Become the Chosen One

Published May 1, 2008

NBA Ballers: Chosen One™ from Midway highlights the glitz, glamour, and glory of the NBA elite while letting you, the newest phenom on the block, challenge the likes of King James, Garnett, Kobe, and Dwight Howard to prove your b-ball supremacy.

Out of my way!

Laden with slick presentation and hosted by none other than hip-hop legend Chuck D, Chosen One offers tight, combo-based gameplay focusing (mostly) on one-on-one battles that play out almost as a fighting game would with quick moves and countermoves to torment your opponent.

Nothing compares to the Level 3 Shut 'em Down Dunk, which grants you instant victory when unleashed.

As easy to pick up and play as Ballers is, there's always room for a hint or two to help you master your skills. So, let's hit the gym.

Combo Time

The vast majority of your Shut 'em Down points (used to trigger special moves) come courtesy of the Act-a-Fool Combo tricks, so focus on those moves early in the match to build up your meter. Hold down LB and tap X when in front of your opponent. If it doesn't trigger the combo right away, try getting a touch closer and trying again.

The Answer enjoys some air time.

Once you get the combo going, make sure to tap the on-screen button prompts as quickly as possible. If you don't, your opponent can counter, ruin your Shut 'em Down meter, and steal the ball from you. Bear in mind too that relying on the Act-a-Fool Combos works well in the early going, but in later chapters in the Story mode and especially against human opponents, you'll get burned quickly by using it over and over again.

Crash the Boards

You may not initially regard the Rebounding attribute as absolutely essential, but with several of the game's Story mode matches involving "No Clearing" (no need to take the ball back beyond the three point line after a made basket), the ability to rebound consistently becomes crucial. Otherwise, you'll find yourself stuck below the basket as your opponent makes shot after shot, grabbing both his own makes and misses as they fall.

Dunk or Layup

Because both dunks and layups take place near the basket, invest heavily in only one attribute and not both. Dunking is heavily tied into your special moves and increases your Shut 'em Down meter, so you'd be wise to favor the rim-rocking jams over layups. Don't discount layups entirely as you will have occasion to switch your dunk to a layup on the fly to avoid blocked shots. Just tap B while in midflight to switch out of a dunk and into a layup.

Save it Up

While the first two levels of Shut 'em Down moves are certainly worthwhile, nothing compares to the Level 3 Shut 'em Down Dunk, which grants you instant victory when unleashed. Unless you don't think you'll be able to achieve that level during a match, be sure to save up your energy until you unlock the level three dunk.

I wouldn't doubt that Howard blocks it.

What's more, you can only block a level three dunk with a level two Shut 'em Down block, so all the more reason to hold onto your energy rather than expend it early in the match.

Earning +3

While it's tempting to score quickly on a fast break or right after you juke your opponent out of their sneakers, you're better off taking your time and setting up a long combo for extra points. Anytime you can string together six successive jukes and immediately make a basket, you'll earn an extra three points for your effort.

You can earn this six-move combo quickly by hitting your opponent with an Off the Hizzle (Right Trigger and X) move, followed by a successful five-move Act-a-Fool Combo (Left Bumper and X). Once you've completed all five button prompts during the combo, you should be clear of your opponent and ready to drive for an easy layup or dunk.

Separation

When you're taking aim at a shot from distance rather than a layup or dunk, be sure to get some separation from your opponent. Even if they don't block your shot, just having your opponent's hands in your face will reduce your chance of draining the jumper. Use your Act-a-Fool moves to put a bit of distance between you and your adversary. The classic Act-a-Fool juke (Left Trigger and X) works great for this.

With these tips in hand and a couple hours of matches under your belt, you should be ready to challenge all comers with confidence. Check the ball, and let's go!

Article by Ryan Treit