No matter where you are or what you’re doing if you hear the word sports what’s one of the first things that comes to mind? For many of us it will be a combination of different types of sports that will flash through our minds, but you have to admit that basketball will probably be one of the top three, that is for the majority of us at least. For many individuals, especially during basketball season their schedule revolves around when/where the games are played (that is if it’s pro basketball but for some maybe even their kids schedule) whether it’s watching the game on T.V. or seeing the big game live. If you’re a basketball fan on any level then you probably already own several different types of basketball games and I’m sure you will just as well want to add Ballers: Chosen One if you haven’t already because being a fan means you have to get it plain and simple.
Its been four years since NBA Ballers first launched but now its back for both the Xbox 360 and the PS3 and their many fans. Thanks to Midway the publisher/developer, NBA Ballers Chosen One has kept several of its first and original game features and of course has added a few new additions of games and some simple rules changes to play. The changes aren’t anything drastic just something for the old and new game fans alike to provide variety. The introduction/announcer of the game is just as exciting as the game itself so for the host of Chosen One and commentary (which I think is well suited to the live Chosen One Tournaments) is carried out by the famous Chuck D who is mostly famous and known as the front man and founder of Public Enemy. Alongside Chuck D is Just Blaze who is also famous for producing several different tracks for many different artists. This audio assistance from Blaze helps provide additional highlights for play along with the ability to play within a list of more than 80 top NBA superstar athletes all in one package.
NBA Chosen One provides play abilities whether you’re interested in single or multiplayer modes. Some of these options are from the original version with some new added additions to play ranging in numbers to also having a practice mode, jump shot challenge mode, and a 3 pt. challenge mode for those who are better in different areas of the game or for those who simply want to get better in whatever area you desire. I again have to say that I seem to always like online play better than single because competition with someone else (besides the console) seems to intensify the satisfaction of winning. The new addition of 2 on 2 players is definitely a plus and allows for 4 players to play on one system that is if you can round up enough friends for the challenge.
Ballers storyline is setup and actually enables you to be a part of the famous actual NBA televised event "Ballers Chosen One" that occurs each year after the NBA Finals. If you can’t actually go to the real thing then thanks to Midway you can have the second best right in your own home. You can choose to be one of the top "Rookies" that is if you desire and if your good enough in the end. You can start by creating your name or who you want to play as. If you totally customize the player you can setup everything from features to clothing to tattoos, even birthdates and attitude how’s that for customizing and that’s not even all of it. You are also allowed to assign points for the players’ potential ranking yourself in areas ranging from weak to strong. These areas can also be upgraded by your playing performance on the court along with the ability to unlock certain moves called "Shut Em Down" or "Super Moves" which range in level from 1 to 3 depending on the move . These 30 unique moves helps add to your showcase and other moves like "Act-A-Fool" or "Combo Moves" allows you to combine multiple moves which can definitely help you beat your opponent much quicker when your down a few.
The Chosen One is set up with a total of 6 episodes each containing 5 different chapters for providing quiet a period of playtime. If playing on-line many options are available depending on the form of match that you choose (but not limited to) type of match, customizing skills, opponents, friends, length of play, arenas you desire to play within. One thing I really thought was neat was being able to even customize how you and your crew make your entrance/arrival, you could choose things likes jets, cars, helicopters, etc. just thought that was a neat little addition to make it feel a little more real. The variety and options for play has several areas to choose from whether you’re a veteran fan or just a new comer to NBA games and want to try something different which is always ok. The Chosen One is designed with state of the art graphics which has the legacy of having very authentic players and likenesses. I do have to say that I felt that the more famous the player it seemed the better the appearance. Graphics did also vary throughout the game depending on the area you were in but this happens with most games. Audio seemed very suited and changed frequently with the play which was great because this helped to keep the momentum going especially under pressure. The controls were pretty simple, nothing over bearing or hard to learn just learning the ropes of play and getting yourself started then preparing yourself for the real challenge after a few test runs as usual. Overall if you’re a big fan of basketball or any sport by all means then you will probably not want to pass up this edition either. On the other hand if you are not a fan of neither basketball or sport games and these are not usually on your usual agenda you might just want to get a couple reviews or friendly opinions or better yet rent it and give it a trial run before you shell out its retail of $59.99.
