Historians probably won't view 1999 as a glorious year for NBA basketball, but Konami is bravely trying to make the 99 edition of In The Zone an improvement over 1998's offering.

What's hot with In The Zone '99? The first thing you'll notice after enduring the audio assault of the theme music is that the graphics are more refined than what we saw last year. Players appear somewhat grainy during regular gameplay, but instant replays and close-up camera angles demonstrate the realistic faces and animations of the NBA stars. There are seven different camera angles to choose from, which you can fine-tune by zooming in and choosing the reverse angle.

All of the great details we've come to take for granted in N64 sports games are present in the Pak, including all 29 NBA teams and their complete rosters -- more than 300 hoopsters in all. You also get full GM control and statistical information and a Player Edit mode that allows for 10 custom athletes. With players being traded in real life more frequently than bean bag animals, be prepared for Konami's rosters to be inconsistent with the final NBA line-ups.

Cross-over dribbles, spin moves, and dope dunks are present and accounted for, in a style of play that is fast-paced and true to the professional game. The play control is solid, and the players' performances are consistent with the real world. If Rik Smits tries to dribble the length of the court against Gary Payton, the Dunking Dutchman will get stripped quicker than a BMW left unattended outside of Market Square Arena.

Even though In The Zone can be adjusted to play like an arcade game, its strengths lie in its realistic simulation of NBA play. Before a game begins you pick eight offensive plays from a group of 30 scoring formations, including isolations, post plays, and three- point set-ups. These plays are called as you're dribbling down the court by pressing different directions on the Control Pad. It takes practice to become familiar with how these plays work, but it's worthwhile when you school a friend on the court.

A 3 Point Shootout mode is an entertaining addition to the 1998 version, where you and three friends can compete to see who has the golden touch. Other modes include Exhibition, Season, Playoffs and All-Star Game.

A faster game pace and the addition of offensive formations make NBA In The Zone '99 a much better Pak than its predecessor. If you don't mind the out-dated rosters (the Bulls still look like a contender in this version), then lace up and take it to the hole.