Graphically the game is almost the same as last year’s in terms of player models. What has been added are a whole array of new moves, jukes, spins, and slams! If a gripe must be made it is that some players just look too muscular and clipping issues occur. (those are minor gripe at best). Stadiums are represented astonishingly again, but I just wish the opening ceremonies were different for each team (another small gripe). The additions of outdoors courts from the get go was a nice touch as well. Players even dress in street clothes to give the impressions of outdoor b-ball. Even the crowd, while the same, is still a benchmark. Showing off different individual movements throughout the crowd is amazing. Faces for the pros are for the most part accurate to the point of being spooky. The overall graphical package is brilliant and will be a major accomplishment for anyone, including EA to top it this year.

Sounds are also done delightfully, supplying some of the best color commentary to date. Crowds will get into the game while the home team is hot, and shut up when they’re not. Every ambience is detailed from the squeaking of shoes, to the "boing" of a brick from the 3-point line. Added this year is a voice recognition program for saying last names of your create-a-player. This has been done by EA in the past, and is nice to see VC step up to the line and sink that free throw. It just adds a nice touch for us fantasy lovers. Even the outdoor courts have a sound of their own. You hear cop cars, ambulances and the sound of dozens of fans cheering you on instead of thousands. Nice touch. Simply, the game is as much a joy to listen to, as it is to watch.

Game play has been tightened up this year to make for some killer multiplayer ball. Cameras have been changed a little with the addition of height and zoom adjustments. This way you can configure your camera to your liking. Also this year, you can finally step up on D against a buddy who may not be that good. No more going to the hole if you don’t want them to. Offensively you can earn the respect of your fallen victims, by putting up a 3 in the final seconds or patiently drawing fouls and winning at the free throw line. Finally, a game you can master, and not get scored on if you’re just that damn good. Practice is the key, so that’s what you better do. Pulling off spins and jukes are easy, and if you hit that paint, slam-a-jamma! Changed this year also, is the ability to steal the ball! This was a hard accomplishment last year, and it’s nice to be able to keep up with the others in the league in this category. After about an hour of play, you’ll feel right at home with this one. Game play has been upped in a good way, and the A.I. is tough…but fair.

Options have also been expanded this year. Along with season, tourney, exhibition and practice modes, you can also play a multi-year franchise game and even play online! You now can play 2 on 2, 3 on 3, four on four, or the usual five on five. Next year guys, add the 3-point contest and slam-dunk stuff, okay? The franchise mode is very similar to its NFL brother, which is good and bad. On the good side you can play a lot of years with this baby, watch retiring, draft, sign free agents, all that stuff. The bad side, you can’t create a team in franchise on this version either, which is a bummer. I can’t wait to play a 128-bit title where I can create my team from the ground up and go through a career. For now, this dream is still in 32-bit land. Online play is also as good or bad as NFL 2K1, meaning…the better you are connected, the better you’ll play and experience little lag. You also aren’t confined to play traditional b-ball online either. You can play in the outdoor courts with all the trimmings. Playing 2 on 2 online is a blast and must be experienced.

All in all, this game has really stepped up and maybe outshines its football equivalent. It didn’t have to sacrifice much on graphics to add the new features, which is nice…oh so nice. Now only if Visual Concepts can go back and improve on the fantasy stuff, like deepening the create-a-player options and such; This would make me a happy camper indeed.