Hubbry Logo
NBA 2K2NBA 2K2Main
Open search
NBA 2K2
Community hub
NBA 2K2
logo
7 pages, 0 posts
0 subscribers
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
NBA 2K2
NBA 2K2
NBA 2K2
View on Wikipedia
from Wikipedia
NBA 2K2
Box art featuring Allen Iverson
DeveloperVisual Concepts
PublisherSega
SeriesNBA 2K
PlatformsDreamcast, GameCube, PlayStation 2, Xbox
ReleaseDreamcast
  • NA: October 23, 2001[1]
  • EU: March 8, 2002
PlayStation 2
Xbox
GameCube
GenreSports
ModesSingle-player, multiplayer

NBA 2K2 is a 2001 sports video game developed by Visual Concepts and published by Sega for Dreamcast, PlayStation 2, Xbox and GameCube. NBA 2K2 featured more street courts such as Mosswood, Fonde Rec Center, Venice Beach, etc. The cover athlete is Allen Iverson of the Philadelphia 76ers.

It is also one of the few games to release on all four 6th generation home platforms, and the only game to release on all four in North America.

Overview

[edit]

NBA 2K2 now offers a number of new features designed to improve upon Sega Sports' basketball franchise, which began on the Dreamcast in 1999. In addition to the NBA teams, players, and stadiums from the 2001–02 season, the game includes five legends teams starring legends such as Michael Jordan, Larry Bird, Julius Erving, Wilt Chamberlain, Magic Johnson, and Bill Russell.

Each player's abilities reflect those based on the 2001–02 season, so the location of shots is important depending on the athlete. Moves such as crossover dribbles, pump fakes, speed bursts, and both icon and directional passing allow players multiple options to move the ball down the court. While approaching the net, players can press a single button to pass to the man closest to the basket or use their athlete's size advantage to back down a defender. Players can also call for a pick with a press of the button, pass out of a shot, or select one of four in-game offensive plays from a roster of 16.

Defensive moves include steals, a combination block and jump button, as well as the ability to face up a ball handler, double-team a star player, commit an intentional foul, and call one of seven defensive sets such as Man-to-Man or Half-Court Trap. Before playing a game, adjustments can be made for game speed, quarter length, and difficulty. In-game features include instant replay and a choice of five different camera angles. User statistics as well as season and franchise progress can be saved after each game.[5]

Features

[edit]

Modes of play include Exhibition, an adjustable Season (from 14 to 82 games), Practice, Tourney, Playoffs, Fantasy, where players can create a custom tournament or league after drafting, and Franchise, which involves signing free agents, cutting players, making trades, and scouting for new talent before embarking on consecutive seasons. Players can also edit or create a team using ten custom logos as well as design their own star athlete from scratch.

Development

[edit]

More than 30 people worked on the game.[6]

Reception

[edit]

The game received "universal acclaim" on all platforms except the PlayStation 2 version, which received "generally favorable reviews", according to video game review aggregator Metacritic.[7][8][10][9]

Tokyo Drifter of GamePro's January 2002 issue said that the Dreamcast version "rectifies all other gripes about the previous two incarnations and officially achieves a top ranking in its field."[39][c] Two issues later, he called the PlayStation 2 version "the game to get for PlayStation 2 basketball simulation fans, even if it seems like a warm-up for a fully revamped return next year. That's still a long way off, and it's hard to resist the total package of pretty graphics, solid controls, and a challenging game of b-ball that you can pick up today."[40][d] Another issue later, he called the Xbox version "the complete package for basketball on the Xbox."[41][e] Still another issue later, he said that the GameCube version "may be the last of the various incarnations of Sega's hoop franchise to appear this year, but it certainly was worth the wait."[42][f]

The Dreamcast version won the award for "Best Sports, Traditional Game" at GameSpot's Best and Worst of 2001 Awards,[43] and was nominated for the "Best Dreamcast Game" award, which went to Phantasy Star Online.[44] It was also nominated for the "Console Sports" award at the Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences' 5th Annual Interactive Achievement Awards, which went to Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3.[45] The same console version won the award for "Dreamcast Game of the Year" (which it shared with NFL 2K2) at The Electric Playground's 2001 Blister Awards,[46] and was also nominated for the "Best Multiplayer Console Game" (along with said game) and "Best Console Sports Game" awards, but lost both to Halo: Combat Evolved and Madden NFL 2002, respectively.[47][48]

Notes

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

NBA 2K2

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
NBA 2K2 is a developed by and published by . It is the third installment in the series, following . Released on October 24, 2001, for the in , the game was ported to on January 12, 2002, on February 27, 2002, and on March 20, 2002. The cover features guard . The game provides a realistic depiction of professional basketball, incorporating updated 2001–2002 NBA rosters, arenas, uniforms, and rule changes such as legal zone defenses. Key features include revamped animations for dunks, crossovers, jump shots, and steals; enhanced low-post gameplay with drop-step moves captured from NBA stars; and new street basketball modes set on outdoor courts like Mosswood Park and Hank Gathers Rec Center. Gameplay modes offer variety, including exhibition games, season and franchise simulations, practice sessions, custom tournaments, and online multiplayer for Dreamcast users. Controls emphasize strategic elements like picks, rolls, coaching decisions, and detailed player statistics tracking. NBA 2K2 was critically acclaimed upon release, earning a Metascore of 89 out of 100 on based on 19 reviews, with praise for its smooth graphics, lifelike player models, intelligent AI, and authentic NBA feel. Reviewers highlighted it as a significant improvement over its predecessor, particularly in animation fluidity and defensive realism, making it one of the top simulations of its era. The multi-platform availability marked the series' expansion beyond , broadening its audience.

Development

Background

NBA 2K2 served as the third installment in the NBA 2K series, succeeding , which launched exclusively on the in November 1999, and , released on the same platform in 2000. Both predecessors were developed by and published by , establishing the foundation for a basketball simulation series that emphasized realistic player animations and strategic depth. Sega's acquisition of in May 1999 played a pivotal role in positioning the series as a direct competitor to ' dominant franchise. Prior to the buyout, had a track record in sports titles, but 's ownership shifted focus toward enhancing Dreamcast-exclusive content to challenge EA's market share in basketball gaming. This strategic move allowed to leverage ' expertise in creating immersive simulations. The game incorporated official licensing from the , featuring updated rosters, team uniforms, arenas, and signature player moves to reflect real-world developments. , the ' star guard and reigning MVP from the prior season, appeared as the cover athlete, continuing his role from the first two entries and underscoring his prominence in the league at the time. Amid the industry shift from fifth- to sixth-generation consoles, Sega expanded NBA 2K2 to multiple platforms, marking the series' first departure from Dreamcast exclusivity as the console neared discontinuation in early 2001. This multi-platform approach, including releases on , , and , aligned with 's transition to third-party publishing to sustain its software presence beyond hardware production.

Production

The production of NBA 2K2 was handled by , with Greg Thomas serving as . A key aspect of the development involved transitioning to multi-platform support across all four major sixth-generation consoles—Dreamcast, , , and —which represented the first such effort for the series and introduced significant technical hurdles in optimizing performance and features across diverse hardware architectures. The game built upon the engine from , incorporating enhancements to graphics such as refined player models that appeared less blocky and more realistic, alongside new animations for offensive and defensive actions to improve fluidity and authenticity. integrated official NBA licensing to include authentic elements, featuring five legends teams composed of era-specific all-stars—such as the 50s/60s Legends, 70s East and West Legends, and 80s East and West Legends—with iconic players like and ; additionally, the game expanded street basketball modes with new courts including Mosswood in Oakland, Fonde Recreation Center, and Venice Beach.

Gameplay

Core Mechanics

NBA 2K2 delivers a realistic of NBA through its core mechanics, emphasizing fluid animations and responsive controls that replicate professional dynamics. The game leverages dual analog sticks for precision: the left stick handles player movement and basic , while the right stick enables advanced actions like directional passing, signature moves, and play selection, allowing for nuanced control over , passing, , and defense. This setup contributes to the series' reputation for intuitive yet deep on-court , where player attributes influence outcomes such as shot accuracy and defensive positioning. Offensive mechanics center on timing-based shooting, where players align a meter to release shots via shoulder buttons, factoring in player fatigue, defender proximity, and position for authentic results. Passing options include icon-based targeting for quick team plays or right flicks for precise, player-specific distributions, promoting strategic ball movement. Dribbling supports crossover and moves triggered by stick combinations, enabling ball handlers to create space against defensive pressure. On defense, controls facilitate player switching, steals, and blocks using the designated action buttons, with AI opponents exhibiting intelligent positioning and reactions to simulate competitive NBA matchups. The playcalling system enhances tactical depth, permitting users to access a menu of authentic NBA plays—such as pick-and-rolls or isolations—by flicking the right during , with on-screen visual indicators guiding teammates' movements for seamless execution on both offense and defense. Adjustable settings allow customization of realism, including quarter lengths from 5 to 12 minutes, foul enforcement toggles, game speed sliders, and difficulty levels ranging from to , tailoring the experience to individual preferences. Unique features extend to street basketball modes, which shift to non-arena courts like Venice Beach or Mosswood for a more arcadey variant, supporting 2-on-2 to 5-on-5 formats with modified rules that loosen traditional constraints for fast-paced, casual play.

Game Modes

NBA 2K2 provides a variety of single-player and multiplayer game modes that leverage the game's simulation mechanics to deliver diverse experiences, from quick matches to long-term simulations. These modes emphasize strategic depth, team building, and competitive play, allowing players to engage with NBA rosters, including historical legends teams. The Exhibition mode enables quick single games between any two teams, including five legendary squads representing eras such as the 50s/60s Legends, 70s East and West Legends, and 80s East and West Legends, with options to customize rules, game length, and settings or simulate outcomes entirely. It also supports variants on outdoor courts like The Cage, Franklin Park, Goat Park, , Mosswood, Fonde Rec Center, and Venice Beach, offering a more arcade-style, half-court experience distinct from standard NBA play. Season mode simulates a full NBA schedule, adjustable from 14 to 82 games for the 2001-2002 season, culminating in where players control one team through regular-season matchups and postseason elimination brackets. Users can manage lineups, track statistics, and make in-game decisions, with the option to simulate games or play them out to advance toward the . Franchise mode expands on season play for multi-year team management, allowing users to act as general managers by handling player trades, free-agent signings, amateur drafts, and contract negotiations while overseeing team progression, finances, and roster development across multiple seasons. This mode emphasizes long-term strategy, including prospects and simulating career arcs for players to build dynasty-level success. Additional modes include Practice, which offers solo or co-op skill training through standard shoot-arounds, scrimmages, or free-throw sessions to hone shooting, passing, and defensive techniques; , for bracket-style competitions with 4, 8, or 16 teams in single-elimination formats; and Fantasy, a draft-based league where players select from a pool of all available NBA talent to assemble custom rosters before competing in a season or playoffs. Multiplayer options support head-to-head matches for up to eight players locally, with online play available on the version via Sega's network for ranked matches and stat tracking. Player creation and editing tools permit customization of individual athletes' appearances, attributes, skills, and positions, as well as full roster modifications, enabling users to integrate created players into any mode, including franchise drafts and games.

Release

Platforms and Dates

NBA 2K2 was initially released for the in on October 24, 2001. This launch marked the continuation of the series on the following , with the game leveraging the console's hardware for fluid animations and detailed player models. The title expanded to other sixth-generation consoles shortly thereafter, becoming the first entry in the series to support multiple platforms. Ports arrived for the on January 15, 2002, and for the on February 27, 2002, both in . The Nintendo version followed on March 20, 2002, completing the rollout across all four major sixth-generation home consoles available in —Dreamcast, , , and —making it the only title to achieve this distinction. While the core game was largely consistent across platforms, developers implemented minor adaptations to optimize performance for each system's hardware. For instance, the and versions featured enhanced graphics, including higher resolution textures and improved visual fidelity compared to the original, taking advantage of the newer consoles' capabilities for smoother rendering and reduced . These tweaks ensured comparable experiences without major overhauls, though the multi-platform development presented challenges in unifying controls and features across varying architectures.

Marketing and Cover

Allen Iverson of the served as the cover athlete for NBA 2K2, continuing his role from the previous two installments in the series and marking the third time his image was used to promote the simulation. Iverson's selection stemmed from his widespread popularity as a dynamic scorer and his playing style, characterized by quick crossovers and aggressive drives, which aligned closely with the game's expanded street features, including new courts like Venice Beach and Mosswood. As the 1998–99 NBA scoring leader, Iverson provided an endorsement that lent authenticity to the game's promotional materials, with advertisements featuring his likeness in high-energy scenarios that echoed his on-court persona. Sega leveraged this endorsement in commercials and print ads, positioning NBA 2K2 as a title that captured the essence of modern NBA excitement blended with urban flair. However, one such commercial led to a filed by Nike against in February 2002, alleging over similarities to a 1996 Nike advertisement; the case was settled out of court in April 2002. Sega's marketing campaigns emphasized the game's multi-platform release on , , , and , targeting both dedicated gamers seeking advanced features and casual fans drawn to accessible play. Promotions highlighted the inclusion of five legendary teams—such as the 1980s East and West squads with players like and —to appeal to nostalgic audiences while underscoring the title's depth for competitive modes. Trailers previewing enhanced realism, fluid animations, and expanded game modes were showcased at E3 2001 and featured in gaming magazines like Electronic Gaming Monthly. The campaigns included TV spots broadcast on networks like and , timed to coincide with the NBA season's buildup. Tie-ins with NBA promotions were evident in the game's updated rosters, which mirrored the 2001–02 season lineups and player attributes, allowing fans to simulate real-world matchups from the league's official slate.

Reception

Critical Response

NBA 2K2 received widespread critical acclaim across its platforms, with aggregates reflecting strong praise for its basketball simulation quality. The version earned universal acclaim with a score of 93/100 based on 12 critic reviews. The and versions also achieved universal acclaim, scoring 90/100 each from 13 and 13 critic reviews, respectively. The port was rated generally favorable at 89/100 from 19 critics, slightly lower due to platform-specific technical limitations. Critics consistently lauded the game's realistic gameplay, which captured the intensity and strategy of professional through improved AI, fluid animations, and authentic player movements. described it as "the best-playing on the market," highlighting how the revamped low-post mechanics allowed for exploiting defenders with drop steps, backdowns, and fadeaways. Intuitive controls were another standout feature, enabling precise passing, shooting, and defensive positioning without overwhelming complexity, as noted by , which called it "the best feeling game around." Visual fidelity shone on next-gen consoles like and , with detailed player models, dynamic lighting, and crowd animations that enhanced immersion, outperforming rivals in graphical polish. While overwhelmingly positive, some reviews pointed to minor flaws, particularly in the PS2 version, where occasional framerate dips during fast-paced action disrupted smoothness compared to the original. The absence of online multiplayer on PS2 and was a noted drawback, limiting replayability for competitive players despite its inclusion on and .

Commercial Performance

NBA 2K2 enjoyed solid commercial success for , particularly as one of the company's key sports titles during the transition from hardware manufacturer to third-party publisher. Although did not release official global sales figures, available U.S. market data from NPD Group indicates strong performance across platforms, with the version leading due to the console's dominant installed base. The game built on the momentum of its predecessor, , which sold 741,208 units on in the U.S.
PlatformU.S. Sales (as of October 2002)Source
375,000 unitsIGN
90,000 unitsIGN
50,000 unitsIGN
252,727 units (lifetime)Sega Retro (NPD data)
The PS2 and Xbox versions benefited from those platforms' larger user bases compared to the GameCube and the waning Dreamcast, helping NBA 2K2 capture a notable share of the basketball simulation market against competitor EA's NBA Live 2002. Independent estimates place the PS2 version's global sales at approximately 1.21 million units. These results contributed significantly to Sega's sports division revenue in the early 2000s, bolstering the value of ahead of its $24 million acquisition by in 2005. Historical data on NBA 2K2 remains incomplete, with no comprehensive worldwide figures publicly available from or industry trackers, underscoring gaps in archival records for early titles.

Legacy

Series Impact

NBA 2K2 marked a pivotal shift for the series by establishing a multi-platform release strategy, with releases across the , , , and , which broadened its accessibility beyond the Dreamcast-exclusive origins of earlier entries. This approach was continued in NBA 2K3 () and subsequent titles, solidifying the franchise's presence on major sixth-generation consoles and setting the stage for annual releases under 2K Sports following 's departure from hardware and sale of developer in 2005. The game featured key modes such as the Franchise mode, which allowed players to manage an entire NBA team through seasons, trades, and roster decisions, becoming a core staple that evolved into the modern MyNBA mode in later installments. Additionally, NBA 2K2 introduced five legends teams featuring retired stars like , , and , a concept that persisted and expanded into classic and all-time teams in contemporary titles, enhancing replayability and historical depth. NBA 2K2's technical advancements in player animations, transitional movements, and overall simulation realism—such as smoother dribbling mechanics and more authentic court physics—established benchmarks that elevated the series' reputation for depth over rival EA Sports' NBA Live series, influencing the franchise's focus on lifelike basketball simulation in future releases. This groundwork contributed to the 2005 acquisition of Visual Concepts by Take-Two Interactive for $24 million, which integrated the NBA 2K intellectual property into 2K Sports and fueled the series' growth to over 160 million units sold worldwide by May 2025.

Historical Significance

NBA 2K2 represented the culmination of Sega's commitment to the Dreamcast platform in the sports gaming space, serving as the final installment in the NBA 2K series for the console before Sega discontinued hardware production and support in early 2002. Released in late 2001, the title exemplified Sega's competitive strategy in basketball simulation, where the franchise had gained acclaim for its fluid gameplay and online features, positioning it as a viable alternative to Electronic Arts' offerings during the console's twilight years. This release highlighted Sega's pivot toward third-party publishing as the company exited the hardware market, marking a transitional moment in the publisher's history. The game also achieved a milestone as the first major sports title released across all four prominent sixth-generation consoles—Sega Dreamcast, Sony PlayStation 2, GameCube, and Xbox—thereby illustrating the growing standardization of multi-platform development in the early . This cross-platform availability fostered greater accessibility for players amid intense console rivalries, enabling consistent experiences with updated rosters for the and advanced features like enhanced player animations. By bridging these ecosystems, NBA 2K2 contributed to the democratization of high-quality sports gaming during a pivotal hardware transition. Culturally, NBA 2K2 resonated with basketball enthusiasts by spotlighting , the guard who earned the NBA Most Valuable Player award in 2001, as its cover athlete during his ascendant era of influence on and off the court. Iverson's prominence in the game mirrored his role in infusing hip-hop aesthetics, , and urban authenticity into mainstream NBA culture, helping to connect virtual simulations with real-world fandom and inspiring a generation of players to emulate his and competitive spirit. Complementing this, the title's expanded street basketball modes, featuring courts in locales like Venice Beach and Compton, evoked the improvisational, community-driven essence of urban pickup games, thereby embedding elements of grassroots heritage into the digital experience.

References

  1. https://www.mobygames.com/game/23101/nba-2k2/
  2. https://gamefaqs.gamespot.com/gamecube/535395-nba-2k2/data
  3. https://www.metacritic.com/game/nba-2k2/
  4. https://gamefaqs.gamespot.com/dreamcast/516692-nba-2k2
  5. https://www.amazon.com/NBA-2K2-Xbox/dp/B00005V6BR
  6. https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/nba-2k2-review/1900-2820299/
  7. https://www.ign.com/articles/2002/03/20/nba-2k2
  8. https://www.ign.com/articles/2002/01/15/nba-2k2-4
  9. https://www.ign.com/articles/1999/11/25/nba2k
  10. https://segabits.com/blog/2015/07/01/year-of-the-developers-from-the-gridiron-to-the-basketball-court-these-are-the-games-of-visual-concept/
  11. https://www.gamespot.com/articles/sega-to-acquire-visual-concepts/1100-2451359/
  12. https://www.hoopshype.com/story/sports/nba/2025/07/09/nba-2k-covers-through-the-years/77296961007/
  13. https://strategywiki.org/wiki/NBA_2K2
  14. https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/nba-2k2-review/1900-2839238/
  15. https://segaretro.org/NBA_2K2
  16. https://gamefaqs.gamespot.com/gamecube/535395-nba-2k2/credit
  17. https://gamesdb.launchbox-app.com/games/details/103770-nba-2k2
  18. https://scholarworks.sjsu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1013&context=art108
  19. https://planetdc.segaretro.org/features/previews/nba2k2/
  20. https://gamefaqs.gamespot.com/ps2/535205-nba-2k2/faqs/16874
  21. https://maddenratings.weebly.com/nba-2k2.html
  22. https://nba2k.fandom.com/wiki/NBA_2K2
  23. https://dreamcastlive.net/files/manuals/nba_2k2_manual.pdf
  24. https://www.ign.com/wikis/nba-2k2/Basics
  25. https://gamefaqs.gamespot.com/dreamcast/516692-nba-2k2/faqs/15269
  26. https://www.gamespot.com/articles/nba-2k2-preview/1100-2837664/
  27. https://gamefaqs.gamespot.com/ps2/535205-nba-2k2/reviews/32892
  28. https://planetdc.segaretro.org/games/reviews/nba2k2/index2.shtml.html
  29. https://www.neoseeker.com/forums/2620/t34609-custom-players-in-franchise-mode/
  30. https://gamefaqs.gamespot.com/dreamcast/516692-nba-2k2/data
  31. https://www.giantbomb.com/nba-2k2/3030-756/
  32. https://www.ign.com/articles/2002/01/10/nba-2k2-release-date-set
  33. https://basketball.fandom.com/wiki/NBA_2K2
  34. https://forumsold.operationsports.com/reviews/321/nba-2k2/
  35. https://gamefaqs.gamespot.com/dreamcast/516692-nba-2k2/videos/1215066
  36. https://www.nytimes.com/2002/02/09/business/company-news-nike-sues-sega-over-concept-of-michael-jordan-ad.html
  37. https://www.ign.com/articles/2001/09/06/sega-sports-summit-report
  38. https://lastminutecontinue.com/news/e3-2001-2k2-sports-games-coming-to-ps2/
  39. https://www.metacritic.com/game/dreamcast/nba-2k2
  40. https://www.metacritic.com/game/xbox/nba-2k2
  41. https://www.metacritic.com/game/gamecube/nba-2k2
  42. https://www.metacritic.com/game/playstation-2/nba-2k2
  43. https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/nba-2k2-review/1900-2850836/
  44. https://gamefaqs.gamespot.com/ps2/535205-nba-2k2/reviews/56319
  45. https://www.ign.com/articles/2001/11/03/nba-2k2-6
  46. https://segaretro.org/Dreamcast_US_charts
  47. https://www.vgchartz.com/game/3899/nba-2k2/?region=All
  48. https://www.gamedeveloper.com/game-platforms/take-two-acquires-visual-concepts-announces-2k-games-brand
  49. https://xbox.fandom.com/wiki/NBA_2K2
  50. https://www.giantbomb.com/nba-2k/3025-498/
  51. https://2ksport.fandom.com/wiki/NBA_2K_Series
  52. https://the-nba2k-wiki.fandom.com/wiki/NBA_2K2
  53. https://www.neoseeker.com/forums/1771/t33063-nba-live-2002-vs-nba-2k2/
  54. https://gamefaqs.gamespot.com/xbox/537423-nba-live-2002/reviews/35702
  55. https://www.gamesindustry.biz/take-two-interactive-software-inc-and-sega-corporation-announce-take-twos-acquisition-of-visual-concepts-and-kush-games
  56. https://www.statista.com/statistics/1237739/take-two-interactive-video-game-unit-sales/
  57. https://www.ign.com/articles/2001/12/20/kick-ass-dc-games
  58. https://slamonline.com/the-magazine/allen-iverson-everlasting-influence/
Add your contribution
Related Hubs
User Avatar
No comments yet.