NFL 2K2

by Sega Of America, Inc.

Product Details

• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B00005NEAH
• Product Dimensions: 7.5 x 5.3 x 0.6 inches ; 4.8 ounces
• Media: Video Game
• Release Date: November 21, 2001
• Average Customer Review: 3.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (55 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #11,065 in Video Games (See Top 100 in Video Games)
  • #19 in Video Games > PlayStation 2 > Sports > Football
• Discontinued by manufacturer: Yes

Product Description

Platform: PlayStation2

Amazon.com Review

Visual Concepts created a huge stir with the original NFL 2K--the first football video game that actually looked like you were watching a game on TV. NFL 2K2, the third game in the series, still features the mind-boggling graphics, stunning player animations, and great play modes of the original. And, despite an often frustrating passing engine, it's still one of the best sports simulations around.

You can play as any NFL team in a variety of modes: practice, tourney, exhibition, season, playoffs, franchise, fantasy, tutorial, and network (against up to seven other players nationwide). The franchise mode is again one of the game's strengths, as it offers a variety of scouting and free agency options, letting you customize your roster as a general manager based on the statistics and financial demands of actual players. Now you can learn what the Washington Redskins already know--the salary cap is a cruel mistress.

The player animations are again the star of the show. There are literally dozens of potential endings to any collision in NFL 2K2, from stumbling five yards after a shoestring tackle to spinning dizzily between two linebackers to somersaulting through the air after stretching for a catch over the middle. And, although the tackles can be spectacular, the game doesn't betray its simulation roots by making them too extreme. These aren't torn from the comics pages, as in some games.

Sega Sports has talked up its new passing system quite a bit, and it is both challenging and intriguing--perfect for the hard-core simulation expert. Unfortunately, the rest of us are left struggling to complete 5 to 10 passes a game. Essentially, the game asks players to expertly anticipate routes and time the receiver's catch. This is no easy task in a fast-moving game such as this, as receivers routinely drop wide-open passes on the rare occasions they do get open, and you'll find your primary receiver blanketed by two or more defensive backs on most plays. The passing engine isn't overwhelmingly flawed, but average gamers will need some serious time to overcome the Ravens-like pass defense they'll face early on.

The running game was the original NFL 2K's main weakness, and it remains the single biggest improvement over the evolution of the series. Sometimes running between the tackles in NFL 2K2 can be a tad too easy and running outside can be too challenging, but the game rewards players who see holes develop and are adept at cutbacks.

It's the small details, though, that make NFL 2K2 the sports simulation triumph that it is. The commentary--although still prone to calling turnovers incorrectly--is first rate, the on-field player dialogue is highly entertaining, and even the stadium music and crowd chants add to the atmosphere rather than annoy.

The game isn't necessarily worth an upgrade for people who already own NFL 2K1, as the improvements aren't dramatic (unless updated rosters are your main concern). But for football fans who want one of the best-looking sports simulations ever made--and who don't mind the initial frustration of lousy quarterback ratings--NFL 2K2 is a Hail Mary come true. --Rivers Janssen

--This text refers to the Dreamcast version of this game.

Pros:

• Unbelievable graphics, yet again
• Extremely responsive gameplay

Cons:

• Gamers must have genuine football skills to complete a pass
• Improvements from NFL 2K1 are minimal

Product Description

Visual Concepts created a huge stir with the original NFL 2K--the first football video game that actually looked like you were watching a game on TV. NFL 2K2, the third game in the series, still features the mind-boggling graphics, stunning player animations, and great play modes of the original. And, despite an often frustrating passing engine, it's still one of the best sports simulations around.

You can play as any NFL team in a variety of modes: practice, tourney, exhibition, season, playoffs, franchise, fantasy, tutorial, and network (against up to seven other players nationwide). The franchise mode is again one of the game's strengths, as it offers a variety of scouting and free agency options, letting you customize your roster as a general manager based on the statistics and financial demands of actual players. Now you can learn what the Washington Redskins already know--the salary cap is a cruel mistress.

The player animations are again the star of the show. There are literally dozens of potential endings to any collision in NFL 2K2, from stumbling five yards after a shoestring tackle to spinning dizzily between two linebackers to somersaulting through the air after stretching for a catch over the middle. And, although the tackles can be spectacular, the game doesn't betray its simulation roots by making them too extreme. These aren't torn from the comics pages, as in some games.

Sega Sports has talked up its new passing system quite a bit, and it is both challenging and intriguing--perfect for the hard-core simulation expert. Unfortunately, the rest of us are left struggling to complete 5 to 10 passes a game. Essentially, the game asks players to expertly anticipate routes and time the receiver's catch. This is no easy task in a fast-moving game such as this, as receivers routinely drop wide-open passes on the rare occasions

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

60 of 61 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars NFL2K2 REVIEW (plus some Madden 2002 comparisons), November 23, 2001

By 

Rodney Rivers "Rod" (SF,CA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: NFL 2K2 (Video Game)

I am going to write a review of NFL2K2 but also compare it to MADDEN 2002 for those of you caught on the fence on which to buy. I'll point out what each game does better over the other:

NFL2K2 Does better Over Madden 2002 :
1.Faster Gameplay : Just like the Real NFL. Make quick and correct decisions or eat the turf. Truly Realisitc to the Real game in this aspect.
2.Great Defensive Line play : it's like a minigame to sack the qb. Maddens d-line game is non-existant for the most part.

3.Defensive backs actually play defense and cover people. Unlike in madden where the CPU cheats(Cpu somehow knows who your passing to right when you start to hit the button). Bad passes will get intercepted, so you have to be accurate with your throws and routes your run.
4.Great graphics especially player facial renditions and taller player models.
5.Better atmosphere/sounds/commentary than madden. This part of the game NFL2K2 blows madden's sterile atmosphere away.

MADDEN 2002 does better than NFL2K2:
1.Better Depth to the game than nfl2k2: create team/stadium/logo , old time teams, 2minute drill minigame, etc...
2.Player based momentum physics make the game more of a simulation. Sometimes the momentum physics is a bit overdone but it is more true to life as in the NFL.
3.Better running game than NFL2K2 but not by much. Running the ball through the middle of the line is tough just like real life. But sometimes sweeps are too easy. But overall very good.

4.Franchise mode in Madden 2002 is very deep. Nfl2k2 has a decent franchise mode but Madden's is much much better.
5.GAMEPLAY SILDERS : this is where Madden2002 does better than NFL2K2. The gameplay sliders give the player freedom to set the difficulty of the game to the players skill level.

In conclusion, both games are good. NFL2K2 is more of a Fun game overall where whereas Madden is more of a simulation but a bit boring due to the lack of atmosphere. Both games feature good gameplay and option features that the other doesn't.

24 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars NFL 2K2 is simply better than Madden., December 8, 2001

By 

Rob (VT, NJ, MA, and now SC.) - See all my reviews

This review is from: NFL 2K2 (Video Game)

First, there's a distinction to be made between those gamers who want to play sports games and have a blast - and those who want to "live in the locker room" and spend time obsessing about and "managing" their teams. If you want to play football, get NFL 2K2. If you want to concern yourself with statistical analysis and the "age" of your players - go play Madden or Dungeons and Dragons.

If you're the former - 2K2 is the better game. The gameplay is smoother and faster, the graphics are amazing, and the controller options give you a tremendous amount of freedom on both sides of the ball. The configurations make it almost easy for your QB to pumpfake (evade a tackler) run out of the pocket, juke another tackler with a spin move, and rocket one down low to a reciever who's actually scrambling while you do. It's simply realistic football.

Don't be fooled by some reviews that spout about a need to have "real skills" to pass the ball. It's easy and effective. Choose a play and focus on one reciever. Run to the side of the field your intended reciever is on (if you come up against a blitzing Linbacker or unblocked D-End, hit your reciever's button quickly 2x to fake. The defender will jump or dive - and you can keep rolling). Keep an eye on your reciever and see if the DB behind or in front of your man. If he's behind - smash and hold the reciever's button for a bullet underneath the coverage. If the DB is in front or shallow, tap the button and use some touch. If your man is double/triple covered - a bullet might get in there. You can look for another open target - or just learn where the panic button is and throw it away. You won't complete every pass, but neigther did Montana - the more you play the easier it gets. Also, when it comes to play selection, the games AI actually does a pretty bang-up job (especially defensively), you can let AI make suggestions, or choose plays outright. Comprehensiver on field action is what 2K2 is all about.

Back to the initial point:
If you want to buckle up and K some A playing a REAListic football game, get 2K2. If absolutely amazing graphics and game speed are important to you, get 2K2. If you're a gamer concerned with play, get 2K2. However, if statistical analysis and player trades are more important to you than the ON FIELD ACTION - get Madden (...)

2K2 is better than Madden. (...)

My review and my opinion.
Hope it helps.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Off the hook!!!! The Greatest Football Video Game, ever!!!!, December 11, 2001

By 

Dennis F. Towle (Hayward, CA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: NFL 2K2 (Video Game)

I recently played this game on a demo Playstation 2 console at the Playstation Superstore(METREON) in San Francisco. The graphics and gameplay completely blew me away! I have never seen a football simulation look so good, before I discovered NFL 2K2. The attention to detail on the players' faces, uniforms, the stadiums and sideline activity are phenomenal! The T.V. broadcast appearance of this game really makes you feel like this is a live football game! The gameplay is awesome and flawless! The quarterback passes the ball with smooth motion! The passes are caught on well executed jumps(the game player has to time these) by the receiver! The ball carrier moves realistically and he fights and stumbles for those extra yards after the defender puts a hard hit on him! The defense is equally fun and challenging....you have to work hard to get your linemen and linebackers through the offensive linemen to get to the QB....sacks aren't as easy to get, like in another game(Madden 2002)....you'll have to work for it! Defensive backs cover the receivers well and double-team when needed. Overall, this game is an absolute marvel to play....you won't be disappointed! Some hard-core players have complained that the added franchise feature is lame and very shallow....I have yet to see that, so I don't know. The gameplay and graphics are what have made this the King of football video games (sorry Madden series, it's true)! The graphics and speed of X Box's games are no better than Playstation 2's....I thought I'd add that in! Enough said; buy yours here today for your Playstation 2 system! It doesn't get any better than this!!!! (...)

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