NBA 2K (series)

The NBA 2K series is a series of basketball video games developed and released annually since 1999. The NBA 2K series was exclusive to the Sega Dreamcast when it was first introduced by Sega to address EA Sports's decision to not publish any sports games. The series was originally published by Sega, under the label Sega Sports and is now published by 2K Sports. All of the games in the franchise have been developed by Visual Concepts. Its primary competitor in the marketplace is the NBA Live series from EA Sports.

History

The first four games of the series featured commentary from fictional announcers "Bob Steele" and "Rod West" (voiced by Bay Area sports radio personalities Bob Fitzgerald and Rod Brooks who works at KNBR 680 San Francisco. They also host a radio show called "Fitz and Brooks"), but since NBA 2K3 the game's announcing team has been something of a revolving door, featuring commentary from the likes of Bill Walton, Tom Tolbert, Kevin Frazier, Michele Taffy, and Bob Fitzgerald. The color and play-by-play commentary in NBA 2K6, NBA 2K7, and NBA 2K8 is provided by Kevin Harlan and Kenny Smith, with Craig Sager providing sideline reports. Peter Barto is the PA Announcer. NBA 2K9 features commentary from Kevin Harlan and Clark Kellogg with Cheryl Miller as the sideline reporter on most versions of NBA 2K9 and NBA 2K10. Starting with NBA 2K11, Doris Burke replaces Miller as the sideline reporter on most versions of the game. On most versions of NBA 2K12, Steve Kerr joins Kevin Harlan and Clark Kellogg in the commentary booth. On the PlayStation 2 versions starting with NBA 2K9, no sideline reporter is featured in the game. In 2002 Sega implemented the American television network, ESPN's brand with their Sega Sports video games. The ESPN brand was used for 3 games, with the second game even being renamed ESPN NBA Basketball, until ESPN signed a 15-year deal with EA Sports.

NBA 2K (video game)

NBA 2K (also known as NBA2K or Sega Sports: NBA 2000) is the first installment of the NBA 2K series. It was published by Sega Sports and developed by Visual Concepts. The cover features Allen Iverson of the Philadelphia 76ers.

Gameplay

The game modes feature Exhibition, Seasons, Playoffs, Practice, and Customizations. In Customizations, the player can create a real NBA player and/or his player or team. They may also change their team's starting lineups. Also, players can move onto different rosters. Players can also import created players and teams to another person's Dreamcast. This is the only installment in the NBA 2K series that does not support online play.

Reception

The game was met with a positive reception upon release, as GameRankings gave it a score of 88.30%. In Japan, Famitsu gave it a score of 33 out of 40.

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