus some season long tournaments in.

EA have pulled it off again. Have got NBA Street Homecourt, FIFA 08, Tiger Woods 08 and now this, all are quality titles.

This is the first basketball game I have played in along time that was user friendly but does not lose complexity in game features. EA sports were always going to make a real basketball game and blow away the competition just like they blew away Knowkout Kings with Fight Night.

Ignore these other reviews which are ridiculous!

Firstly i'd like to just say that everyone should totally ignore the review below as its total rubbish! The players are very capeable of making long 2's and 3 point shots, its just knowing the technique of how to do it. As for getting called for fouls in mid shot, that would be because your using the square button to do a lay up shot from too longer distance, and you are getting called for charges. And what's the point of rating the game on a demo version anways?

I've got the say i'm very impressed with this offering from EA Sports. The graphics are superb, and the gameplay is excellent with fast and fluid action. The controls are simple and its easy to pick up to play. I'm already finding it very addictive and can see its going to have a long life span, especially playing the Dynasty mode!

One part I personally find slightly irrating is that the commentary is slightly repatitative. The other is that sometimes after a shot is scored, and you in bound the ball again, there is a slight slow down in frame rate. Although very minor it is sometimes annoying.

All in all though I do reccommend this, especially if you are a basketball fan!

As a lover of most sports games, I eagerly downloaded the demo of this game to see if it was worth buying . . . oh dear. The usual gloss of an EA game is here, with the most lifelike court and players I have seen on a basketball game to date. However, this is where EA went to have a cup of tea. Start playing and, like most EA games (FIFA included), you start to feel very detached from the action. The refs seem intent on giving the opposition every oppurtunity to score, and penalise you when you are not even involved. I even had two penalties given against me when I was in the middle of a shooting! The use of the special moves is pitiful. On the startup screen you can practice 'til your perfect at those quick shuffle-spin-shoot combos. Once on court they fail miserably, leaving the opposition a free run down the court to score.
When you get the ball from free play your team-mates amble along as though not really interested, making a quick break a mere dream. Shooting seems to be totally pointless from anywhere not right under the hoop, so forget about taking the 2 or 3 pointers.
If EA spent more time making the games playable and less on the fancy-dan gloss and polish, they may start to produce worthwhile goods, but until then don't waste your cash.