Tim Duncan rams home the basketball, pulling down on the rim and setting the backboard to wobbling. The shiny glass catches the reflections of the lights and floor as it sways.

Very cool.

High Voltage Software and XSN present NBA Inside Drive 2004 for the Xbox, a game that has a nice options package, solid online support and a new defensive control system. Add to that the new Drive Cam and you would think you have the earmarks of a great hoops title.

The game is solid in many regards, but dribbles off its foot in other areas.

The real drive for the title this year seems to be the online package and XSN has done a solid support job. Through Xbox Live, the game will provide roster updates, head-to-head play and player ratings updates. And XSNsports.com will link the Xbox, PC and cell phone so gamers can go online to edit and manage their teams.

When it comes to new features, the game sports a new defensive system, which allows players to go for the steal, or simply try to poke the ball away. Juke moves offensively seem to be expanded as well.

Of course, you can set up some real-time coaching strategies on the fly with the D-pad. But while the game sports a nice array of features, the controls are less than highly responsive. At times, controller buttons had to be solidly mashed down and held to get the desired effect.

And while the game features some nice crossover and directional dribbling, players away from the ball seemed less than realistic.

As the players run out on the floor for the opening tip, they bump into each other, and are like animatrons sent into the game. While the ball-handling skills are good, the actual player movements seem sluggish and forced. Basketball is a game of flow, and this game does not seem to have that.

In many respects, NBA Inside Drive does have great graphical elements. The environments are well rendered, with reflective, highly polished hardwood and great lighting effects. The player modeling is also solid. Some of these players truly resemble their NBA counterparts.

Game modes include single game, season, network play, playoffs, and general manager. In general manager you can create and edit players, teams and rosters.

Passing can be pinpoint and use the directional controls, or go to icon passing by stabbing the Y key.

The announcing team of Kevin Calabro, Kenny Smith and Marques Johnson provide solid audio to the game, but the spark of excitement is not there. In game, Duncan, who is dominating the glass, swoops in on the offensive end, soaring up, grabbing an offensive board and ramming it home. True, it is early in the game, but it was an exciting play, and the commentary did not reflect that.

When it comes to the online support, this game has it in droves. But the actual game play is a little soft.

Gameplay: 7.5

The game seems sluggish at times and you have to really mash the buttons to get a response.

Graphics: 7.8

The venues are nicely done and the player modeling is solid as well. The players can be a little stiff at times though.

Sound: 7.8

Solid but nothing here that really pumps the action and stirs the adrenaline.

Difficulty: Medium

The game presents a very nice challenge and sports three difficulty settings to challenge any player skill level.

Concept: 8

Online play has expanded with this title and it is apparent that a great deal of thought went into making this a strong element. A couple of new features in the game play are also nice.

Multiplayer: 8.7
The online support for this game is superb.

Overall: 7.8

The game suffers from sluggish game play and perceived slow controller response issues. Several controllers were used, all with the same slow response times. NBA Inside Drive 2004 has great environments, and solid player modeling but the big draw is the online support.