Sega Sports(tm) NBA 2K2

Sega's decision to offer many of their games on the next generation consoles is something we should all be grateful for, especially when it comes to sports games.  Indeed, Sega Sports has built quite a reputation for itself as a result of the games it offered for its Dreamcast system.  The fact that EA Sports now has a serious competitor to deal with will most definitely result in better games across the board.  Not surprisingly, Sega Sports' recently released NBA 2K2 for PS2 has proven to be more than just a worthy competitor for EA's NBA Live franchise.  In fact, it's a basketball simulation that's currently unmatched by any other, both graphically and in terms of the overall gameplay quality.

For starters, NBA 2K2 includes a wide variety of game modes to suit every possible type of basketball desire.  These include: practice, exhibition, tournament, fantasy, playoffs, season, franchise, and street.  Although most of these modes are self-explanatory, some deserve to be further described.  Practice mode is typically overlooked, but since it allows you to get a feel for the basics of the game without any pressure it is actually very useful, especially when trying to figure out how the free throw system works (the hardest part of the game to master).  Fantasy mode allows gamers to create the best possible team they can dream up via drafting players/trades and participate in leagues and tournaments of their choice.

At the heart of NBA 2K2 is the awesome franchise mode, which takes 2K2 to a whole new level.  Within this mode, it's possible to play multiple seasons with any team in attempt to build an NBA dynasty.  Put your management hat on because it's necessary to deal with signing and cutting players, salary caps, and much more.  This mode really gives you a lot of freedom and it's quite fun to deal with recruiting and team management in such great depth.  Additionally, the replay value of NBA 2K2 is virtually unlimited because of this game mode as well as the ability to create both custom teams and players, which can be used in the various game modes.  New players can be customized in every way possible, from hair styles to the typical physical attributes.  Also, many people will also be happy to hear that five legendary teams have been included in the game, which include players from the 1950s to the 1980s -- pretty cool!  It sure is refreshing to hit some threes with good old Larry Bird and to control the court with Isiah Thomas.

Playing some straight up street 'ball is also very enjoyable and Sega has included many famous street courts from all over the country, which add to the authenticity of the game.  In street mode it's possible to play 2-on-2 or up to 5-on-5 with NBA the best players, something that is very unique.  This mode comes complete with trash talking as well as other background sounds that complement the environment, such as motorcycles revving by.  Including this mode was a great decision because it adds another thoroughly entertaining dimension to the game.

This is a game that really makes you feel like you're on the court in every possible way.  There's no slipping and sliding and the physics are dead on no matter what situation you may be in.  Additionally, the AI is exceptionally realistic, as you must work hard and play smart to take the cake.  If you make a mistake you will pay the price, but if you make the proper decisions you won't be cheated.  The computer players tend to make most shots if they're left open and if you're not quick on the controller they'll snag the majority of the rebounds as well.  As a result, you really have to be on your toes and anticipate their moves in order to keep the momentum of the game on your side.  Therefore, when attempting to gain control of games, timeouts are just as useful as they are in actual NBA games because they can help to deter a momentum swing in the other team's favors as well as allow your team to regroup for a comeback.  Substitutions can also be made if certain players aren't having a good night on the court.  There's really nothing you can't do in NBA 2K2.

The controls in NBA 2K2 are simply flawless.  All passes, shots, and ball handling techniques are easy to execute and these movements look extremely realistic as well.  It is recommended that the analog sticks be used when playing because plays can be conveniently called up using the right analog stick without affecting your game.  Although, if you can't get used to doing so the directional pads can be used without too much trouble.  On offensive it is easy to pull off some great moves, such as quickly backing down the defender and then busting out a quick spin move to a powerful dunk.  Additionally it's now possible to utilize the famous crossover move when dribbling, which enables you to blow by slow-footed defenders.  Icon passing is also a tactic that results in some great plays as each player's position always corresponds to the same button.  New to the passing department is the one-touch button (R2) that passes the ball to the player closest to the basket.  This is very helpful and taking advantage of it results in many quick baskets.  Lastly, if you need to get a defender out of your face, it's possible to call for a pick with the press of one button.  All of these control options allow offensive game play to be as realistic as possible, since there is such a wide variety of ways to get to the hoop.

On the defensive side of the coin, the controls in NBA 2K2 are no less impressive.  There's really nothing you can't do in terms of defensive strategies.  Both stealing the ball and blocking shots are simple and accurate in terms of how often they can actually be pulled off.  If you commit to a steal or jump at the wrong time, be prepared to be taken advantage of by your opponent.  Indeed, timing is everything on defense, especially when trying to intercept passes.  The ability to easily switch to the last defender or to the defender closest to the ball can be very beneficial when the other team is trying to pull a fast one on you.  Some other helpful buttons let you face up the ball-handler (so it's difficult for him to get around you), allow you to double team certain players, and another lets you intentionally foul players to stop the clock in tight situations.

Graphically, NBA 2K2 is quite stunning and it's obvious that a lot of work was put into the visuals.  The player animations are very smooth and realistic, and as a result the game looks just like the real thing.  Each player appears unique in terms of body type, facial features, hair, as well as arm bands, tattoos and more -- it's simply amazing!  As a result, just about all popular players can be recognized without thinking twice.  Reflections and shadows as well as an unprecedented detail level also add a great deal of realism to the 2K2 basketball experience.  Although the crowd isn't as active as it could be, it too is detailed and does get somewhat involved.  The arenas are rendered beautifully and provide for a great playing environment, as do the street courts.  It's surprising that even with such a high detail level, frame rate slowdowns and clipping problems are nonexistent in NBA 2K2.  There are also a significant number of different camera angles to choose from and there seems to be one for everybody, depending on what view they've become accustomed to in other basketball games.  In terms of visuals, we really couldn't ask Sega/Visual Concepts for much more than this.

The play-by-play announcer and color commentator are typically right on and keep up with the plays, but at times they do get slightly delayed.  They have a seemingly wide variety of phrases, but playing a lot of games in a row makes it apparent that they do repeat things fairly often.  The sound effects in general are of superb quality, as everything from shoes squeaking on the court to the roar of the crowd sounds like it should.  The hip-hop beats in street mode are appropriate and they set the mood for the "anything goes" street 'ball games nicely.

The bottom line is that Sega Sports' NBA 2K2 is the best basketball simulation game to date.  Everything that can be done on the court can be done equally as well in the game, from grabbing passes on the run to pulling off sick spin moves and slamming unbelievable dunks.  If you've been looking for a basketball game to buy, look no further.

This game is rated "E" for everyone and it takes up 2MB (ouch!) on your PS2 memory card.
 

Gameplay: 9
The controls are comprehensive and effective and as a result the game can be played with a great deal of accuracy.  The pace of the game is perfect and the many included features that allow you to optimally control the players, both on offense and defense, make this one a blast to play.  Additionally, the AI is appropriate and makes you work for your baskets.

Graphics: 9.5
All the players on the court, and even coaches/cheerleaders/crowd, are modeled very nicely.  All our detailed to the fullest possible extent and during play the animations are smooth and lifelike.  The environments, whether indoor or outdoor, are equally impressive and the shadows/reflections look amazing.

Sound: 8.5
For the most part the play-by-play is up to speed and the color commentator throws in some interesting comments along the way as well.  The music included in the game is appropriate and doesn't at all get annoying.

Difficulty: 9
The range of difficulty levels allow just about anyone to enjoy this great basketball experience.  The most difficult part of the game to learn is how to shoot free throws, but with a little bit of practice this too can be conquered.

Concept: 9
With such a comprehensive franchise mode as well as the impressive street mode, we couldn't ask for much more.

Multiplayer: 9
Up to eight players can get in on the madness using two multi-taps, but even with just two players, NBA 2K2 is a blast to play.

Overall: 9