Here we go again: Another high quality sports game from ESPN and Sega that does everything EA's can do, sometimes better, sometimes not, but for only $20. It's a sign of how spoiled we are that this has become routine, but we should enjoy it while we can.

The longer ESPN and Sportscenter head in the direction it's going (more game show than sports), the more perfectly suited it is for the NBA. This league is about flash, excitement, individual glory, style and, maybe most of all, bling. (I know "bling" is no longer the standard lexicon, but I didn't get the memo on what took its place. If someone can write in and tell me the new word for bling, I'd be in your debt. Yo.) In that sense, ESPN NBA 2k5 captures the game perfectly.

The focus of this game is always on the players, from the court to the stat page, it's all about seeing them larger than life. The models look great, move great and are lovingly recreated to look like their real life inspirations. Unlike this year's ESPN MLB, there are no obvious Sammy Sosa facial disasters. They've gone beyond just making Yao look lanky and Shaq look fat. And even during animations of moves in a crowded key, the players move together and against each other in believable ways.

And that goes a long way toward making the game enjoyable in this case. The cons of 2k5 are as follows: Players make way too many outside shots, blocking and stealing are too easy and there is one move that's too money..

First, the shooting: Everyone hits outside shots with far too much regularity. If Lebron and Carmello "Cheech" Anthony were this good at shooting they'd be wearing gold medals. If you crank up the difficulty, one side affect you'll notice is that even wide open jumpers seem impossible. The game should start from a middle ground, not force the player to find it on his own.

Blocking and stealing is too easy. If you play disciplined defense - keep the guy in front of you - you'll get a chance for a steal or block far too often. On the flip side, the computer tips passes like it's a volleyball game, particularly when you play on higher difficulties. It seems the passing and dribbling ability of the players is toned down too far, making them all look less competent than they are. This is probably one of the reasons the foul totals are so low - you won't see many games where teams end up in the penalty.

Generally, the difficulty level you choose drastically affects the type of basketball you'll be playing. The best way to take away the hopstep - a move made on your way to the basket that is almost a guarantee - is to crank up the difficulty. Those slashing lay-ups turn into charges. But in some ways the game shifts too far in the other direction, as shown by the terrible odds for outside shots.

One part of the game that's out of whack on any difficulty is the auto substitution option. Superstars never see the bench and some players are subbed in and out so often it seems pointless. Generally, you're better off handling these things yourself even if it takes a level of micro management not everyone will enjoy.

Despite these issues, they don't add up to make 2k5 a bad game - far from it. It's just not what the NBA is like in real life unless you go out of your way to make it that way. The NBA is a driving, penetrating game of basketball with credit given for tough defense. ESPN NBA 2k5 plays more like basketball as it used to be: Shooting and passing matter as much as anything. Whether you prefer the former or the latter will help determine whether you're going to like 2k5 right out of the box. But after some play, you'll probably be able to make the game play how you want it to.

Of course, there's online play over Xbox Live and PS2 and offline you'll be able to create a franchise with near complete control of the team at your fingertips. More interesting, in some ways, though, are the exhibition games of 2 on 2 and 3 on 3. You can play these in any number of settings, like on the asphalt outside or in what looks like someone's private home gym from Cribs. If you have friends that aren't as intimately familiar with the game as you, these games are a lot more fun than full court 5 on 5. With fewer players the game becomes simpler and the controls are easy to pick up on very quickly.

There are a few online issues that are disappointing. First, both players can see the icons if you use icon passing (hitting a particular button for a particular player instead of one general pass button and aiming toward the intended player). It doesn't always matter, but sometimes the target for a pass will be obvious. If you see someone open, then see the icons pop up, well, you know to either cover him or cut off the pass. Also, if you use the play calling popup menu to change your attack, that's visible by other players, too. Neither of these are game-wreckers, but they should have been easy enough to avoid.

With top-notch graphics and a mostly solid game of basketball that rewards practice and knowledge, ESPN NBA 2k5 is loads of fun. Even if you're not into the NBA until playoff time, this one is accessible and enjoyable for both superficial (throw it in for one game with friends) and more hardcore players (advance your franchise for years and hand out Escalade money 'til you're old and gray). ESPN and Sega have wrapped up the sports year very nicely. We probably won't be enjoying such quality sports games for $20 next year, but here's hoping.