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NBA 2K2 (GameCube) review

"I am not really a fan of the NBA, and I really don't even have a favorite team but I found myself buying NBA 2k2 none-the-less. Why? For two reasons: 1) There were not many Gamecube games worth purchasing and 2) my friend owned the Dreamcast version and it was steller. Therefor I went out and bought the game, and through in the Gamecube as soon as possible. I found myself doing a Fantasy Draft, and drafting rookie PG Jamal Tinsley. Currently he is in the All-Star game, and in control of MVP. Thi..."

I am not really a fan of the NBA, and I really don't even have a favorite team but I found myself buying NBA 2k2 none-the-less. Why? For two reasons: 1) There were not many Gamecube games worth purchasing and 2) my friend owned the Dreamcast version and it was steller. Therefor I went out and bought the game, and through in the Gamecube as soon as possible. I found myself doing a Fantasy Draft, and drafting rookie PG Jamal Tinsley. Currently he is in the All-Star game, and in control of MVP. This is what I love about sport games, is that you can quickly get into them. NBA 2k2 is no exception for it is a great game.

GRAPHICS (10/20): The biggest weakness in NBA 2k2, is where it came from. It's basically a port from the dreamcast with a few improvements in the graphical department. After playing games like Madden 2002, I expect good graphics, and well these are weak. The characters kinda resemble themselves, but not too much. Besides skin color and height, not too much differs from player to player. This should have been a strength in NBA 2k2, but it comes short.

SOUND (4/10): Weakness numero 2 for NBA 2k2. The announcers get repitive, fast. I mean, they say the same things over and over, and just change the names. They really don't say much about the individual player, that relates only too the individual. The little music in the background is ok, but the announcers, although have nice voices, get repitive very fast.

GAMEPLAY (43/45): Now where most games become either winners or losers is the gameplay section, and this is why NBA 2k2 is great. You can take the arc and shoot the wide open three, or post up for the reverse slam dunk. THere are many moves you can pull off, however there are also defensive maneuvers to hold them back. This is not a game where you can just run up and shoot a three and make it everytime. This is a simulation basketball, as in lifelike skills. Now all great sport games have a variety of modes, and so does NBA 2k2. There is street mode, which resembles games like NBA Jam and such. Then there are the season, playoff, and my person favorite franchise mode. Draft your favorite players (or rookies like my 4 starter rookie team) and shootout through as many seasons as you desire. Sink gamewinners at the buzzer, or win/lose by 20 or more points, NBA 2k2 has a great variety, and will keep you playing for a long time.

MULTIPLAYER (9/10): I know most people say when you have people over, you should not play sports games. However that is what we play the most at my house (Sole exceptions: Smash Brothers and Conker) and NBA 2k2 might be the one we play the most. It is easy to face off against your friends 2 on 2, too see who can be the champion of the game. However it is hard to make the teams equal, but that usually goes with skill level games.

REPLAYABILITY (10/10): Franchise mode! Need I say more. Well I guess I will anyway. You are able to play 20+ seasons consecutively to see if you are truly the NBA champions, and to see how many times you can win that trophy (if at all). There are trades, Free Agents, and even retirement. There are also rookie signings, even though the rookies aren't actual real players, just randomly created. However if you like sport games, you will be playing this one for a while.

DIFFICULTY (5/5): There are 3 different difficulty levels, and one of them fits me perfectly, so I will not complain. Rookie will get you going and get you ready for the Pro mode, which I use constantly. It should keep you in close games, unless you are really good. And if you are that good, it's time to go up to Superstar mode, where the champions play it out.

OVERALL (81/100): A dreamcast port for the Gamecube. It could've been so much more if the graphics and sound were made better. But even as an ''improved'' port from the Dreamcast, NBA 2k2 is easily the best pick for NBA fans, and a smart pick for the rest. Sure it has it's weaknesses, but it is not in the gameplay department, and that is where it really counts.
4/5

Community review by ratking (June 24, 2002)

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