As previously mentioned you can create your own players, and this can be taken to an absurd level of detail. You have the option to determine nose size, lip size and what and where the tatoos are placed. We would suspect that only a real fan would be concerned about the colour of a finger band but if you fit within this category be worried no longer as you have this option and many more. Despite this detail we were surprised there are few options for footwear. You would expect that with the amount of promotion by players and their insinuation, their particular brand of shoe will make you jump higher or run faster, but you are not permitted to make a brand choice (Bata Bullets were nowhere in evidence).

Backgrounds are also well crafted with individual modelling of the crowds on the bleachers. These are somewhat bland in colour, however this is understandable given the processor demands required to animate the on-court players. Top this with the relections on the court surface it is a very pretty game to play.

The sounds are what you would expect from a game that has undergone considerable incarnations. You quickly feel that you are are courtside in a gym, and the addition of the sometimes hilarious courtside commentary makes for an atmospheric experience.

Music is an electric mix of rap and other popular tracks, however for us was somewhat lost in the background, as most of the time you are absorbed in pushing your players around the court rather than listening to the beat.