NBA 2K2 - Sega Dreamcast

NBA 2K2 features all the teams, rosters, and, most importantly, rule changes (like the now-legal zone defense) found in the real NBA. Player faces have been mapped to realistic body types (complete with tattoos), so you can identify a big man like Shaq or a speedster like Iverson without looking at their numbers. The game takes full advantage of the graphics-rendering power of advanced consoles by including better texturing, lighting effects, facial animations, and a higher polygon count to make sure all the jukes, spins, jumps, and dunks are as realistic as possible. The audio is also good, particularly the play-by-play, which is accurate and speedy.

The controls are intuitive--even for people used to the Dreamcast--especially in the area of on-the-fly play calling. You can now use the right analog stick instead of the digital pad, so now you don't have to take your thumb off the main controls (left analog stick) to call a new play or change formations. Other controls let you quickly and fluidly box out your opponent, spin, shoot, pass, fake, and dunk.

There are also eight street-ball courts, and this addition makes for almost an entirely new game. In this respect it is the equal of the EA Sports NBA Live series. But NBA 2K2 surpasses EA's title with its excellent AI. This game is challenging, satisfying, and fun in both single and multiplayer modes. --Bob Andrews

Pros: Gorgeous graphics Intuitive controls Great AI Cons: A release date too long after the start of the NBA season

(This review refers to the PlayStation2 version of this game.)

Amazon.com Product Description
NBA 2K2 is bursting with new features, including online console gameplay for up to eight players. Updated online functionality also allows gamers to track their wins and losses to see how they rank among gamers online. A smarter AI means improved team rotation, rebounding, and all-around tenacious D. The new steal system lets players fill the passing lanes and attempt to steal the ball, and a revamped low-post game lets you exploit the defender with lightning-quick drop-step moves, back him down for a rim-rattling dunk, or shoot a sweet fadeaway jumper. New street courts let you hoop it up at urban playground courts, including Oakland's legendary Mosswood Park. The game includes updated rosters, arenas, team uniforms, and signature moves for the 2001-2002 season. The integration of new NBA rules lets you add new strategy to the game by choosing to play man or zone defense.