After taking a year off on the PlayStation 2, the ShootOut series returns bringing basketball action back to the PS2 in NBA ShootOut 2003. The game's rosters closely resemble the league's rosters prior to the start of the 2002-2003 NBA season, and since the game is fully licensed by the NBA, authentic arenas are also featured.
With NBA ShootOut 2003, 989 Sports has added many new features. Similar to previous PlayStation versions, the PS2 edition now features a Create Dunk feature to complement its already existing Create Player mode. Players not only get to determine what type of dunk the player will perform, but also the takeoff point, hang time, and finish of the dunk. Via the all-new Practice mode, gamers will be able to test their created dunk along with the game's right analog stick controlled special moves.
Also new for NBA ShootOut 2003 is a Career mode that revolves around the basketball player the gamer has created. After creating their player, gamers take their rookie through the NBA Summer League in hope of signing a ten-day contract with an NBA team. Successful players will move on to signing big time NBA deals, while players that do not live up to expectations will be dumped off in the NBDL, the official minor league of the NBA. Exclusive to NBA ShootOut 2003, the game features every NBDL team and arena. In addition to Career Mode, NBA ShootOut 2003 also offers exhibition, season and playoff game modes.
For this year's commentary, Ian Eagle returns for the play by play duties. To assist him this year, the game also offers color commentary from NBA Hall of Famer Bill Walton.