NHL 2K2 (Dreamcast, 2002)

NHL 2K3

I've never been a fan of the 2K series of hockey games, always been a EA guy! The 2K sports games jsut aren't fast paced or action packed enough to hold my attention!

Here's my list of reasons why I disliek the 2K series:

- Too easy to score
- Gameplay not realistic
- Players look like they're floating not skating
- Unlockable teams only have numbers on jerseys not actual players
- Controls are awkward and hard to get used to
- Put in features that most people will find repulsive

Final Verdict:

2/5

Rent or Buy?: As I said at the beginning, I've never been a fan of the 2K series of hockey games, if you're looking for a great Hockey game pick up a copy of NHL 06 for multiplayer and NHL 07 for Xbox 360 for overall play.

IF YOU FIND THIS REVIEW HELPFUL PLEASE REMEMBER TO VOTE. Thank you.

Pros: Create-A-Skater, excellent physics and graphics, all NHL teams (and then some!)

Cons: Rehashed color commentary from NHL 2K, no dynasty mode, few sim options

NHL 2K2 was one of the last games made for the underrated Sega Dreamcast console and, while it is a great game in many respects, it's clear this title was rushed to completion, thus denying it the opportunity to reach its potential.

NHL 2K2 has vastly improved graphics and physics over its predecessor, NHL 2K, while retaining its easy-to-use interface and control scheme. However, 2K2 failed to include anything resembling a dynasty mode, and its sim options are few and far between - while there is a Create-A-Skater mode, for example, there is nothing stopping you from maxing your created player's stats, giving the game an overall "arcade" feel. Also, while the commentary is VASTLY improved from 2K, it's still far from perfect - I believe Nashville still has only 8-12 different lines the color commentator recycles EVERY game. It gets old fast.

However, once the puck drops, the action is fast, furious, and simulates an NHL game quite well. The rules and environment are adjustable, allowing one to adapt to the ever-changing NHL game - particularly if they are in no hurry to purchase one of the so-called "next-gen" systems. The passing is crisp, the shot physics are realistic, and the AI is tough but fair.

Overall, I rate the game an 8/10 - Great.