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Stars indicate the most critically-acclaimed games.
NBA 2K2
Generally favorable reviews
Based on 19 critic reviews
How did we calculate this?
Based on 13 votes
Read user comments
Rate this game >
Game Info
Publisher: Sega
Developer: Visual Concepts
Genre(s): Sports
Players: 8
ESRB Rating: E (Everyone)
Release Date: January 8, 2002
Summary
New features include a revamped low post game (exploit the defender with lightning quick drop step moves, back him down for a rim-rattling dunk, or shoot a sweet fadeaway jumper), new playbooks, and new street courts including Oakland's legendary Mosswood Park, Philly's Hank Gathers Rec Center, and Houston's Ronde Rec Center. [Sega]
Also On Metacritic
GAMES: ESPN NBA 2K5
Cheat Codes & Hints: Cheat Code Central Game Revolution IGN
Also On The Web: Official Website
What The Critics Said
All critic scores are converted to a 100-point scale. If a critic does not indicate a score, we assign a score based on the general impression given by the text of the review. Learn more...
Maxim Online
If the game were any more detailed, they would have to include a “Record Shitty Rap Album” mode.
Read Full Review >Official U.S. Playstation Magazine
The gaming equivalent of a religious experience. [Feb 2002, p.112]
Sports Gaming Network
Sure, the graphics aren't what we'd expect from a PS2 title, but the gameplay is what counts, and 2K2 has it.
Read Full Review >GameSpot
Virtually every aspect of the real NBA game is accurately represented and well implemented to provide a roundball experience that is second to none.
Read Full Review >Gaming Age
NBA 2K2 has set the bar for the rest of those basketball titles. No one has even come close to capturing the fundamentals of the game like this series does.
Read Full Review >GamerWeb Sony
Simply put, NBA 2K2 is the best basketball game on the planet. Although it is not perfect, it does emulate the look, feel, and intensity of NBA basketball.
Read Full Review >GameZone
The best basketball simulation game to date. Everything that can be done on the court can be done equally as well in the game.
Read Full Review >GamePro
The real star of the game is the stellar A.I. No game rewards you so much for playing smart basketball or punishes you so badly for playing high school ball.
Read Full Review >GamePen
As I allowed the game to grow on me I began to realize just how completely awesome this game is.
Read Full Review >Hot Games
Either too easy or too hard, depending on the setting. You will seethe with frustration on the highest difficulty setting, and easily outscore opponents on the easiest setting. There is no in-between, which makes a great game really frustrating.
Read Full Review >Operation Sports
When you continually get dunked on, or miss “gimme” jump shots, frustration sets in and you start to wonder if it is me or the game? I am having a lot of fun finding out though.
Read Full Review >Game Informer
NBA 2K2 is money – but I expect more next season. [Mar 2002, p.79]
GameShark
The graphics, the sound, and the street games... Sega knows how to make a winner.
Read Full Review >Electronic Gaming Monthly
The 2K2 [computer opponents], however, can light it up with more ferocity than a pit bull at a beef jerky convention. [Mar 2002, p.138]
IGN
The Franchise and Season modes offer nearly endless gameplay..., this is the best basketball game to date on the system.
Read Full Review >Game Revolution
Offers enough graphical flair and gameplay depth to be considered the cream of the current crop of PS2 basketball games.
Read Full Review >PSM Magazine
It’s the PS2 basketball game that will best satisfy both hardcore and casual fans. [Feb 2002, p.41]
PSX Nation
The best part about 2K2 is without a doubt it’s realism, however that in itself will put some players off. If you aren’t into putting thought into each and every basket you shoot, 2K2 will seem like a slow, methodical bore. But if you’re in the know, the pacing becomes a sweet symphony that is just a few hairs from greatness.
Read Full Review >Cloudchaser
The game contains so many AI flaws that playing it from a simulation fans standpoint, it doesn't do a good job representing basketball.
Read Full Review >What Our Users Said
The average user rating for this game is 7.4 (out of 10) based on 13 User Votes
Note: User votes are NOT included in the Metascore calculation.
Chris M. gave it a 4:
This game is way, way too hard on pro level and is incredibly frustrating. The cpu always manages to hit its shots if you dont have a hand in its face, and scores ALL THE TIME in the paint. You can't score outside the paint more than 20% of the time unless using a superstar player, how fake can you get. Unless you are at an incredibly advanced level, its a 2 player only game. Ive stopped playing 1 player on this because I was throwing my control pad way too often....Im not joking either.
Ziggy Stardust gave it an 8:
It's definitely the deepest basketball game i've ever played. the graphics a slightly disappointing (they're a little glitchy or contain incomplete animations at times), but the gameplay is certainly up there. if you're a fan of realistic nba basketball, you couldn't do much better than nba 2k2. for more casual nba fans i recommend nba street instead. i'm quite happy with purchasing both titles though.
Andrew H. gave it an 8:
Great game, BUT when your passing the ball back in and simply hit 'X' the guy you pass it to might be out of bounds (or backcourt when running down the court), I wished they'd not pass to them. Other than that, GREAT game.
[Anonymous] gave it a 5:
Sure, the realism is unbelieveable, the passes, plays and replays are amazing, but if you are not good at basket ball videogames then you'd only be playing this game to look at it.
Ziggy Stardust gave it a 9:
It's definitely the deepest basketball game i've ever played. the graphics a slightly disappointing (they're a little glitchy or contain incomplete animations at times), but the gameplay is certainly up there. if you're a fan of realistic nba basketball, you couldn't do much better than nba 2k2. for more casual nba fans i recommend nba street instead. i'm quite happy with purchasing both titles though.
Michael A. gave it a 10:
It's tizzight.
Kobe Iverson gave it a 10:
This is hot.
