The World Is My Court

We know why you play video games. Sure, you might tell your mother that it’s to improve hand-eye coordination, but we know that, deep down, you just like winning. That’s what brings you back to your Xbox time and time again, working away at the controller buttons, triggers, and thumbsticks until your fingers bleed. You like to win, and you like to see your ranking grow higher and higher.

Microsoft Game Studioshas been pulling some serious overtime finalizing this year’s release and making sure it will satisfy your bloodthirsty competitive needs. You already know about the host of new gameplay features, improved graphics, and high-powered soundtrack. But, the real clincher is XSN Sports support, and I’m here to tell you why.

Be the Best
Xbox owners are a tough bunch to please. They expect-no, they demand-more from their sports games. And, why not? If you have the world’s most sophisticated gaming powerhouse hooked up to your TV, why wouldn’t you want to squeeze all the horses you could out of it? Other consoles may have some pale excuse for online play, built-in to keep the frenzied crowd quiet, but all Xbox sports titles from Microsoft Game Studios have the real online play gamers wan-and it’s called XSN Sports. XSN Sports is, without question, the ultimate way to take your game online and the best arena to showcase your talent and skills.

When you sign on to Xbox Live, you’ll be able to get a quick start with the Optimatch system that helps you find an online match with players of equal skill. The more time you spend online, the more you’ll be able to match your skills against those of the more skilled Xbox Live players. Winning these games will increase your rank, and other players will be able to look you up on the leaderboards and check out your stats. Total wins and losses are listed, as well as the number of disconnects—a helpful figure if you’re wondering if a certain player is, shall we say, “sportsmanship-challenged.” You’ll be able to see the player’s record in different skill classes—from Hall of Fame to Newbie—and you’ll also be able to drill down to see more granular details (like a player’s field goal percentage, points scored vs. points allowed, and rebounds, both offensive and defensive). Unlike some online games, where cheaters run rampant, Cheater Beater technology has been built in to stick it to those griefers.

Beat the Best
After you’ve dominated the little guys, you can move up to season or tournament games. XSN Sports allows you to customize your online experience, setting up your own leagues and tournaments and limiting them, if you wish, to your circle of online friends. That’s the sweetest form of domination: putting the hurt on a friend who you’ll be able to taunt for weeks to come. The stats you compile in these matches will be a clear sign to everyone that you’re a player with extreme skills. There’s no hiding from the truth on XSN Sports. Your stats and the results of your games can be downloaded from almost anywhere—via computer, PDA, or cell phone—so if you suck, the world will know your shame. If, you’re as good as you think you are, though, there’s no better way to brag about it than to have it up there on XSN Sports for everyone to see.

So, strap on that headset, start a season, and show off your moves. Check your ranking on XSNsports.com from any Internet-enabled device, and see where you stand. Make some friends, and get your own league going. Play the game any way you want. NBA Inside Drive 2004 is all about making your game as customizable, smooth, and sweet as it can be … leaving no room for doubt that this the hotspot for hoop action this year.

By Jim W. Gettys