Pros: great graphics, challenging gameplay
Cons: long season, tricky free throws
The bottom line: All-in-all a great game, even if you're not a basketball fan. If you are a fan at all, this is the game for you.
I'm not a big basketball fan - but I love a great game, and NBA 2K2 is a great game. Visual Concepts, the same developer responsible for the outstanding Sega NFL 2K series, again provides us with a visual treat.

Not only is it sweet to look at, though - it also has involves more strategy than the simple running up and down the court, taking shots, common to other basketball efforts. Defense is actually more than just an afterthought - against a good team, you're going to find it a challenge to drive to the basket without getting the ball stolen. That extra challenge, however, makes the basket that much sweeter - especially when your player makes dramatic smash or sweet lay-up. The computer isn't the only one getting to play defense, though - you have a number of defensive formations and plays to choose from to stop the best scorers out there. A nice touch are the reactions of the coaches and players on the bench - even when the camera is not focused on them, you can see their reactions in the background, throwing their hands up in disgust at a bad play or jumping to their feet at a great shot.

Apart from the great graphics and gameplay, you get a variety of settings; apart from all the professional stadiums, you get some outdoor courts to play a little two on two or up to five on five with your favorite players from the pros - as well as the best players from the 60's & 70's.

Multiplayer (up to 4 players) is fun - it's not split screen, though, so you have to keep track of your own player (there are arrows that alert you to where your player is if he is not currently visible). You can switch players in multiplayer, though it's easy to get confused who's controlling who if you do it too often.


Some minor downsides: the seasons seem incredibly long when you play the franchise mode - but thankfully you can simulate (rather than play) any or all games to move things along. Also, it takes a bit to master all the combinations and moves - but there is a nice practice mode that helps you learn the ideal time to release a shot and gives you the freedom to practice your moves unchallenged. Finally, free throws are tricky - you have to squeeze both triggers at the same time - and there is no practice mode for free throws. All of these factors are minor, however, and won't take away from the fun gameplay.