Kobe Bryant in NBA Courtside is a classic 5-on-5 basketball simulation for the Nintendo 64, known for its realistic approach (for its time) and association with the legendary Kobe Bryant.
🎮 Analysis and Synopsis
NBA Courtside was a basketball simulation that aimed for realism in an era of arcade sports titles. It featured the full license for NBA teams and players from the 1997-98 season. The gameplay was slower and more tactical than its arcade rivals like NBA Jam. It focused on running set plays, managing player substitutions, and executing fundamental basketball strategy. The game's controls were innovative, using the C buttons on the N64 controller for specific actions like crossovers and spin moves.
✨ Ultimate Guide and Advanced Tricks
Gameplay and Strategy
- Master the C-Button Dribbles: The C buttons were used for special dribble moves. A quick tap of a C button would perform a crossover or a spin. Use these to create space for a jump shot.
- Run the Plays: Before a possession, you could select a play from a simple menu. Following the on-screen instructions for picks and cuts was the most reliable way to get an open shot.
- Post-Up with your Center: If you had a dominant center like Shaquille O'Neal, the best strategy was often to "post up" (back down your defender near the basket) for an easy, high-percentage shot.
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General Tips
- Know Your Team: Every player had different ratings. Don't try to shoot three-pointers with your center. Get the ball to your best players in their favorite spots on the court.
🎲 Curiosities
The game was developed by Left Field Productions and published by Nintendo, making it one of Nintendo's key third-party sports titles on the N64.
Its direct sequel, 'NBA Courtside 2: Featuring Kobe Bryant,' was released just one year later and added a new "Create-a-Player" mode.