Customer Reviews

NFL 2K2 (Xbox)

5 star:		(25)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

For those who have been afraid of buying the NFL 2K2 after being disappointed by the Dreamcast version, fear not! It seems that Sega Sports listened to the complaining fans and forced Visual Concepts to actually _improve_ the passing game, blocking, sound quality, etc.

The original NFL 2K2 on the Dreamcast had the best pass coverage AI ever seen a football video game. Cornerbacks, linebackers, and safeties all intelligently reacted to passes thrown their way. They were good at zone, man, and 'bump & run' coverage.

The XBox version continues this tradition, actually improving upon the original's already magnificent AI. Players in coverage are much more likely to tip passes than before. The only problem on the defenseive side of the ball is that Visual Concepts removed the 3 man fronts almost entirely.

The running game is the best out there. Hands down. All the moves are effective, from the juke or spin to the stiff arm or shoulder charge. The blocking creates good holes to run through. The defense actually reacts realistically, making counters, cutbacks, draws, and reverses valid choices. Perhaps the best part of the running game are the 'get skinny' moves that ball carriers _automatically_ perform. This means that there is no longer the annoyance of getting stuck on your own blocker, feet churning yet going nowhere.

The only problem with the original NFL 2K2 was the horrendous passing game (and ball security, but that's tied in). While VC had improved the animations over NFL 2K1, there were several problems with the passing and catching system that made the game almost unplayable for pass oriented teams:
1) The offensive linemen were incapable of holding blocks for longer than .0025 seconds with consistency.
2) Top tier receivers very often dropped passes.
3) Anyone but a top receiver did not have a preayer of making a catch.
4) Even after you finally were able to thread the ball through defenders' hands and your receiver was lucky enough to grab the ball, if he got hit within a full second after the catch you would see the ball lying on the turf.

Thankfully, Visual Concepts has fixed this problem. Pocket passers can thrive behind a good offensive line, completing passes without thought, until the defense gets in the way. Low-rated receivers, such as tight ends, are much more likely to make completions, and the high-rated are just like they are in reality: hard for defenses to handle. Not too hard, though, due to the insanely good defenive AI. After intensive playtesting (Heh, I always wanted to say that.) I have found the only true problems with the passing game in 2K2, and VC should have little difficulty fixing them. I hope that Visual Concepts have already noted these problems themselves, and if they haven't...
1) Receivers jog their routes. Either this is true or defenders can backpedal faster than Isaac Bruce, Torry Holt, and Co. can run their routes.
2) Quarterbacks do not lead their targets correctly, even when a receiver is _standing still_. For example, the Rams have a play where all 4 WRs go out 8 yards, stop and turn around. If you attempt to throw to them while they are standing still, Kurt will throw the ball about 3 feet over their heads. The WR will then dive for the ball. Yes, dive. As in towards the ground.
3)The receiver logic is absolutely horrendous. Receivers like MARSHALL FAULK will, when they see the ball coming in a perfect spiral right towards their shoulders, dive off to the side to avoid coming in contact with the ball. It seems that the only functional routes are the straight line ones.

People will respond to this game with cries of "But Madden has momentum based movement! It's more realistic." Momentum based movement is realistic - when it is implemented in a way that creates a modicum of realism. In Madden (and in Fever) it simly gets in the way, making reaction times slower and control more imprecise.

"But Madden has a better Franchise system!" You know what? They're right. The Franchise mode in the Madden games is MUCH bettter than in NFL 2K2. But which is more important: stat-tracking and resource management, or gameplay? Most would probably reply that gameplay is the most important part of any sports game, while all the rest are just extras.

"But Madden is more of a football sim!" I simply do not understand this 'argument'. The only way in which Madden is more of a football sim is in the franchise mode. True, there is no 3-4 set anymore, but look at how much the offensive side of the ball has been improved: the Rams have TWENTY-EIGHT (28) different formations to tear other teams apart with, not counting special teams, of course.

Overall, the XBox version of NFL 2K2 is the game that we Dreamcast owners were hoping for when we first bought the original version - except for some parts of the passing game. Simply put, it is the best playing football game on the market. Better than Fever and better than Madden. However, I would recommend waiting for NFL 2K3, giving VC time to fix the only thing that needs fixing: the passing game.

The first game I ever demoed on the Xbox was NFL Fever at one of those kiosks in Best Buy. I thought NFL Fever was pretty cool but it didn't make me want to buy it that instant. For months after Xbox was released, I read reviews, watched videos and looked at screenshots of Madden & NFL Fever, trying desperately to decide between the two. Meanwhile, a third football game comes on the market. They did a decent job with 2K1, the videos looked tremendous, and people were pretty optimistic about 2K2. This long time fan of EA Sports (NHL, FIFA, & Triple Play) decided to abandon Madden and give Sega a try.

I am still blown away each time I play this game. I am so glad I decided to wait. I can't speak for Madden, but every aspect of 2K2 seems to be slightly to much better than NFL Fever. The graphics are lifelike, commentary is colorful and insightful, and the gameplay is the best. You can actually have a decent running game in NFL2K2, which has historically been tough to do in football games. How about an example that illustrates just how awesome this game is? I fumbled on the 20 yard line, picked up the fumble, and my running back takes it in to the end zone for a TD. The announcers actually made JOKES about how this could have been a designed play. I got a delay of game on the extra point because I sat there with my mouth agape. Even the instant replays are better than any other game I've seen. They swivel 360 degrees on catches and sometimes clip together several segments from different angles.

I also wanted to take a sec to respond to a few of the negative reviews about this game. Someone commented that it is a strange menu interface. Different yes, strange no. It isn't that hard to get used to. It doesn't take any longer to cycle through menus than other games. Regarding the other review listing a number of negative things... I question this person's authenticity, as they wrote their review well before the release date of this game. Perhaps they are reviewing 2K1? It is simply not true that there aren't big hit replays, but they must be on a big play (sacks, 4th down stops). Players DO grip the ball well, the best I've seen to date. And as far as the comment regarding no helmet popping hits... perhaps you need to learn where the turbo and tackle buttons are, because my controller rattles non-stop when I'm on D.

Get this, and prepare to be blown away. Now, my season calls...

Madden vs. 2K2, which is better? In my opinion NFL 2k2 is better based on these facts. First of all, in 2k2 you offensive linemen actually make blocks that create a hole for your RB to run through, whereas in Madden that does not happen very often... In fact most of the time in Madden you usually end up going to the outside because there is no hole to run through. Also in 2k2 the running game is very realistic, as far as breaking tackles and juking defensive players. For example, a small running back rarely breaks a tackle from a 270 lb. linebacker who hits him square on, unless you can avoid the head on hit. However in Madden, any RB including small ones can break tackles regardless of the defensive mans size, it just looks fake because the defensive man will hit the RB and then just dive like he hit a brick wall and then slide to the ground. However in 2k2, if a tackle is missed by defensive man, he is thrown to the ground just like in real life. He'll hit the RB, fall and roll on the ground just like any real life missed tackle. Now as far as the passing game goes, once again 2k2 is better. First of all the catches look more realistic. The receiver actually looks at the ball and most of the time makes a real looking 2 handed catch. But in Madden, the ball just hits the receive and somehow it ends up in his hands. Finally, the Defensive AI is way better in 2k2. Linebackers actually read plays, they will stand their ground until they see will the play is going then attempt to prevent to play. For example if you do a dive between the Center and guard, a lineback will notice this and try to plug the hole.. unless he is blocked by your fullback. So overall, in my opinion 2k2 is better. Madden has a better interface and more options. But 2k2 gameplay is way better.

After the surprise success of NFL 2K2 on PS2, the Xbox version should not disappoint. Madden was just more of the same great football that we've seen so many times before, and the beautiful looking NFL Fever came up a little short in its attempt to duplicate Sega's balance of arcade and simulation, so there is room for a fully upgraded 2K2 on the system.

- Fully licensed by the NFL and NFL Player's Association
- Animated sidelines with chain gang, teams and camera crews
- Natural lighting effects
- Advanced playbooks and play calling system
- Realistic TV presentation with improved commentary, replays and telestrator usage thanks to FOX
- Players with faces and facial animations
- New quarterback behavior system
- Revamped passing system

What more could you ask for? Forget Madden, get SEGA!

I've personally played NFL2K1 on my own dreamcast. It was nice, a little bit choppy, but over all pretty fun. Some of the moves couldve been better, but over all a good game.

Then Sega hits the market with NFL2K2, I bought it for the dreamcast. This game is awesome, great graphics, amazing gameplay, the replay value is through the roof.

The graphics in the game literally enhance the intire systems graphics while playing. Its incredible.

Realistic moves is the biggest plus. You really look like your playing in a stadium. Players spin away from tackles, break them.

And one of the best things in this version - You can break away for the endzone.

One of the bigger problems on the running game with NFL2K1 was if you had a big running play, you still would never break unless playing on a low level. In NFL2K2, its completely changed, you can break away with good blocking.

Incredible game, good job Sega.

1st I will talk of the positive, then the negative.
Graphics,Player detail,Player movement, Camera shots,
Commentary, and Audio are Excellent.
However, I cannot play this game anymore,
it [angers me], and is so frustrating
that I will wait for NFL2k3.

-Why won't the scoreboard go away on Offense????
No option will turn this annoying thing OFF.
It seems to always be right in the way.
Receivers aren't visible when they pass through.
And I can't see who Im throwing to!!!

-The Running Game [is terrible] on Offense,
I stopped running the ball, Period!!!,
cause it was impossible to gain more than 3yds.
(don't critisize my playing level,
Im hitting the holes, and putting on the special moves)

-However, Playing against the AI,
Running Backs for the opposing team find no problem
breaking like 7 tackles to head for the
endzone....this is unrealistic...

-Now about the pass-blocking.
(This makes me want to smash my XBOX controller.
And snap the NFL2k2 cd in half.....believe me I was close
Why is it the AI defense can run around my O-line in 2secs??
almost everytime???
There is no time to throw, and I end up running for
my life to the side-line.
I tried playing with many teams, (the best rated teams) and none of 'em block for me.

Playbooks are super basic, and most team playbooks
are virtually the same.
I really especially hate the way the defensive playbooks
are setup, why could'nt VC have left the Offensive,
and defensive playbooks similar to the Dreamcast Version????

-And 1 more thing VC, why couldn't you guys make
the Directional Pad available to change player
selection during game play like the DC version??
The only way to change player control is
by hitting the "B" button.
And it only selects the closest man to the ball.
Maybe we don't want to select the man closest to the
ball everytime....did you think about that???

Anyway, Im disgusted, and annoyed with the overall
gameplay.
There are other MAJOR flaws with this game.
And I guess Im trying to say is
that the presentation looks great.
But the gameplay/playability is TERRIBLE.

When designing 2k3 please take these points
into consideration.......
So we all don't waste our $$ like I have with this game.
Afterall I bought an...Xbox just for this game.
So you can imagine the dissapointment.

BTW...Im no amateur/rookie at NFL2k games.
Many hours were spent on the DC playing 2k-2k2

Yes, it takes a couple of times to get used to the way it plays but if you use the practice feature or play a couple of games you will be hooked. Owned Madden, sold it.... Own Fever...Sold it.... Bought NFL 2K2 .......ITS A KEEPER!

I got this game for my birthday this year. I can honestly say it is the most realistic football game to date. I'm not knocking Madden because that game is good too. NFL Fever is weak, its like playing with Super Mario guys. Totally unrealistic. NFL2k3 on the other hand looks and feels like you are watching a REAL NFL game. The addition of the ESPN license didn't kill this title it only made it better. You will feel like its really sunday and you are watching a real game. After the play the players with help each other up, pat each other on the back, or wince when they drop a pass. And during the game you get scores from around the league via an ESPN news ticker, just like on the real ESPN. I have loved NFL2k series since it first came out and have only bought them. Your either a Madden fan or a Sega fan. I'm a Sega fan and glad I am.

I am a new XBox owner, much older than most players, and 2K2 is my first game. With that said, the graphics and sound are tremendously lifelike. To a casual observer walking past the TV the game almost looks and sounds like a real game. The game has three difficulty levels. On the rookie level, after a few practices I picked a mediocre team, the Cowboys, and blitzed undefeated to the Super Bowl Championship, winning 42-7. I switched to the second level of difficulty and was continually slaughtered. Receivers almost always dropped the ball or the pass was intercepted. Three defenders smothered the receiver or the runner no matter what play I tried. So I am disappointed that there is that much difference in the levels of difficulty. I will have to be content to playing the rookie level unless I want to depress myself playing the next level.

...NFL 2k2 gives you the option of playing a normal season, taking your team up to the superbowl; or playing the franchise mode which is a different approach to the NFL: you manage a team, buy players, trade them, cut them off your team, extend contracts, etc.

You also have the option of creating your own team. You create each one of your players and allocate their skills according to what you're looking for.

This game is amazing. You can sack, blitz, intecept, fumble, safety, block kicks, return them to the end zone, you can get injured, you can injure, you can call audibles, you can, as a QB, run with the ball if all your receivers are covered, etc. etc. etc.

To all you die-hard NFL fans... buy this game!