NFL 2K2

NFL 2K2 has its game face on as it makes a strong run at the PlayStation 2 playoffs.

NFL 2K2 busts onto the suddenly crowded PlayStation 2 football scene with some serious football that does a nice job of blending arcade gameplay, NFL action, and a unique visual style. This game?s no Madden, but it is 2K and that?s good.

2K2 has a presentation style that?s all its own. Unlike Madden NFL Football?s squeaky clean visual look, 2K2 is a little rougher around the edges, with player body models that look slightly unreal. However, player faces are outstandingly true to life (although it?s kinda creepy how they don?t blink their eyes much), and the animation is quick and sharp.

Look closely and you?ll also see some fine details in player moves that are just sick: For example, when ballcarriers move through the line, you can actually see them twist and turn their bodies to slide past defenders. In other games, players sometimes run in place as they sort of moonwalk around blockers. The audio is nicely tuned to the onfield action. The 2K franchise play-by-play man ?Dan Stevens? returns, and although he?s no John Madden, it?s cool to hear him call replays in sync with your controller moves.

The controls are tight, and the gameplay is on-target even if there?s a slightly frenetic, arcade, unMadden-like feel to player movement. Players are fast and they can turn on a dime. 2K2?s signature interface style uses the joystick to maneuver through menus and playbooks. That takes some getting used to, but once you do, it?s a slick, intuitive way to play. Of course, 2K2 has a few hitches in its giddyap, too. You can shift the defensive line, but you can?t shift linebackers. You can use the joystick to quickly cycle through your defenses, but you can cycle in only one direction to select the player you want to control. On offense, you can?t display your play diagram against the defensive lineup prior to the snap as you can in Madden. On defense, you can display your defense to see how you match up against the offense, but that screen labels each player by name, which makes it look crowded and confusing.

Despite a few weak spots on its roster, NFL 2K2 is a whole lotta fun! Madden NFL 2002, out and about since last August, probably caught the lion?s share of football gamers this season. But if you?re ready for a second season, NFL 2K2 is more than worthy. And, as just the first PS2 football game from Sega Sports, you gotta like its chances next season.

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