Basketball, the poor cousin of real outdoor games, can sometimes seem a bit too close to Pong, with its constant end to end action. Done correctly, though, the videogame version can still be a lot of fun.

We reviewed the last rendition of NBA Inside Drive 2003 just eight months ago. If you didn't read that review, we reckoned the 2002 edition of Microsoft's b-ball series edged out its EA counterpart. Scoring happened a smidgen less often, making for a more involving ebb and flow during matches

Now we've got the latest version of each game, the status quo remains pretty much unchanged - a little like the music peddled by the ageing rockers of the same name. Looks-wise, NBA Live 2003 is perhaps a teeny bit better, but there's really not much in it. The players are detailed, animation is smooth, and only the 2D crowds irk in these post-Rocky times (but there are more than two protagonists here, to be fair).

But it's the gameplay that makes Inside Drive a more appealing prospect for us when we fancy bouncing a ball about. The right stick has an appealing use - you use it to aim your passes, and then send the ball on its way by clicking the stick into the pad. This helps make offensive play feel suitably fluid and free flowing, which suits the sport just splendidly.

The pace of the game is not quite as rushed as that of NBA Live 2003 either, which is another bonus. The slower speed means that play feels more considered, and ultimately more satisfying. And, crucially, scoring isn't quite as common once again, as steals occur far more frequently than in NBA Live 2003.

So, if you asked us which basketball game we like best on Xbox, we would say NBA Inside Drive 2003. But, if you hung around a little bit longer, we'd add that it's still not quite as entertaining as a spot of NHL, Madden or FIFA. If basketball is your thing, though, you may well disagree.

But it's the gameplay that makes Inside Drive a more appealing prospect for us when we fancy bouncing a ball about. The right stick has an appealing use - you use it to aim your passes, and then send the ball on its way by clicking the stick into the pad. This helps make offensive play feel suitably fluid and free flowing, which suits the sport just splendidly.

The pace of the game is not quite as rushed as that of NBA Live 2003 either, which is another bonus. The slower speed means that play feels more considered, and ultimately more satisfying. And, crucially, scoring isn't quite as common once again, as steals occur far more frequently than in NBA Live 2003.

So, if you asked us which basketball game we like best on Xbox, we would say NBA Inside Drive 2003. But, if you hung around a little bit longer, we'd add that it's still not quite as entertaining as a spot of NHL, Madden or FIFA. If basketball is your thing, though, you may well disagree.

1. Good passing
2. Fluid action
3. Scoring isn't crushingly inevitable

1. Not as fun as some sports games
2. Not much new over the last version

Power
The Xbox isn't stretched by any means, but it more than does the job it set out to do.

Style
Easy to follow presentation and authentic players - just what you'd expect, really.

Immersion
The clever passing method and (more) unpredictable nature of games make it quite exciting...

Lifespan
...and, as ever, you can play it for as long as you remain interested in basketball

Summary
A good pace and novel passing system make this the best basketball game currently available on Xbox.