Review - NBA 2K2
By Saiyan Island
Buy it used at GameTZ!
July 9, 2002
Accessories Memory Card 59 Players 1-2
Developer Visual Concepts Genre Sports
Publisher Sega ESRB Everyone
NBA 2K2 has made it a clean sweep - the best basketball game on all three new-gen systems. With the advent of the Game Cube version, they've created their dynasty with solid game play, spectacular graphics, and professional commentary.

Wild Style

The graphics are a big part of why the games did so well on other systems, and they don't fail on the Game Cube. Easily outdistancing NBA Courtside 2002 for smooth moves and realistic animation, NBA 2K2 has well-modeled characters with specific weight and height measurements, and authentic player capabilities - no three-point rampages for Shaq. Each player is so detailed you can see the mesh on their jerseys, and if you study the replays you can see sweat, emotive faces, and rippling muscles. From signature dunks and spins, to crossovers and layups, to backing up in the paint, the game does a great job with the graphics in the NBA arena and on the street. Tightness...

Sound

The sound is equally credible - although the announcers will never reach the levels of hilarity and dry wit that the real guys do, they still do an excellent job of keeping you focused on the game at hand, and most of the time they don't go off the deep end with comments completely unrelated to the action. They also stay away from cute euphemisms and lingo, which helps them not sound dated or forced. All the other standard sound effects, like the rim-rattling and crowd sounds, keep their end of the game alive - the crowd could have sounded a little more excited, they are either really loud when the home team is winning, but they're quite when they're are losing.

Control

Control is where NBA 2K2 beats the competition almost every time. Just like the Dreamcast version, which sported tight, accurate controls that had a few flaws, the Game Cube version follows suit, but leaves the flaws in the locker room. There are no more easy fakes and spins to the inside - you have to work for every point, and getting clear is harder than ever. Surprisingly, the awkward button layout of the Game Cube controller does not hamper the controls - you can still deke, spin, and slam with ease - but you have to also pay closer attention to your players individual weaknesses and strengths. Big men will give up the ball easily on fancy crossovers - small men can't power inside. White men can't jump. These are the givens.

If you've been playing Courtside and have been annoyed with the lack of real game play, or if you're just tired of waiting for EA Sports' NBA Live game then go for this, you will not be disappointed. NBA 2K2 showcases the best basketball game out there - steady game play, dazzling visuals, realistic sound - and once again shows that dynasties can be overthrown. NBA 2K2, revolutionizing NBA basketball gaming!





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