NBA Live 2002

 Xbox
Metascore
76

Generally favorable reviews - based on 15 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 15
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 15
  3. Negative: 1 out of 15
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  1. Xbox Nation Magazine
    90
    The finest "realistic" basketball game calling your name...Eat it up. [Jan 2002, p.96]
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  2. Hot Games
    90
    It’s infinitesimally better than the PS2 version, but "NBA 2K2" still packs a more flavorful punch.
  3. GamePro
    90
    The player models and animations in NBA Live are simply jaw-dropping.
  5. Game Informer
    85
    If I didn't know better, I'd think I had mad skillz. The computer is a pushover, and easily stolen from, dunked on, and blocked. [Jan 2002, p.86]
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  6. IGN
    78
    Ironically, the mechanics just end up being way too simple for a gamer that wants a full fledged NBA simulation experience.
  7. GameSpot
    77
    The rebounding game, which wasn't very strong to begin with, has taken a hit, as the control schemes for both rebounding and facing up on a player are utterly counterintuitive.
  8. Official Xbox Magazine
    76
    Does a fantastic job of putting not only putting "it" in the game, but you as well. [Feb 2002, p.75]
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  9. GamerWeb Xbox
    75
    I don't know about you, but any of the NBA games I watch on TV there is some defense happening on the court. No lie, I played NBA Live 2002 on the hardest setting and still burned the opposing team by over 30 points. The AI in this game has some serious issues.
  10. Operation Sports
    74
    It doesn't matter who's on the boards but the ball always seems to go to the nearest offensive player.
  11. Sports Gaming Network
    65
    Too many quirks in the AI to be considered an accurate simulation of basketball. However, NBA Live 2002 does give you an enjoyable multiplayer game with friends.
  12. GameSpy
    60
    Sadly, with its major rules problems, only slightly improved animation (from the PS2 version) and host of omissions and gaffes, the lack of expected features, and most importantly, the under-optimized controls here on the Xbox, prove that NBA Live 2002 is just a rushed game.
  13. GamePen
    60
    The way NBA Live uses the controller is as maddening as watching Derrick Coleman squander enough gifts for two hall of famers.
  14. TeamXbox
    54
    Unless you can look past the AI, control, and gameplay flaws, playing through a season will become impossible because after a few games you just lose interest.
  15. Game Revolution
    50
    The marginal graphical changes don't really make for a better overall game than its disappointing PS2 counterpart.
  16. Next Generation Magazine
    40
    Chock full of uninspiring graphics, plodding gameplay, and clumsy controls. [Jan 2002, p.35]
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Awards & Rankings

19
#19 Best Xbox Game of 2001
24
#24 Most Discussed Xbox Game of 2001
12
#12 Most Shared Xbox Game of 2001

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
7.5

Generally favorable reviews- based on 6 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4 out of 6
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 6
  3. Negative: 1 out of 6
  1. F.Lee
    Oct 5, 2002
    9
    I only have a demo but it is way better than last years version.
  2. KeltonK.
    Jul 22, 2002
    10
    It really rocks dude. It's very very very cool dude.
  3. [Anonymous]
    Apr 24, 2002
    9
    It's a good game, but i can't seem to find if it has a fantasy draft or not.
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