The NBA is a mess. Shooting percentages are at an all-time low, teams are moving, the league has reorganized divisions, and the number of truly talented players is pathetic. Maybe that's why "ESPN NBA 2K5" fails miserably on multiple levels. Actually, it's probably because the game is just a sad representation of the sport.
Everything about the gameplay here is broken. The AI is weak, allowing players to establish position right under the hoop on a regular basis. Running an actual play is almost impossible since the computer just kind of "hugs" the offensive player, not allowing them to escape to either side. The only time it picks up is on the defensive ends when it quickly rushes to cover an open man should the player get beat.
The "Isomotion" feature from last years entry returns, this time taking even more control away from the player. Once either "B" or the analog stick is flipped, the on-screen player goes into a completely uncontrolled animation routine in an attempt to beat out the defender. Once control is returned, it's impossible to make anything work since the branching animations don't make any sense at all. You'll never know what direction you should be moving in.
If you just try and drive to lane after finding an opening, yet again the inane animation ruins the attempt. It tries to look realistic as the player lowers his shoulder and gets off the first step, but in the process, it slows down the offensive player and lets the opposition regain control of the situation. The new hop step is a nice addition, arguably the only one that really works. It really does create opportunities in the low post.
Even with all of these issues, the biggest crime involves shooting. Countless times you will drive the lane, stop, attempt a jump shot, only to have the player go into some spastic, idiotic looking, 360 degree tomahawk lay-up attempt which definitely decreases the chance of the ball falling in. Not a single player in the league is dumb enough to try a move like that from 10 feet out. A quick out pass to just beyond the arc followed by a quick shot results in a fade-away every time. It's impossible to just stop and take a jump shot. This hardly resembles real basketball.
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