To make basketball work as a video game is difficult. Passing the ball around and scoring need to be tremendous fun just to keep the interest up. It's this hurdle that trips up NBA Live 2002.

But let's start with the good stuff. As usual, the EA Sports presentation is top-notch, and graphically, things are very good. Players are almost photo-realistic, and the courts are shinier than Mr Sheen's sideboard. Sadly though, the crowd is full of cardboard cut-outs - and when super-detailed sports heroes contrast with several dozen John Smith's men, it does detract from the otherwise impressive realism.

The gameplay is realistic, but overly so. Here's what you do: In offense, tap the pass button twice to get near the basket, follow it up with a dunk. In defence, try and steal the ball. Succeed? Then return to step one. Fail? Watch the opposition score and return to step one.

The end-to-end flow of the sport is distilled into tedium. It's a shame: EA's NHL 2002 is funner than two Vic Reeveses.

Power
Revs Xbox up into second gear, and only then very gently

Style
The usual, comprehensive EA treatment. As authentic as it gets!

Immersion
B-ball fans will like the accurate take on their sport; others won't.

Lifespan
It won't be too long before you're searching for new thrills.