A sequel built on a foundation as solid as that of EA Big’s original NBA Street (PS2, GC) seems destined for greatness, and when screenshots of the game were released many months back they only confirmed what many had already been expecting.  Firstly, it was quite evident from the scant information released on the game up until its release that the game was to be built upwards, not outwards.  Meaning that the developers didn’t have any intentions of wildly innovating over the original, but rather planned on adding to it with legions of improvements and additions.  The result of EA’s efforts may not be entirely surprising, but its many refinements do give way to an insanely entertaining arcade-style b-ball experience that goes beyond even that of the original.

The premise of the first game makes the transition to its sequel fully intact – you’ll still compete in three-on-three competitions and execute an assortment of stylish tricks to fill your gamebreaker meter – but this time around four people can get in on the action simultaneously.  (2001’s ‘Street’ was disappointingly limited to only two players.)  But technical improvements and cosmetic makeovers will only help to reaffirm the interest of diehard fans, which is why EA Canada added an entirely new layer to the already-addictive gameplay of the first game.  The enhanced gameplay permeates throughout every nook and cranny of the game; from the new unstoppable gamebreakers to kick passes, turbo blocks, off-the-backboard passes, dunk to lay-up transitions, and even an opposition-humiliating “Off the Heezay” move where you bounce the ball off your defender’s head.  The pick up and play simplicity of the original makes a triumphant return despite the loads of new gameplay elements, which, in case you’re keeping track, translates into buckets o’ fun.

One of the best things about NBA Street was that winning or losing wasn’t completely dependent on scoring buckets, instead it was possible to turn the tide by utilizing gamebreakers, which added points to your score while taking them away from the opponent.  The only way to perform these devastating maneuvers was to fill up your gamebreaker meter by pulling off tricks and combinations.  The same holds true here, of course, but now gamebreakers can be powered up an additional level; when you fill up your meter you’ll have a short amount of time to either perform a level 1 gamebreaker or “pocket” it and fill the meter up a second time.  Level 1 gamebreakers work exactly as they did in the original; cutting to a slo-mo style that showcases the shot or dunk.  But level 2 gamebreakers are vastly more cinematic in presentation and all three of your players get in on the action to perform a multi-tiered fantasy shot.  Sadly, these choreographed moves often repeat and you have little control over them outside of deciding whether you want an impressive long-range gamebreaker that adds an additional point to your team while taking more points away from the rival team, or a elaborate dunk gamebreaker that doesn’t award you with as many points to your game score but gives you way more trick points.

There are two main single-player modes in NBA Street Vol. 2.  The first is NBA Challenge, here you’ll tour various infamous courts throughout the country while defeating all 29 NBA teams along the way.  Also, you’ll acquire points that can be used to unlock things in the Rewards section like new throwback jerseys, legendary players, and courts.  The second mode is new, though, and far more deep and compelling.  It is called Be A Legend mode and begins as you create a baller from the ground up, customizing your player’s physical dimensions, threads, special moves, and skills.  As you complete various challenges and defeat boss characters you’ll acquire points that can be used to improve your custom character’s skills.  Completing the single-player modes in NBA Street Vol. 2 will take considerably more time than it did in the first game, offering up around 30-40 hours of lasting appeal.  There is also a Street School mode, which is basically a clever tutorial that awards the player with 1000 reward points upon completion.  The multiplayer mode consists of exhibition games with support for up to four players (via Multitap), though even here you’ll be able to accumulate reward points.

Vol. 2 looks considerably better than the original, utilizing a subtle cel-shading technique to give the players a more detailed and colorful look.  Tons of new animations have been added and the transitions between moves are flawless.  The backgrounds and courts look equally remarkable, though take a drastically different turn in terms of style over the character models; instead of the stylish over-the-top artistic style that is infused into every player, the backgrounds focus more on realism.  Extreme realism, in fact.  Every bump and crack on the real-life courts are perfectly depicted, and nothing is pre-rendered.  The inside Lincoln College court has a open door leading to outside where you can make out a few cars, some trees, a concrete path, and realistic shadows, all rendered in real-time, this really sticks out in my mind as a prime example of how much attention to detail EA gave this game.  The gorgeous visual presentation doesn’t hinder the PS2’s ability to render the game at a constant 60 fps, which is a programming feat that few development houses would be able to achieve.

NBA Street Vol. 2 also excels in the sound department with tons of ambient effects that differ from court to court, realistic blacktop shoe squeaking, audible cell phone rings from the audience and dynamic audience reactions, and occasional player trash talking.  The music has been cranked up more than a few notches from the past game, this time presenting licensed music from hip-hop artists like Nate Dogg, MC Lyte, Benzino, Just Blaze, and Dilated Peoples.  An MTV-style information box is displayed before each track, some people seem to have a problem with this, saying that it is a blatant marketing attempt to sell records, but I didn’t have any problem with the EA Trax info boxes, I like knowing who I’m listening to.  But the most improved facet of Street’s audio presentation has got to be Bobbito Garcia who plays the part of announcer and provides commentary on nearly every move in the game.  The collection of snippets from Garcia is immensely elaborate to such a degree that you’ll constantly be hearing him say new, humorous things even after playing the game for hours and hours.

Overall, NBA Street Vol. 2 is one of the most entertaining games I’ve played all year, keeping me awake until the wee hours of the morning for nearly a week straight.  The subtle improvements made to Vol. 2 may not seem like much on the surface, but taken as a whole the difference between the two are incredibly substantial.  This game is just plain fun, no matter how you spin it.

Gameplay: 10
Pick up and play simple.  EA Big is beginning to earn a reputation for making games that shine for their simplicity yet offer up an enormous amount of depth.  As far as I’m concerned, Vol. 2 is the epitome of gameplay perfection.

Graphics: 9.4
considerably improved over its predecessor.  Character models, backgrounds, courts, animation; all excellent.

Sound: 9.3
A rockin’ soundtrack, incredibly authentic sound effects, and one of the best commentators ever to grace a sports game ranks Vol. 2 among the most aurally delicious experiences known to man.

Difficulty: Easy
There are three difficulty modes that can be utilized at any time, though taken as a whole the game is a bit on the easy side.

Concept: 8.2
The concept in NBA Street Vol. 2 is a no-brainer, but its EA’s talent and ambition that makes this game seem so conceptually intriguing.

Multiplayer: 9.7

Ohhh, man.  Getting four people in on the action really enhances the experience, though you may want to watch the trash talking around children.

Overall: 9.4

The only thing NBA Street Vol. 2 is missing is an online component, but even still it’s the best arcade-style basketball game money can buy.