NBA 2K2

"NBA 2K2 - Honest Review from an Avid Game Player"

NBA 2K2, on the surface, seems to be a reincarnation of NBA 2K1 with minor tweaks. However, upon playing it for some time, I have noticed a few other things that make this game worth playing. I will discuss gameplay, graphics, sound, AI, options, fun factor, and replay value, with a short summary to conclude. Let us begin:

Graphics: 8/10
NBA 2K2 features all the players (including rookies, although missing a few), all fully rendered 3D arenas, uniforms, signature moves, etc. The graphics are probably the best you are going to see on a Dreamcast game. The players actually resemble their real-life counterparts, the arenas look good, and the ball physics look realistic. However, upon careful scrutiny, you will notice that Michael Jordan looks nothing like Jordan, Doug Collins looks generic, when a player dunks the ball he still does not really touch the rim, the crowd is flat, etc. However, these minor flaws can be overlooked, which is why graphics get an 8.

Gameplay: 8/10
The important part. This part is a little better than last year. Bigger, slower players actually react slower when you try to turn them around, although Shaquille O'Neal can still run as fast as Allen Iverson. Dunks are a scarcity, as fast breaks are virtually non-existent, unless you basket hang with a guard and hope the opposing team misses a shot. Jumpers also look better, as the shooter actually flicks his wrist. However, jumpers are a bit more unrealistic as a good shooter can hit a shot with 3 defenders in his face. Michael Jordan practically hits every fadeaway he takes, although the fadeaway animation looks better. And if you post up, you can spin around your defender almost every time simply by letting go of the post-up button and turning to your left or right. Scoring is easier. Fatigue also plays a HUGE part in the game. If your player has energy at or above 90%, most shots will fall. If you are below 85%, jumpers will miss, players will slow down, and you will most likely lose the game. Much better than last year. The game features some new dunks, new alley-oop features (including an easier and more enjoyable way to throw alley-oops), fast and accurate game controls, and it's fun. Injuries are also less common, but when you tear an achilles, you will still only be out a few days. And your star player wont get 5 or 6 fouls every game, as in last year's game. However, as in most basketball games, as you get better, you will see your record inflate, and losses will become rare. But again, this is the best you will see from the Dreamcast and it is the best you will find on any console right now (or at least until XBox comes out).

Sound: 6/10
Good music, same boring commentating. The commentators again seem to say the same things over and over again and it tends to get boring. But this is an ongoing problem for almost all sports games, as most companies may most attention to gameplay and less to announcer variety.

AI: 7/10
This is the best AI you will see from the NBA 2K series. However, the same problems exist, although they have been tweaked. Instead of playing 8 minute quarters and getting realistic scores, you can now play 10 minute quarters and get realistic scores. The zone defense has been implemented, thus negating any illegal defense. The scores tend to be a little closer, but the computer still falls for that fadeaway spin move every time. And, once again, as in every basketball game, as you get better, your record will begin to show, so dont be surprised if you finish a season with the Wizards at 75-7 with Jordan averaging 40 points per game shooting 70% from the field.

Options: 7/10
Franchise, Season, Exhibition, Street Mode, All-Star Teams, Practice, Create-a-Player. Franchise is ok, but is lacking. You cant make any trades with other teams, which means if you are a simulation freak like me, the most recent trades wont get done. You cant create players and put them on a team. You can still negotiate salaries (points actually) and years, but the lack of trades brings this down heavily. Season is good again, as you can trade and create players. All stats and standings make it a good choice. Street Mode is enjoyable, as jumpers usually wont miss, and dunks are more common, plus there is an extra street court. All-Star Teams are good, although there still is no 90's teams and Jordan is not on the 80's team. Practice is fine. Create-a-Player is ok, but some options are gone, like the afro hair. Still not bad. Have to get those trades and created players into franchise though.

Fun Factor: 9/10
Despite the fact that your record probably wont be very realistic, the game is still fun, as the scores remain relatively close. Strategy is implemented, fatigue is HUGE, you wont win games by 50 and score 110 points with one player. It's a fun game, good for arcade or simulation lovers.

Replay Value: 8/10
You are going to want to come back and finish your season, although you may have very few losses. The unrealistic records is the one thing bringing this down.

Overall: 8/10
A good game, you will enjoy it. Any avid basketball fan should get this game. Records are still unrealistic and some moves are unstoppable, but overall, this game has gotten better. A must have for sports fans.

Reviewer's Score: 8/10, Originally Posted: 10/30/01, Updated 10/30/01