Got Game?

Here you go, taking to the asphalt at Brooklyn's famous Soul in the Hole street court. Somebody brought a box, 'cause Nelly's Not In My House is pumping out solid tunes, and already, you've got three long and lanky players in your face. You cut around, rifle a pass that you bounce off the head of one defender, and then go to the hoop on your own, while calling back for the ball. And, it's none other than Dr. J, the jam-master himself, who gives you the alley-oop pass, and you slam it home!

Now that's game.

And, that's what Electronic Arts delivers in their newest follow-up, NBA Street Vol.2, a three-on-three street battle with no rules, fast action, and some of the biggest game-breaker moves you'll find this side of Oakland's Mosswood court.

Turn up the tunes. Get on the court. Take it home!

So, how do you begin to measure up? First, be prepared to spend quite a bit of time in the pick-up game tutorial, which lets you practice several ways to do dozens of moves, from basic passing to calling back your pass to setting yourself up for an alley-oop slam. Your opponents might not have the same level of game you'll be seeing eventually, but it's still a chance to get your virtual feet on the court and build some skills. You're gonna need 'em because look at the talent EA has lined up:

Dr. J, Larry Bird, "Magic" Johnson, and Clyde Drexler to name a few. The Chinese rookie Yao Ming, Walt Frazier, and Moses Malone to name a few more. There's also Wilt Chamberlain, James Worthy, Isaiah Thomas, Bob Cousy, and three (count 'em, three!) versions of Michael Jordan. You get more than 140 NBA stars, including 25 NBA legends and six street legends (in case you're just too good for that easy-court stuff).

Getting' some air, Michael Jordan style.

Every player is artistically rendered, meaning that the designers spent more time on style than a detailed mirror-image of the person. There is definitely a kind of retro feel to it. But, this actually works in the game's favor, putting that much more flair and color into theaction. The 10 different street courts, all modeled after real-world, famous (or infamous) locations, are likewise given a touch-up that accents, rather than distracts, from the game. It's the street-basketball world, remember, and you're a street player. If you want reality, go shoot some mediocre hoops at the local YMCA. I promise, this is a lot more fun.

Now, when EA promises no-rules, no-holds-barred street play, that's just what you get. Don't go crying to your friends because the other team puts on their game faces and comes for your hide. You have all the same advantages. You can goal tend and drive into the pack like a bull—fouling your opponent simply means that he wasn't watching. There are no whistles and no shot clock (unless you want one). In fact, you can add a few game-tipping adjustments (like the shot clock), if you want to really throw your opponents an advantage. You can also spot them points. You can even set up a "dunk-only" game that gives nuthin' for anything that doesn't go into the net followed by your hand (and most of your arm). Posers beware. This option sets you up for some of the most brutal games you are likely to see. It's not for the faint of heart.

Raise the roof!

Still not enough? How about some tweaks to the A.I.'s gameplay? Picking the three tallest attackers is still a viable option, but not necessarily the ultimate team. Wanna try to steal from that seven-foot-plus monster? Faster, little guys will have a good advantage, so we're going to see more well-rounded teams. And, then, there's the double game-breaker. You can still rack up points and build power toward that score-tilting combination that not only feeds you points, like His Airness feeds the hoop, but also grabs them away from your opponent, too. But, keep playing your best game, and you can double-up! A hidden game-breaker meter keeps building power until you've banked the best you'll ever have, and after that, go for the gold, baby. Double game-breakers are unblockable, unstealable, and deliver humiliation to your opponent in a cut-scene movie that's leaves you jumping in his face and waving fists in the air.

Hey, isn't that what the game is all about?

By Loren Coleman