I don't think there's a shortage of sweet basketball games on the market right not, but there's always room for one more. It's sort of like Jell-o, really, with different flavors out there ready to please everyone. For those who like arcade basketball, you're clearly covered. For those sim freaks, hey, you've got NBA 2K6 on your six. Even those who like sufferable crap have NBA Live 06 to make them regret its existence. It was only a matter of time before Ubisoft decided to hoop it up, and so they have with the forthcoming And 1 Streetball, due to dunk it home next month.

The game has you starting out as a punk street baller entering the And 1 Mix Tape Tour, which shows streetball ruleage at its finest. Who needs an NBA contract to show you've got game? Not these guys. They tour around the country, showing off their street basketball skills with all sorts of slick passes, ridiculous bounce plays, and absolutely insane dunks. So, of course, Ubi and Black Ops worked very carefully to bring that carnivorous energy to the home game, and it looks like it's showing very well.

The game will feature several legendary And 1 players who have pioneered the game for years, including the likes of Skip-To-My Lou, AO, Hot Sauce, and the Professor, all with their distinct play styles and moves perfectly intact. You can even bounce a ball off of someone's dome (head) and show a little humiliation on your way to the hoop. If playing as an existing legend doesn't sound appealing (and I can't see why it wouldn't, but some people are like that), then you have the chance to create your own in Story Mode. You build your player from scratch, enter the Mix Tape Team, and show your skills as you work your way to the final Big Game, surviving the trials and tribulations during the journey. Don't expect high drama, just enough slam dunking to keep your face stuffed with ball.

Not only are you able to create your own player, but And 1 Streetball also lets you create your own moves to further personalize your style. There's all sorts of side features here that enhance this mode alone, including the ability to load up showboating and celebrations so you've got a full ego in check. If that's not enough, you can also give your dunks some personal "flava" and show the players where it's at. I suppose the world is ready for my Whiskey Sour Double Butta Dunk, aren't they? We shall see.

The game will also feature a smooth control interface, so all of this comes off like a breeze when it comes to the actual gameplay. Offense and defense will both have some style and precision in their movements, so you can pull off some devastating blocks and then show off your expertise getting the ball and running it home for the dunk. Or maybe passing will show you where it's at, with some between-the-legs stuff or that dome thing I talked about earlier. Nothing beats rebounding a ball off an opponent to someone else. Hey, it can be done if they're not looking right. And 1 Streetball will also let you customize your game, so you can go one-on-one or hit the court with a full-five. You can even decide if you want to use the full court or just go half for more pressure in the game. If that's not enough, you can also take your game online and show 'em the moves that would make your momma proud. Or your cousins.

To round it all out, Ubisoft and Black Ops are including a varied soundtrack option as well, so you can customize the sound of the game to your liking as well. There will be a wide variety of tunes available to support all sorts of regions, including the West Coast, the East Coast, and the "Dirty South", among others. So those who think their league won't be represented in the game, well, you're about to get served with some tunes. Enjoy.

And 1 Streetball talks up a big game, but the question is how will it come across playing when it comes home next month for the PS2 and Xbox. If it can live up to its rep, we may have another ballin' legend in the making, ready to keep up with whatever EA and 2K Sports can offer. We'll be back with a full review and a report on how Super Drunk Robert's doing in the big leagues. Let's just say that Denver knows how to represent.