AppStore Game Review: Flick NBA Basketball
posted:
7/18/2009 6:39:00 PM
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Flick NBA Basketball
Flick NBA Basketball is the latest in a series of “Flick” games (Flick Fishing, Flick Bowling) from Freeverse. It is essentially a collection of five mini-games (it doesn’t have full basketball game mode) that allows you to play with your choice of a single pre-defined player from each NBA team. One thing that makes this game impressive is that Freeverse licensed the logos, use of the NBA name and player likenesses for the game directly from NBA Properties. For a smaller (and cheaper) iPhone game, that is major kudos to Freeverse in my book for taking the gamble to make Flick NBA Basketball as realistic as possible.
As far as the action in-game, the options include H.O.R.S.E., Spin the Ball, 3 Pt Shot, Long Shot and Pop-a-Shot. Each game is played with your choice of player, with Pop-a-Shot and H.O.R.S.E. offering the most fun play. The 3 pt Shot is pretty easy, while the Spin the ball will keep you hooked trying to beat your best time because it is tough as nail. As can be expected, the gameplay is 100% controlled with touch controls and the accelerometer and the device is held vertical. Graphically, the game looks really good, which is probably helped by having to only model 30 players (one from each team). The arenas in particular are done quite well, rivaling the NBA series by SCEA on the Sony PSP. Some of the animations could use some help, as every player shoots set shots like you would see in a women’s college game.
Unfortunately, the lack of save options showed up in yet another iPhone/iPod Touch title. Anyone that follows my work knows this is a pet peeve of mine because both the Touch and iPhone are multifaceted devices that may need to change applications or use at a moments notice. You cannot develop a game that makes you start from scratch if the phone rings. So the lack of saving is disappointing because you are either playing or you are starting from the beginning after completing your call.
Overall, NBA Flick basketball is a good little game, especially if you are an NBA or basketball fan. With good graphics and the foresight to license the NBA players and properties, this is a good game to purchase, especially if it is $2 or less. The mini-games play well and range from easy to hard-as-heck to beat the AI. Unfortunately, the lack of save functionality is extremely disappointing and there is a small concern about replay value. However, those issues can be overcome depending one when you play and how much you love basketball themed mini games.
Originally released on 4/27/2009, the game is now on version 1.1 (which is the reviewed version) and checks in at 80.4MB in size. Flick NBA Basketball can be found on iTunes AppStore at a current price of $2.99. Final GamingNexus grade is B.
As far as the action in-game, the options include H.O.R.S.E., Spin the Ball, 3 Pt Shot, Long Shot and Pop-a-Shot. Each game is played with your choice of player, with Pop-a-Shot and H.O.R.S.E. offering the most fun play. The 3 pt Shot is pretty easy, while the Spin the ball will keep you hooked trying to beat your best time because it is tough as nail. As can be expected, the gameplay is 100% controlled with touch controls and the accelerometer and the device is held vertical. Graphically, the game looks really good, which is probably helped by having to only model 30 players (one from each team). The arenas in particular are done quite well, rivaling the NBA series by SCEA on the Sony PSP. Some of the animations could use some help, as every player shoots set shots like you would see in a women’s college game.
Unfortunately, the lack of save options showed up in yet another iPhone/iPod Touch title. Anyone that follows my work knows this is a pet peeve of mine because both the Touch and iPhone are multifaceted devices that may need to change applications or use at a moments notice. You cannot develop a game that makes you start from scratch if the phone rings. So the lack of saving is disappointing because you are either playing or you are starting from the beginning after completing your call.
Overall, NBA Flick basketball is a good little game, especially if you are an NBA or basketball fan. With good graphics and the foresight to license the NBA players and properties, this is a good game to purchase, especially if it is $2 or less. The mini-games play well and range from easy to hard-as-heck to beat the AI. Unfortunately, the lack of save functionality is extremely disappointing and there is a small concern about replay value. However, those issues can be overcome depending one when you play and how much you love basketball themed mini games.
Originally released on 4/27/2009, the game is now on version 1.1 (which is the reviewed version) and checks in at 80.4MB in size. Flick NBA Basketball can be found on iTunes AppStore at a current price of $2.99. Final GamingNexus grade is B.
