NHL 2K2 has the sad distinction of being the last North American release for the underappreciated Dreamcast. What better way to go, however, than with a solid simulation of the world's greatest sport. While the experience leaves a bit to be desired, and the gameplay is dragged down by a few problems, overall NHL 2K2 is a must for anyone who's a hockey fan and a Dreamcast owner. Unlike it's hard-hitting, high-scoring, arcade-like competitor--EA's NHL series--Sega's production leans more towards a realistic simulation. This means that everyone who complains that hockey is too low-scoring will hate the game for the same reasons they hate the real sport. Those who like the fact that it takes skill to score will love the fact that NHL 2K2 does a good job of making every game a nailbiter. As for me, I'm somewhere in between. While I'm pleased that each game is a challenge, instead of a ridiculous EA-style 8-1 blowout, the game cheats in creating challenge. That is to say that the challenge associated with scoring comes solely from goaltenders who are darn near impermeable. It can get frustrating when you set up beautiful odd-man rushes and whack a perfect one-timer with the goalie out of position, only to find that they somehow find a way to get into position and make the save. As far as controls go, Sega has an apparent leg up on its competition, offering an "advanced" control scheme that gives you more control over your skaters. However, in practice, it does not add much to the game, as you can accomplish the same tasks in basic mode with longer button presses. Overall, the control is good, but there are a few problems with passing; often, when rushing into the zone, you'll want to make a quick lateral pass to a teammate, and despite proper aim, you'll pass to a defenseman out of the zone and create and offside situation. It can be very frustrating. The AI in the game is a mixed bag. On the excellent side is the team AI when possessing the puck. Computer-controlled skaters are excellent at finding open ice during an offensive rush, and position themselves well. Unfortunately, this isn't always enough, because of the passing problem mentioned above. Opponent's defensive AI is also quite good, and you'll find yourself struggling to advance the puck, especially through the neutral zone. On the bad side is the aforementioned superhuman goaltending (regardless of actual player ability), and team AI when not in possession of the puck. Computer-controlled teammates don't make much of an effort to retrieve a loose puck, often standing around or skating past the puck. This is especially frustrating when the goalie gives up a juicy rebound, and they fail to pick up the puck, even if there's no one else for miles. The graphics in NHL 2K2 are competent, but not spectacular. The player models are oddly-proportioned, and while certain animations are very robust, the number of animations is severely limited. Also, unlike EA's NHL line, the player faces are not as spot-on, and do not animate. In the sound department, 2K2 is fairly flat. The sounds of the ice are reproduced, but lack a lot of pop that would have made the game sound more in-your-face. Voice-overs, with the exception of the rink announcer, are disappointing, with flat, non-specific play by play and repetitive color commentary. While the color commentary does provide good information, hearing the same comment three times a period is a little much. All in all NHL 2K2 is a solid, but unspecacular NHL simulation. For $40, I wouldn't recommend it, but seeing as you can find the game for $5 these days, it's well worth your time.
As much as I decry the importance of graphics in the long run to a game's value, they are the first thing that you notice. In this facet, NHL 2k2 does an extremely solid job. I think some of the player's faces are ma... Read Full Review
