NBA 2K2

"Slam Dunk for Sega"

NBA 2K2 is Sega's latest addition to the series is one of the best basketball gaming experiences I have ever had, EA Sports need to learn a thing or two from Sega's great sport series.

Control: 9/10
The control on NBA 2K2 is very tight and takes advantage of the controller allowing for easy picking up and playing. Quick passes, great control of players. Using the Control Stick to move your player, C-Stick you pass to the player closest to the hoop, L is for post ups, B is for taking shots at the basket, or a very nice basket, A pass or change players, Z gets one of your teammates to double up, I could go on and on and on about how good the controls are but there is no C-Stick passing but that is no problem. For free throws you must get the pressure of the L and R Triggers the same then when the arrows line up you shoot by pressing any button.

Graphics: 8/10
NBA 2K2 has great graphics collision detection was great for the ball, the crowd unfortunately is 2D un like NHL HITZ 20-02 which had a 3D crowd. As I said collision detection is great on the ball but for the players it isn't very good such as when a player is coming down after making a slam dunk his legs will pretty much fall through the player below him, which is especially apparent on replays, which are very nice as only certain shots are replayed and you can skip them if you want. Animations are good and very realistic you knock someone down it actually look like it would hurt if it was real.

Music & Sound: 7/10
Well the music to me was very good but with all sports games the commentary just isn't up to par. you find yourself hearing the same thing over and over and over, so do your self a favor play your own music if possible.

Story: N/A
Its a sports game there is no story.

Gameplay: 8/10
The AI in NBA 2K2 is very nice trying to vary up the plays, playing defensively. There are many ways to play such as Franchise Mode, Season, Tournaments, and Exhibition. So you will finding your self having fun the whole time, the game can be far too difficult for player just starting as blocking, stealing and even shooting take practice which is a very good thing for replay value as you always find ways to beat your opponent(s) when they have a fault, to bad when the computer takes off and gets a lead it can be down right frustrating.

Replay: High
The replay value in NBA 2K2 is very high with tournaments, seasons, create player, exhibition mode ect. you can be playing this for a very long time.

To Buy or to Rent?
Rent it and NBA Courtside to see which game you like better, but I recommend this as it has better AI and controls.

Reviewer's Score: 8/10, Originally Posted: 05/16/02, Updated 05/16/02