NBA Street Vol. 2

"Not just a sequel, but a game of its own."

Another game from EA has arrived and like all the rest has dominated. This game game not only advances on its predecessor but trounces it. With all the unlockables, tricks and animations this game deserves to be knows as its own game (Mere sequel it is not).

Gameplay 9/10

The game keeps its steady gameplay from the first. Controls are solid and greatly mapped out, the controls make it so that a first timer can just pick up the controler and have fun. The amount of tricks are limitless, and unlike the last game not every character has the same tricks and there are even tricks to unlock. The gamebreakers were one of the biggest advances as now they have added the Lv. 2 Gamebreaker. The Lv. 2 actually has some variety with 7 or 8 different gamebreakers. The strongest part of the gameplay of course is the two player action which has now been expanded. Now with the four player action it is even better as all your friends can join in. The only downside to the four-player set up is that if you have two people on the same team the third has to be computer controlled which can get a bit annoying. Overall the gameplay is great and has lots of features without all the extra difficult controls.

Graphics 9/10

Graphics are excellent as the many courts are very nicely detailed. The characters are back with their new Cell-shading look, while most magazines hinted these characters may be to cartoonish they are in fact very nicely blended with the background. The game has many different camera angles which do it justice. My only complaint is once again in the Four-Player mode in which you are locked on a certain camera angle. I know this is so everyone has a good view but it would be nice to have a choice. Overall I don't think the graphics could have been any better.

Sound 10/10

What can I say, the sound is excellant the new announcer, Bobbito has a huge list of sayings that will keep you laughing for hours. The game also has an alternate option to take out the announcer and put in some good old fashion street music. The effects are right on the money as every dribble and block sound are there. Couldn't ask for anything more.

Replay Value 10/10

This game has a replay value that I have not seen in a while. You will spend hours just trying to unlock all the characters and spend many more hours creating and getting your character to be known as a legend among the balling community. This games strongest point though goes to playing with your friends, and with the new four-player action possibilities are limitless.

Overall 10/10

Trust me when I say this is the game for you. I'm not even into basketball and I was immediately hooked. After paying the $50 and playing it I believe every dollar was worth it. This game will go down as one of the greatest and most rewarding titles of all time.

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 05/05/03, Updated 05/05/03