NBA Street Volume 2

Street 2 functions exactly like the original, with some new modes fleshing out the play. Basic exhibitions are also around as usual, and it's incredibly robust, letting you customize rules and options to the exact specifications you want, making for lots of different game types for parties and whatnot. NBA Challenge is effectively the Сcity ladder' of the original, where you choose an NBA team, pick 3 guys from that team (out of 5 possible) and beat every NBA team in their different regions, rather than divisions. Here you unlock new legends, a recurring theme since the legends concept is touched on hugely everywhere you turn in this game. You don't get to choose a player off a team in this mode like the original, instead it just functions more like NBA Jam did in its heyday. The Be A Legend mode is the meat though Ц you create your own player, using a fairly deep creation system, choose a pair of teammates, and you start working your way up the ladder of street basketball, beating all the different legends around the country. As you progress, this is where you get to take players off a team and add them to yours, creating a superteam while you learn the ropes. You earn ability points as you win and do different things, building your player into a legend (hence the name Be A Legend, and all). There's more than just basic pickup games this time though; you compete in tournaments, and even special challenge events that vary from place to place Ц be it games where only dunks count, a trick-points only game, or a game with no GameBreakers to be seen. This isn't as in-depth as NFL Street, but it's very lengthy and will occupy a lot of your time in single player action.

NBA Street Vol. 2 functions exactly like the original Street Ц 3 on 3, playing to 21 (must win by 2), dunks and shots inside the line are worth 1 point, and a three-ball is only worth 2. It's not merely a basketball game though, what with the tricks and GameBreakers to really make the difference in a game. Using the shoulder buttons, along with Square will let you do dribble tricks to build up your GameBreaker, and using those buttons again with dunking will make things even better. You also earn points for rebounds and blocks. Fill it all the way and you can use a GameBreaker, which will still give you the same points as referenced above, but also take a point away from the opponent, for a possible 3 point swing. What's new is GameBreaker level 2. Instead of using your GB, you can Сpocket' it and build up the GameBreaker again. When you fill the meter a second time, you can pull off a GB level 2, a devastating move that will give usual points, but take four away from the opposing team, meaning a possible six point turnaround. A close game can become out of hand thanks to GB level 2 moves. It adds a new wrinkle to the usual Street play, creating an ever-so-dangerous trick that can do some serious hurtin'. And oh yeah, GameBreaker level 2's are completely unblockable, unlike level 1 GB's. So, if they hit it, don't bother trying to swat it.

Thanks to the super-slick controls, the combination of executing tricks and playing basketball works extremely well. It takes a few games to get it down, seeing as few games go this route, but once you do, you'll be getting GameBreakers and laying some smack down with ease, being just as skillful with the shot as you are doing your breakdancing and ankle breaking dribbles. While you can certainly play the game without doing all the tricks and have decent success, the best way to do damage is using the tricks. And they're no mere gimmicks Ц they're essential to domination, as you can use them to free yourself from a defender and make way for a thunderous slam. That's probably the best thing about NBA Street 2 Ц the tricks are no mere sideshow, instead they're much needed to separate yourself from tough competition. Still, you need to play defense, so forcing steals, rebounding the ball, and blocking shots is a great idea. Though the blocks tend to be outrageous in their motion, leaping 15 feet into the air to pull them off, it only adds to the arcade style that Street emphasizes. Though the GameBreaker level 2's make it less important to play D (after all, a close game can be blown open with a 6 point swing), it's still a good idea to be aggressive and force turnovers.

The fast pace is perfect for this game Ц the original Street was somewhat slow, but Vol. 2 is extremely speedy and fast-paced, making for exciting games whether you're playing computer opponents or with humans. The 4-player multiplayer is wonderful, though a lack of online play is a bit of a downer given how solid it would have been. Even if you hate basketball, NBA Street Vol. 2 is going to interest you, as it's much more stylish and arcadey compared to simulations, and will definitely interest old-school NBA Jam fans, because this is the game that eclipses and surpasses that old classic arcade game. Ridiculous alley-oops, outrageous dribbles and crossovers, 10 foot high leaping blocks, and 5 foot female hoopsters leaping 15 feet in the air for a thunderous slam Ц Street ain't authentic, but instead, the unrealistic feel will drag in fans who think NBA Live is a bit too slow for their tastes (imagine what they'd think of ESPN NBA Basketball, then). With oodles of depth and fun to be had, NBA Street 2 is a great arcade basketball game Ц addictive, challenging, and stylish all around. The original NBA Street was great Ц this one is greater.

For old-school fans, Street 2 will be like a museum, with dozens of legends to unlock and play as Ц MJ, Larry Legend, Magic, Dr. J, The Human Highlight Reel, The Logo, Pistol Pete, just to name a few. Not only is Street 2 loaded with EA's created street legends like Stretch, Bonafide, and Dime to name some, the legends quotient will be an NBA Fans dream, and a great history lesson to when NBA players wore short shorts and looked fairly silly in them. This is just the icing on what's already a great basketball game, but the retro feel is difficult to ignore.

Visually, this is a sight to behold Ц especially coming off the good looking, but decidedly 1^st-generation PS2 original. Not only are the courts themselves much more lively Ц spectators all around The Cage or Lincoln College, and everywhere else in-between. Better detail in off-court activities, etc. It all looks shiny and sharp, and the frame-rate never wavers despite all the activity and speed. The players themselves look awesome Ц a bit cartoony, but you can still pick out AI from Vinsanity and Shaq from Yao. The exaggerated animations are just the topper on a game that stands out and makes you take notice with all the crazy stuff happening on the screen at once.

The soundtrack is decidedly urban Ц beats from Just Blaze litter the game, as well as appearances from Nelly and the St. Lunatics, MC Lyte, Dilated Peoples (live on stageЕlive on stageЕyay), among others. Those expecting some rockin' tunes will be disappointed, as it wouldn't fit anywhere in this ghetto hoops game. The vocals are stripped from the tracks in-game, though you can hear them in the menu screens fooling around, like Def Jam Vendetta did. On the whole, it's a good soundtrack that won't annoy anyone.

There's a nice set of sound effects, from loud crowds to audible (though not as easily noticed as NFL Street) trash talking, and things of that sort. It really puts you down on the court, it sounds so polished and real. ButЕthen there's Bobbito Garcia. DJ Cucumber Slice, Bobbito Garcia Ц hands down, the single most annoying human being in existence. As your announcer, Garcia constantly says stupid-ass things and comes off as a total idiot, and is annoying as all hell. Seriously, I'm all for changing the 1^st amendment to say Сfreedom of speech for everyoneЕexcept Bobbito Garcia' because he should never be allowed to open his mouth again. If you thought Joe "The Show" was bad in the original, this tool will make you wish he was around, or wish you were dead. It's not only great for in-game purposes when GameBreakers hit, because when it happens, this dude is forced to shut up while it goes down. It's a nice 30-second reprieve from motormouth idiot boy. Leave him out of Street 3, EA.