Play NBA In The Zone '98 (J) Online

NBA In The Zone '98 came out for the Nintendo 64 in 1998, published by Konami. It was one of the early basketball games on the system, competing with titles like NBA Hangtime and later NBA Courtside. The graphics were typical for the era, with polygonal players and relatively simple courts, but it had a solid following among basketball fans at the time.

You control a full team of five players, switching between them to play defense, set picks, and drive for layups or outside shots. The main goal is to outscore the opponent through a mix of strategic passing and well-timed shots. Signature mechanics include using the C buttons for specific player actions, like calling for picks or directing off-ball movement, and a shot meter that requires precision for high-percentage attempts. The pacing is methodical compared to arcade-style games, with an emphasis on simulation over flash. Stealing the ball feels rewarding when you anticipate passes correctly, and successful plays often come from reading the defense rather than pure speed. It feels grounded and deliberate, especially when playing against someone who knows the game well.