NBA Live 2002

by Hardware Platform: Playstation 2

Product Features

• NBA Live 2002
• ASIN: B00005NFN4
• ESRB Age Rating: Everyone

Product Details

• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B00005NFN4
• Product Dimensions: 7.5 x 5.3 x 0.6 inches ; 4.8 ounces
• Media: Video Game
• Release Date: October 30, 2001
• Average Customer Review: 3.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (101 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #12,345 in Video Games (See Top 100 in Video Games)
  • #15 in Video Games > PlayStation 2 > Sports > Basketball

Product Description

Platform: PlayStation2

Amazon.com Preview

NBA Live 2001 was last year's best PS2 basketball game by default. Because of the game's lack of competition, players excused its poor presentation, long load times, sluggish controls, and poor artificial intelligence. Thankfully, EA Sports listened to all the negative feedback and is working hard to improve the sequel. Even by looking at a pre-alpha version, it's easy to see that NBA Live 2002 contains numerous improvements over its predecessor.

The graphics are the most notable enhancement. Players are far more detailed in this version, sporting the same afros, cornrows, tattoos, armbands, and headbands--among other details--as their real-life counterparts. Further adding to the accurate portrayals is a wider variety of player heights and builds. The game's engine is much smoother, allowing for more natural movement. As previously mentioned, the AI has been improved--players will no longer alternate between standing around helplessly and wandering around aimlessly. The developer was quick to point out that the load times that plagued last year's version will be greatly shortened.

Zone defenses will be allowed in accordance with the new NBA rules. There are more than 50 new dunk and celebration animations. Franchise mode returns to the series, allowing players to control a team for up to 10 years. As general manager, gamers will have to trade and draft new players in a quest to win an NBA championship. With additional polishing, NBA Live 2002 will match the quality of EA's many excellent PS2 titles. Look for it in winter 2001. --Raymond M. Padilla

Product Description

Play it Live! NBA Live 2002 is coming at you with more of an emotional basketball experience than ever before. With action similar to an NBA highlight video rather than a television broadcast shown on NBC or TNT, NBA Live 2002 brings you out of the stands and onto the court.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

28 of 32 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Finally, they get it right., October 22, 2001

By 

Beatle23 "beatle23" (Evanston, IL USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: NBA Live 2002 (Video Game)

I gave NBA Live 2001 3 stars last year. I didn't recommend buying the game period. No franchise mode, no rookie drafts, no salary cap, etc... Well all of that is FINALLY in NBA Live. It looks like they listened to all the customer gripes and put all these great features that games like Madden have been doing for years.

The graphics and gameplay are very similar to last year's game. There are subtle improvements in terms of the dribbling and dunk animations. The analog controls are a bit awkward, and I've found the d-pad to be better. They've paid attention to physical detail a bit more. For example, big centers will leave the rim rattling after a dunk. Also, you may land a little off-balanced at times after a monster dunk. Facial features and other subtle things such as unique hairstyles and tattoos are more accurate this time as well. They have a replay system similar to Madden 2002 where it goes letterbox every now and then.

The REAL improvements though are in the franchise mode. The fact that there is a legitimate one is a bonus. Now, instead of just signing whoever from the free agent pool, you must now take into account salary cap points. The better the player and the longer he's played, the higher his salary cap points. This pretty much means you have to strategize and sign who you want wisely, instead of just going for anybody and stocking a dream team. Plus, there's a rookie draft every season like in Madden with extensive scouting reports.

There is of course the practice mode and one-on-one game features from past versions. Overall, this game is a definite buy and the best NBA game out there to date. The game controls could be a little better, but they finally gave the gamers the features they've been asking for and they did it comprehensively. Put the money down and get this game. They've finally done it right this time.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars TV ads have nothing to do with game!!!, December 9, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: NBA Live 2002 (Video Game)

I love NBA Live. I really do. Yet if EA Sports keeps putting out subpar products like 2002, I'm going to stick to playing Live 2000 on the PC (by far still the best ball game ever, on any platform). Why is this game a disappointment?

1. Control. Wishy-washy. Lack of precision. Long, stunted animations (most are cool looking, but useless). The control is better than last year's, but that's like saying food poisoning is better than Malaria.

2. Gameplay. The rebounding equation is still as follows: Computer will get 5 rebounds to your one, no matter if you have a team with Rodman, Chamberlain, Russell, Shaq, etc. The computer players still behave like blocks. That means that driving around players is very difficult. Even Iverson can't consistently get by Matt Geiger. Matt Geiger!

3. Horrid camera angles. I know NBA 2K on Dreamcast introduced the wonder that is a "behind the player going upcourt" camera angle, but enough already. There are basically 4 angles in this game, each with some minor zoom options. All but about 2 are useless. Those pretty ads on TV? You can't use or even see half those shots/angles.

The good: Yes, there are some good aspects. Graphics are solid, as is sound and the addition of the franchise mode.

Rent first, and wait for 2K2 to hit the PS2 in February.

10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Game, November 2, 2001

By 

Beatle23 "beatle23" (Evanston, IL USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: NBA Live 2002 (Video Game)

I gave NBA Live 2001 3 stars last year. I didn't recommend buying the game period. No franchise mode, no rookie drafts, no salary cap, etc... Well all of that is FINALLY in NBA Live. It looks like they listened to all the customer gripes and put all these great features that games like Madden have been doing for years.

The graphics and gameplay are very similar to last year's game. There are subtle improvements in terms of the dribbling and dunk animations. The controls are a bit awkward using the analog, and I've found the d-pad to better. They've paid attention to physical detail a bit more. For example, big centers will leave the rim rattling after a dunk. Also, you may land a little off-balanced at times after a monster dunk. Facial features and other subtle things such as unique hairstyles and tattoos are more accurate this time as well. They have a replay system similar to Madden 2002 where it goes letterbox every now and then.

The REAL improvements though are in the franchise mode. The fact that there is a legitimate one is a bonus. Now, instead of just signing whoever from the free agent pool, you must now take into account salary cap points. The better the player and the longer he's played, the higher his salary cap points. This pretty much means you have to strategize and sign who you want wisely, instead of just going for anybody and stocking a dream team. Plus, there's a rookie draft every season like in Madden with extensive scouting reports.

There is of course the practice mode and one-on-one game features from past versions. Overall, this game is a definite buy and the best NBA game out there to date. The game controls could be a little better, but they finally gave the gamers the features they've been asking for and they did it comprehensively. Put the money down and get this game. They've finally done it right this time.

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