Hoop, here it is: Finally, a playable edition of the popular basketball franchise for next-generation consoles, as opposed to previous years' disastrous attempts to bring the perennial fan favorite onto modern gaming systems. Correcting past issues with visual glitches, performance hiccups and flamboyant, unrealistic arcade-style features, the game takes a back-to-basics approach that enthusiasts are sure to find more endearing.

Hit the hardwood and you'll discover that controls have improved significantly, making it easier than ever to pump-fake, pass, shoot or run defense, with overall game fluidity improving by leaps and bounds as a result. Default camera perspectives also offer a much more effective, broadcast-type view of the proceedings, with hotspot indicators further helping you squeeze maximum points out of signature shot-callers like Shaq and Kobe. From buzzer-beating fadeaways to bone-crunching collisions, you'll enjoy a much-improved look at pro-level sportsmanship, thanks in no small part to improved sound and graphical effects as well. Gone are superstar abilities to boot, with the emphasis placed instead on celebrity athletes' authentic moves, including Shawn Marion's low release and Dwyane Wade's step-back jumper. All told, the outing comes across more like the old-school icon you know and love, less like the Frankenstein's monster it became in more recent seasons.

The downside of this transformation being that, of course, there's little here in the way of major innovations or enhancements that make the title stand out from competitors. Teammate artificial intelligence isn't infallible either, and you can also exploit holes in opponents' logic, though it's conversely (and bizarrely) possible to miss many lay-ups and other easy shots. In other words, there's plenty of room for the series to make significant overhauls in coming months. As for now, though, hey, it's just good to see an old champ finally starting to get back on the ball.