NBA games vary by skill level

When it comes to hoops, have you got a game?

Didn't think so. Fortunately, you can be the biggest doofus on the court and still block Shaq into the cheap seats. Just pick up one of the plethora of new NBA titles on the market. Whatever system you prefer, there's a game for you.

Sega's "NBA 2K3" is still your best choice -- and now that Sega has no console of its own to feed, you can play this excellent game on Xbox, PlayStation 2 or GameCube.

"NBA 2K3" really forces you to practice. The game plays defense like a demon.

The graphics are excellent. Players look almost human and move smoothly. There are tons of options, including a nifty street game mode. Announcers are unnamed but excellent, with a wide choice of pithy comments.

My only real complaint is the incredibly difficult free-throw method. It's awful. If you figure out a way to get those two arrows to line up long enough to sink a shot, give me a call.

"NBA 2K3" gets an enthusiastic A.

A close second is EA Sports' "NBA Live 2003," also available for all three consoles.

"Live" suffers because it really isn't a simulation, since playing defense seems to be a waste of time. Shoot, shoot, shoot is the name of this game. While it's fun, it's a less complete experience than "2K3."

The game does have a great innovation -- the so-called "freestyle" control. The right controller stick is assigned to this function, and moving it around makes your player follow the path, creating excellent movement and dazzling around-the-basket moves.

It really is a huge advance. Unfortunately, graphics are not as sharp as they could be. Marv Albert helps in the announcing department.

Give "NBA Live 2003" a B.

Wearing No. 3 in your program is Konami's "NBA Starting Five." This PlayStation 2 title also isn't a total sim, but it's a decent game that will keep you busy.

Graphics are good, with nice-looking player models and smooth moves. Control isn't perfect, but it works. Sound is a weak point, with too much annoying bouncy music blended with acceptable commentary from Al Albert, Clark Kellogg and Lawrence Tanter, the Lakers' public address announcer.

Give "Five" a C+.