NBA In the Zone '99

by Konami

Product Details

• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B00000ICF6
• Item Weight: 5 ounces
• Media: Game Cartridge
• Release Date: July 20, 1999
• Average Customer Review: 1.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #52,160 in Video Games (See Top 100 in Video Games)

Product Description

GameSpot Review

It's no surprise that the strike-shortened NBA season has affected the quality of real-life basketball games. Faced with back-to-back-to-back nights and short training camps, players have generally performed slower and sloppier on both ends of the floor. Although the game looks as flashy as ever, players still have some kinks they need to work out. In that sense, the 1999 season mirrors the action in Konami's In the Zone '99, a fun-to-play yet flawed basketball game that shines one minute, then does something bone-headed the next.

From the stadiums to the player uniforms, the game's graphics make the most of the Nintendo 64's hardware. Thanks to a fully adjustable camera, you can play from any angle and direction - plus, as an option, you can flip the camera view to a "reverse angle," which is great for multiplayer showdowns. There's also an extensive create-a-player feature in addition to the gameplay modes standard for the genre. The NBA rosters are mostly accurate for the 1999 season, with a few late-trade exceptions.

Unlike the PlayStation version, this game lacks a slam-dunk competition. However, its three-point contest is a lot more engaging compared with its 32-bit sibling, as players use the analog stick to put the right "touch" on every shot - a smart use of analog control. The game further reinforces this innovative control with free-throw shots, using a button/analog stick combination that's challenging to the point of frustration.

The game's AI is steps above the PlayStation version, and it's solid in some respects: Players on defense are smarter and help out teammates, and if you get in a player's face you reduce the chances that he'll make the shot (cheesy can't-miss shots by the computer are rare). But for every AI highlight, there's an embarrassing blooper. The computer is particularly horrible on transition defense, as you can sit on the turbo button and blast to the basket for a dunk. In fact, much of the game's scoring hinges on turbo drives, which seem more fun against human players than the computer. Often, a dribbler on a fast break can screen a defender off his own teammate, which is absolutely laughable.

In terms of strategy, the game has a feature that lets you custom-create your own playbook. Unfortunately, play-calling seems to fall by the wayside when a good screen is all a player needs to turbo drive to the hoop, making those playbooks more ornamental than useful.

Perhaps the most discernible flaw is that gameplay speeds don't mesh: Passes float in midair too slowly in comparison with the players' movement speeds. It's not enough of a problem to make one stop playing, but it's not as realistic as it certainly could be, given the game's otherwise decent graphics. Compounding the problem is the occasional jerky camera - depending on the view you choose, some animations look choppy. Although the ambient stadium sounds are convincing, the announcer speaks in choppy phrases and offers silly-go-happy witticisms such as "Good basket!" and "Kaboom!" It's definitely ABA-level audio for an NBA game.

In the Zone '99 can deliver fun gameplay, especially with multiplayer games and three-point shooting contests, if gamers accept its defensive AI and speed flaws. Since its gameplay style encourages flashy dunks and burn-your-defender drives, it may also be in tune with players looking for less strategy and more action. Still, many aspects of its game need work during the off-season before it can reach its true potential. --Nelson Taruc
--Copyright ©1999 GameSpot Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission of GameSpot is prohibited. GameSpot and the GameSpot logo are trademarks of GameSpot Inc.

Product Description

This is the game NBA In The Zone '99 for the Nintendo 64. This is cartridge only and is used or preplayed. All of our N64 nintendo games are cleane

See all Product Description

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars destroyed game, February 29, 2000

By A Customer

= Durability:5.0 out of 5 stars  = Fun:1.0 out of 5 stars  = Educational:5.0 out of 5 stars 

This review is from: NBA In the Zone '99 (Game Cartridge)

If you take the Lakers against the Clippers and every Clipper shoots about 80% you know there is a problem. The only sure way to score is driving to the hoop. Outside shooting is unpredictable. Open shot - miss, double team - good. this pattern was over and over again. Skip this game and avoid frustration.

1.0 out of 5 stars Just as bad, May 11, 2006

By 

David A. Smith "Happy Valentine's Day2012" (Webberville, Mi, USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

= Fun:1.0 out of 5 stars 

This review is from: NBA In the Zone '99 (Game Cartridge)

just as bad as 98, it might even be worse i can't tell the diffrence.

1 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Just Left Me With A Headach, March 22, 2000

By A Customer

= Durability:5.0 out of 5 stars  = Fun:1.0 out of 5 stars  = Educational:5.0 out of 5 stars 

This review is from: NBA In the Zone '99 (Game Cartridge)

This game was the worst I'v ever played. The graphics were bad and the game play was impossible. It is true that the only way to score is to take it to the hoop. There are no real special parts about the game. I think you should just ignore this game because no good or fun comes from it.