NBA Shootout 2004: Shootout 2004 Company: SCEA The NBA off-season is a time of change. Coaches are fired and hired, players are traded, rookie college all-stars are drafted to pro teams and some superstars trade in their mansions for the cozy confines of a jail cell. The off season is also a time for developers to tweak their NBA games and get them ready for the next season. This often proves to be easier said then done since at first glance there doesn't seem to be many changes that can be made to a year-to-year sports title (other than the obligatory roster change), but that's exactly what 989 is up to with NBA Shootout 2004. First off the bench is the ability to unlock the 50 All-Time Greatest players, including Wilt Chamberlain, Patrick Ewing, Magic Johnson, James Worthy and more. The game will also include a brand new Online mode via 989SportsOnline. This mode will allow players to join in head-to-head play against friends or jump into a 64-player tournament. Player rosters and stats will also update every week, providing the most up to date player information around. For example, if high-school superstar LeBron James turns out to be less than promising, his abilities and stats will be reflected accurately. Another big change is the introduction of Hot and Cold Streaks. After hitting three consecutive shots, players will get into the zone, miss three -- and it's time to hit the benches. The game will also feature a Create-a-Dunk mode, which will allow players to craft their own unique dunks. In addition to the new features, NBA Shootout 2004 will also sport massive improvements to nearly every aspect of the game, including improved A.I., a new Defensive Response Structure, a redesigned jump shot window and redone player faces and models. The game's play books have also been redone to include more than 450 team specific plays, all with the consultation of some of the best players in the game today, such as Jason Kidd, Stephon Marbury and Chris Webber. The excellent Career mode from last season will also make a big return this season. This mode gives gamers the opportunity to create their own player and work their way through the Summer Pro League and National Basketball Development League. Prove yourself, and you just might find yourself on a NBA starting roster. Shootout will also feature an Online Career Mode that will provide gamers with the opportunity to track the progress of their career player against other gamer's players. Look for NBA Shootout 2004 this September, and in the meantime, enjoy these fresh screenshots. -Starscream, GameVortex Communications AKA Ricky Tucker Related Links: 989 Sports -- Official Site PlayStation -- Official Site NBA -- Official Site