NFL Street 2 Review

On The Real

Just because the gameplay is a dramatic departure from what you can catch on TV any given Sunday, doesn't mean that it's all fake. Although there are countless fictional characters in this game, EA has made good use of its NFL license and included all of the league's teams in this title, including a good number of players from each squad. Brad Johnson, Mike Alstott, Marvin Harrison... they're all here, and they're all grotesquely misporportioned. Bear in mind, however, that your squad of seven players plays both offence and defence, so while Peyton Manning may be a great quarterback, he's essentially useless as a safety or linebacker (which he will necessarily need to do in this game).

This Ain't Regular Football

While the Blitz franchise from Midway may have made a few tweaks to the traditional game, NFL Street 2 turns the gridiron on its head. There is no game clock, and rather games are played to a certain point total. Typically, the first team to score 30 or 36 points wins. Moreover, the first down markers are pre-set, no matter where on the field you start your drive. They're spaced approximately 1/3 the length of the field apart. What this means is that, if you get a huge run for your first down, your next one could be a lot shorter to achieve.

One feature of this title that sets it apart from any other sports game on the market is the idea of "style points." If you break tackles, spin and juke, or perform any of the taunting moves (e.g., raise the roof, around the world, etc.), you accumulate these points, which after you reach a certain total, give you access to a "GameBreaker".

The former gives all your players a temporary boost in abilities, so runningbacks run faster, wide receivers catch better, and defensive players are more likely to be able to strip the ball. However, if you can save up for a "GameBreaker 2", it sets in motion a pre-determined sequence that essentially guarantees you a touchdown regardless of whether you are on offence or defence. In this way, the "style points" are essential to winning in this game, and a sports game purist will find this upsetting, frustrating, or downright wrong. Myself, I thought it gave the game an extra bit of flavor that makes it unique.

Taking It To the Street

While playing against a friend will probably bring you the most joy, pain, and any variety of other emotions, there is also a good selection of game modes that will keep you entertained as you challenge computer-controlled opponents.

• Own The City

Create a player from scratch, determining his look, position, and abilities and enlist a team of your own making through winning pickup games and street challenges. Take this team against the best in the city, and work your way up the ranks. I guess you could say this is the equivalent of a "season" mode in a more conventional football game.

• Street Events

These are a group of unconventional scenarios that are quite different from a regular game. For example, on a large open field, there will be six players (including yourself), all vying for the same football. Whoever can hold it on to it the longest, performing the most "style" moves and getting the most tackles, wins.

• NFL Challenge

Build a team and take on the NFL's greatest. Think you're up to the challenge?

• NFL Gauntlet

Pick a pre-existing squad, choose your best seven competitors, and see if you can make through the entire league.

• Pickup Game

Nothing fancy; just jump onto the field, then juke and stiff arm your way to the end zone.

• Tutorials

Well, obviously this is pretty self-explanatory. It's not a "game mode", per se, but rather just a way for you to figure out how to play this game.

A Lasting Impression

There aren't 60,000 fans looking on, you don't even play in a stadium. The battle of the pigskin rather takes place in back alleys, on rooftops, and neighbourhood parks. If you're looking for a small, fun spin on an old game, NFL Street 2 may not be for you, because this game is pretty over-the-top outrageous. Players pitch balls off like there's no tomorrow, tackles are broken with the greatest of ease, and there are more fumbles than first downs.

In the end, this game can be fun if you like this kind of thing. I did. My brother hated it.