NBA Street Vol. 2

The Basics:
Platform: GC; PS2; XBOX(reviewed)
Developer: EA Sports Big Games
Price: $45-50
ESRB rating: E

Summary: Use your favorite NBA players, or create your own to play street style basketball-complete with trick moves and massive dunks.

Note: The only minor concern parents should be aware of is the inherent commercialism, as the game uses a multitude of licensed NBA players.

Further Breakdown:

Overall rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Best for ages: 6+
Playability: Billed as one of the easiest pick-up-and-play BB games; nonetheless has a lot of controls to learn.
Graphics: Very good.
Entertainment value: One of the best arcade basketball games.
Educational value: None
Reading Level: 6+
KidScore Rating

Ages 3-7: Green
Ages 8-12: Green
Ages 13-17: Green
Violence Amount: Green
Violence Portrayal: Green
Fear: Green
Illegal/harmful: Green
Language: Green
Nudity: Green
Sex: Green

Review:
Kids who have gotten tired of playing solo hoops this summer might revitalize their interest in basketball with NBA Street Vol. 2. In this generally wholesome arcade-style basketball game, kids have their hand at performing extravagant slam-dunks and elaborate tricks as they work towards become street basketball champions.

NBA Street is not about authentically reproducing a basketball game-although the moves are genuine, and technically are possible. Instead the game focuses on "winning with style", as players try not only try to get baskets, but also to get points for performing Harlem Globetrotter-esque tricks. As players perform tricks they build up a meter towards "gamebreakers" which take points from the opposing team and give them to the player's team. Tricks can be anything from a different style of dribbling to a leaping and twirling slam-dunk.

Kids can either play a simple "pick-up" game, or they can start a career, where they build up their own team. NBA stars, both past and present, can be used as part of the team, or kids can create their own players, to be built-up with points earned by winning games and tournaments.

The games take place in a variety of famous street courts from around the country including some in NY City, Chicago and Seattle. Throughout the game, kids can expect to hear a multitude of wise-cracks from the background commentator. Although they may get repetitive, the comments are not offensive, and some are actually kind of funny.

The only tie-up may occur with the controls, which are a little complicated since the offense and defense have different buttons. Nonetheless, a run-through the tutorial should get any player up to speed.

For kids wistfully looking at the basketball hoop on a rainy day, NBA Street Vol. 2 might be a good alternative. Multiplayer support means they can still take on their friends, and the variety of moves, challenges and chances to customize their own team means they won't get bored soon. On the whole, NBA Street Vol. 2 is a fun game, even for those who are not in love with basketball. Happy dunking!