When you look on the back of
ShootOut's case, you'll see a little saying:
"If it's not from the NBA, it's not the NBA." To me, it sounds like a bad rip-off of,
"If it's in the game, it's in the game.". Regardless, the gameplay of
NBA ShootOut 2003 seems to be a bad rip-off of the NBA. The components are there to be an exciting game, it's just that it's not very realistic. It really felt like it was all offense and no defense, when I picked up the controller. Players can't miss from anywhere on the court (especially if they get hot), and everyone has the leaping ability of someone on a trampoline. If you think I'm kidding, try taking the ball to the hoop with Terrell Brandon, the point guard of the Minnesota Timberwolves. First off, he's old, he's had how many knee surgeries, and I've only seen him dunk the ball once in my life, and that was three years ago. Still, he had mad hops in
ShootOut 2003, and was able to throw it down hard plenty of times.
Another unrealistic thing I encountered was after simulating through a season. The computer seems to trade anybody for anybody. In one season, this is what I saw for SOME of the trades:
-Shaquille O'Neal for David Robinson, then David Robinson for Alonzo Mourning. Granted, all three centers are talented, but let's be honest. We all know Shaq will never leave L.A.
-Kenyon Martin for Scott Williams, then Kenyon Martin for Joel Pryzbilla. Ever heard of Scott Williams or Joel Pryzbilla? I have, but that's only because I live in Wisconsin, where Williams was a former Milwaukee Buck and Pryzbilla still is one. If you have heard of them, you'll know that both men together aren't enough to trade for half of Kenyon Martin.
NBA ShootOut 2003 doesn't offer much for game modes either. You can play in an Exhibition game, go through just ONE Season, or skip ahead to the Playoffs. It's possible to create your own NBA all star, but the feature I liked the most was creating my very own dunk.