Games
Sony
Microsoft
Nintendo
Other Platforms
Upcoming &
Recent Releases
Stars indicate the most critically-acclaimed games.
NBA Live 2002

Generally favorable reviews
Based on 15 critic reviews
How did we calculate this?
Based on 5 votes
Read user comments
Rate this game >
Game Info
Publisher: Electronic Arts
Developer: EA Canada
Genre(s): Sports
Players: 4
ESRB Rating: E (Everyone)
Release Date: November 15, 2001
Summary
Low-post controls let you move, shoot and dunk with more versatility than ever before. Franchise mode allows you to build the next great NBA dynasty over several seasons. Legendary players are included so you can go 5-on-5 or 1-on-1 to see who was the best of each era. [EA Sports]
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...
Hot Games
Its infinitesimally better than the PS2 version, but "NBA 2K2" still packs a more flavorful punch.
Read Full Review >Xbox Nation Magazine
The finest "realistic" basketball game calling your name...Eat it up. [Jan 2002, p.96]
Game Informer
If I didn't know better, I'd think I had mad skillz. The computer is a pushover, and easily stolen from, dunked on, and blocked. [Jan 2002, p.86]
IGN
Ironically, the mechanics just end up being way too simple for a gamer that wants a full fledged NBA simulation experience.
Read Full Review >GameSpot
The rebounding game, which wasn't very strong to begin with, has taken a hit, as the control schemes for both rebounding and facing up on a player are utterly counterintuitive.
Read Full Review >Official Xbox Magazine
Does a fantastic job of putting not only putting "it" in the game, but you as well. [Feb 2002, p.75]
GamerWeb Xbox
I don't know about you, but any of the NBA games I watch on TV there is some defense happening on the court. No lie, I played NBA Live 2002 on the hardest setting and still burned the opposing team by over 30 points. The AI in this game has some serious issues.
Read Full Review >Operation Sports
It doesn't matter who's on the boards but the ball always seems to go to the nearest offensive player.
Read Full Review >Sports Gaming Network
Too many quirks in the AI to be considered an accurate simulation of basketball. However, NBA Live 2002 does give you an enjoyable multiplayer game with friends.
Read Full Review >GameSpy
Sadly, with its major rules problems, only slightly improved animation (from the PS2 version) and host of omissions and gaffes, the lack of expected features, and most importantly, the under-optimized controls here on the Xbox, prove that NBA Live 2002 is just a rushed game.
Read Full Review >GamePen
The way NBA Live uses the controller is as maddening as watching Derrick Coleman squander enough gifts for two hall of famers.
Read Full Review >Team Xbox
Unless you can look past the AI, control, and gameplay flaws, playing through a season will become impossible because after a few games you just lose interest.
Read Full Review >Game Revolution
The marginal graphical changes don't really make for a better overall game than its disappointing PS2 counterpart.
Read Full Review >Next Generation Magazine
Chock full of uninspiring graphics, plodding gameplay, and clumsy controls. [Jan 2002, p.35]
What Our Users Said
The average user rating for this game is 7.8 (out of 10) based on 5 User Votes
Note: User votes are NOT included in the Metascore calculation.
F. Lee gave it a 9:
I only have a demo but it is way better than last years version.
Kelton K. gave it a 10:
It really rocks dude. It's very very very cool dude.
[Anonymous] gave it a 9:
It's a good game, but i can't seem to find if it has a fantasy draft or not.
Nelly S. gave it a 10:
This game is hardcore. The peepz that say it is not r losers.
