NBA Street Vol. 2 was a Masterpiece

NBA Street Vol. 2 is one of the last sports video games created out of passion, rather than simply for profit. It's a celebration of streetball that anyone could have a good time with - sports fans or not.
Stock footage from Videvo and Jorge Ponce
#retrospective #SOFTDRINKTV #game #review #sdtv

[@jennyneon]

NBA Street Vol.2 will forever be remembered as one of the best sport street games ever. EA Big really should've stayed in the video game industry, just imagine what sports games we would have if EA Big was still active.

[@DaDualityofMan]

Man, I miss that demonic voice yelling "BIG!" at me.

[@odrhockeyheroes]

Sooooo gooooood! Hearing that EA sports BIIIIG meant you were gonna get an over-the-top and concise arcadey sports game! Their games are the main inspiration for the arcade hockey RPG I've been developing called HOCKEY HEROES :) Continue to love these awesome retro's from softdrinktv

[@DaDualityofMan]

@@odrhockeyheroes Your game looks pretty good

[@nostalgicgamer1363]

@@odrhockeyheroes game looks great!!

[@odrhockeyheroes]

@@DaDualityofMan Appreciate that! Still lots more work to go and an art overhaul. But definitely making progress with NBA Street as a huge influence and inspiration 👍

[@bigpileofpuke]

This game and the song "They Reminisce Over You" will forever be be intertwined in my head. Truly a masterpiece.

[@LeDardeursPalace]

Shout out to Pete Rock & CL Smooth

[@bobertkallahan4392]

Classic song those horns make me feel like I’m in Harlem

[@windycityassasin5236]

" ya might catch me on the road, but not in my house". what a soundtrack.

[@DaWhiteHowhard]

And what makes it better is that the song is abt living a "Good Life"

[@kennyjones1282]

Factsssss

[@leeroyjenkins5208]

I remember getting this game when I was in fourth grade. I played it non stop that summer. Creating your own player and becoming a legend mode was unbelievable.

[@michaelsandoval9930]

I was in 4th grade too when the game came out! Time flys!

[@KiingMooGaming]

Glory to God. I feel like I’m the best in the world in NBA Street Vol. 2 🙏🏾📈💯

[@purwantiallan5089]

​@@michaelsandoval9930NBA STREET VOLUME II even 21 years after release still is legendary.

[@WillieDane]

Same here! 4th grade, 2003. I was so excited to get home to play it 😭 I'll never forget

[@marknielsbeats]

The greatest arcade sport game ever imo, and that's a tough list.

[@sentelnbalivebolton7399]

No sir that would be NBA Hang Time on the Sega Genesis and NBA Showtime on the Sega Dreamcast

[@WadeWalker22]

@@sentelnbalivebolton7399 hell no wtf 😂

[@sentelnbalivebolton7399]

@@WadeWalker22 and why not

[@rinirinachan7202]

It was after NBA Hang Time & NBA Showtime.

[@sentelnbalivebolton7399]

@@rinirinachan7202 and there still better in my opinion

[@AnthonyShelton03]

The game that made everyone's childhood great 🔥

[@KiingMooGaming]

NBA Street Tournaments coming soon 🙏🏾💪🏾📈

[@BitcxinGxd777]

AMEN

[@purwantiallan5089]

​@@KiingMooGamingNBA STREET TOURNAMENT?

[@deepeyton]

You literally can feel the love for basketball in NBA Street V2 til this day. It’s still a fun game to play

[@rose4mvp2012]

It says something about your game when I can pick it up almost 20 years later and still have fun with it to this day. Every time I load up NBA Street 2 and hear that "They Reminisce Over You" I feel like that little 7 year old again playing it for the first time. I remember when I first played this game I didn't put it down for a week it felt like. I was addicted. Even when I started up playing it again seriously two years ago I got addicted again lol. This is probably my favorite game behind NBA Live 05.

[@jakebrandon7632]

I would love to see a new NBA Street made but I would be afraid that they would microtransaction the crap out of it. Want different shoes, shorts, shirts, jerseys, than that'll be an extra $5 each.

[@aaron.6923]

Yep

[@EmeraldTaurus96]

Imagine gambling for a galaxy opal Bonafide. No thanks.

[@alexrivera633]

Yeah it definitely won’t hit the same especially with how crap EA is these days

[@purwantiallan5089]

​@@alexrivera633EA has been crap even ever since 2015 to 2024. Ten years straight.

[@purwantiallan5089]

​@@EmeraldTaurus96NBA STREET V3 also is as amazing as Volume 2.

[@MusicAddict9228]

Between this and NFL Street 2 I can play those two games forever

[@sgttombw]

Fast, smooth and fun gameplay. Amazing commentary. Iconic soundtrack. Three (!) Michael Jordans (this was a big deal considering Jordan wasn’t in NBA Jam). Tons of unlockables. Awesome couch co-op. I could go on-and-on. This, too me, is in the conversation for best sports game of all time. Will never forget buying this on a whim when I was in the military and playing in the barracks for hours with everyone. Nothing but great memories. I remember we beat the campaign with our man Biggie Littles; refusing to replace him with the better characters that you unlock during the campaign.

[@pandadotrar]

The moment when you boot up the game, get yelled "BIGGGG" at, into the smooth transition of playing Pete Rock & Cl Smooth's T.R.O.Y. will always get me pumped to play the game again. All time classic and i think miles ahead of NBA Street 3 and any other game that included street ball after that. The vibes were just soooo on point with this one!

[@bigmikeattack]

I like how you said 2k feels soulless. NBA street vol 2 was such a huge part of my childhood man. So many hours on that game lol

[@ph24681]

I remember renting VOL.2 from blockbuster in the early 2000’s and ended up buying it because I was hooked. I WAS ALSO A FAN OF VOL.3!! but homecourt had a lot of things missing but I did like it when the 360 was new generation.

[@jordachejordan90]

Seeing the turn 2k took, this probably the best basketball video gm ever. And what is missing from most current gms: fun.

[@Lante216]

NBA 2k11 is the greatest basketball game ever hands down

[@jordachejordan90]

@@Lante216 great gm

[@officialthomasjames]

2k11 up there for me too

[@alsimmonshellspawn6021]

​@Lante216 no it's not 2k is super boring

[@johngray7117]

NBA Street Vol. 2 made me love hip hop/rap music, and the game is just a masterpiece of fun

[@purwantiallan5089]

All 4 NBA STREET games including NBA STREET V2 and V3 are still legendary even till this day in 2024!

[@NelsonBulluckGaming]

Your point at 9:05 is soooo factual. It feels like there's no love put into most games, ESPECIALLY sports games. I'd LOVE to see you make a video delving deeper into the lack of love and actual effort put into video games. Great video as always SoftDrink!

[@DarkManX16]

@SOFTDRINKTV I second this

[@aaronrichards19886]

It's unfortunate. You rarely find a game that has care and love put into it. When you do find one, it stands out from the rest. I think Red Dead Redemption 2 was the best example I've seen recently.

[@matthewbless3335]

If you want to encounter someone who loves the game of basketball and puts that into everything they do... Look up Da Czar's streams here on YT. He's 2k's AI director and he is *extremely* passionate about putting together a good product. I think this is where the narrative really falls flat. While you can certainly pick on the flaws of more modern sports games, you cannot possibly deny that the people who work to develop them are absolutely putting their heart and soul into their work

[@TheGaara802]

EA Sports BIG was amazing every damn game they produced was legendary.

[@11Pharcyde]

Still remember my nickname Thunder. Soundtrack will forever be ingrained in my DNA still play it on my emulator.

[@KalvinSingh]

My first ever game on my PS2 when i got it for my 5th bday. At 19 years old, I still play this game on my PS2 which remained my all time favourite sports game

[@dylanmoore5138]

This really was the golden era of gaming. I don't think anyone could even remotely argue that.

[@paullucas6275]

Bro I almost cried when you said that we will probably never get a game like this ever again. I'm happy that I was able to play this during my childhood at least

[@shwnc]

Can’t tell you how many times my friends and I used to try and recreate game breakers on the court after school. One of the main reason I still have my GameCube today.

[@tymon3y]

This has to be the best documentary I’ve seen in a while period. This game was special.

[@ClarkeeKat]

Don't know why they can't remaster this game, it was so good

[@dwadeisthegoat2020]

This game came out when I was a baby so I didn't enjoy it when it was brand new but 5 years after its release there was one last copy in my local game stop and I got it I still have it to this day

[@Gmen2487]

Ya making me old. My knees hurt.

[@KiingMooGaming]

NBA Street Tournaments coming 🔜

[@christiankallio8586]

The greatest basketball game ever created, I will defend that statement to the grave. Note: I still can't play simulation style basketball games because I'm so used to Streets arcade style

[@alexsolimani]

Facts!

[@SkinnySweatyMan]

The most amazing thing about many of the EA Sports BIG titles is how well they've aged compared to their simulation based contemporaries.

[@Eon210]

So many hours enjoying this masterpiece of a game. From the first time I cut it on I knew it was something special. Thanks for taking me back.

[@thomastripp9002]

Great upload! Definitely one of the top five basketball games of all-time, easily on the top three. I remember getting this game on my 14th Birthday almost three weeks after it’s release on my OG XBOX. Now, I own all three versions (GameCube and PS2), because that game is so good!! I miss when EA Sports BIG did Street-style games and when games in general were fun. NFL Street was an outstanding game on its own right, as well!

[@KyreeseAlford1999]

Great job on the NBA Street Vol. 2 retrospective, SoftDrinkTV! And to be completely honest, NBA Street Vol. 1-3 over NBA Street Homecoming! I love all three NBA Street games no matter what anyone says about Vol. 3 not being better than Vol. 2, I’ll respect their opinion at the end of the day! Also I love all three of of the NFL Street games, even if people don’t like the third installment of the series, Again, I will respect their opinion at the end of the day, no matter what!

[@MrAVGNdude]

Street V3 on GameCube was GOATED too. Imagine crossing up Allen iverson with Luigi lol. That blew my mind when I first played it

[@sanschagrinm]

fr i don't understand that most people look up on V3 and praises V2. V3 has a lack of content and game mode for sure but the amount of handles you could pull off in v3 plus that gamecube nintendo bonus crossover was crazy.

[@mikab2016]

True 🙂 Street V3 on GC was great too.

[@richwatson1985]

I come back to this video every year and rewatch it. This game IS my childhood ❤ Playing it right now. Will play later, tomorrow, next week, next month and next year. Never stop.

[@cbrocafe]

Bobito Garcia responded to a tweet I made to show off him recording lines for a NBA st 2 successor. Edit: “off the heezaaay” 😂

[@Woutie95]

Played this game to death back in elementary school. One of the few games ever made that I truly enjoyed. The multiplayer on this one was one for the books, too

[@HighLifeProds17]

These videos make me want to pick up the older games. This is miles ahead of the soulless, pay-to-start trash we get nowadays...

[@dixonbutts800]

Not an NBA fan so I played NBA Jam T.E. on Sega Genesis... then never played again until V3 on the PS2 & that game blew my brains all over the wall. Played it CONSTANTLY.

[@GenericYoutubeCommenter241]

Figured I'd drop a comment even though the video is 2 years old. I have no real interest in playing this game, but I just absolutely love this yt channel. SDTV does such a bang up job of researching the game he will be talking about and giving us the viewer some really great insight. Plus it reminds me of features available from so long ago and that my expectations for sports games today are not unrealistic. Love your content my guy, keep up the fantastic work!

[@WAProdthejohman]

Man i played the hell out of this game, the GOAT street basketball game

[@UFSAK]

Softdrinktv posted. My day is now instantly better

[@purwantiallan5089]

PS2 games even in 2024 > PS5 games.

[@ThatFanBoyGuy]

When I bought my Game Cube at Circuit City when Nintendo reduced the Game Cube price down to $99, Circuit City gave me a free Nintendo Player's Choice game with it. NBA Street Vol. 2 was one of the few Nintendo Player's Choice games they had, so I picked that one. Happiest little accident I ever had. I don't watch basketball outside March Madness, and I play basketball even less, but I put tons of hours into NBA Street Vol. 2. I even almost fully completed it.

[@realdragonrude]

thank you for making this video what i remember from this game is people bringing a tv and a ps2 to the park to play versus next to the basketball court and money was thrown down both on and off the court this game was a community for sure which is why i have the og xbox and gamecube versions

[@NotCurrentlyCreating]

Another flawless retrospective, good work SoftDrink!!!

[@robmiller3204]

Always refer to your content on the old sports games 🏀 just dusted this off popped into my GameCube and boom still a fantastic game . These GameCube era sports games seem they have so much more content . Thank you for your dedication to these games good sir ! Much appreciated

[@poofpiff3195]

LESSSGOOOO KEEP UP THE GOOD VIDEOS, one of the most underrated channels rn

[@benn_fb3847]

When I was younger this was my favorite game of all time and to this day and it’s still one of my favorite games of all time

[@LTOOFRESH]

Vol.3 was/is still fire Can't lump it in with homecourt

[@AKA_The_Frankman]

Thanks for putting my video of nba street vol 2, i was so suprise my name came up on your video and after that i was smiling and laughing the whole time, thanks again i enjoy the video.

[@michiganjack1337]

I just recently bought a used PS2 and this game was the first thing I had to rebuy. Been having a great time playing through the modes and unlocking all the characters.

[@blakelip3]

This is up there with NBA hang time/JAM/SHOWTIME & NFL BLITZ best pickup and play game EVER

[@BamaMatt93]

Let’s goo!! Was waiting for this one!

[@Venom3254]

I had so much fun playing this on the Gamecube and I loved the soundtrack and ost

[@is2fiftyslowfsport744]

2022 and I'm still playing NBA street Vol 2 on my ps2, this game never gets old, one of the greatest basketball game ever made in history, smh the resell value on this game is crazy too

[@openm2ke_810]

I was a 12 year old kid at the time and had always had an interest in basketball and hip hop culture but didn’t really know or understand much about it. NBA street vol 2 taught me a hell of a lot and also got me into actual NBA basketball 🏀 street ball and hip hop culture

[@B.Love88]

God I love the combos that you can pull off in these games! My friends hated playing me in this game because I would get so many game breakers! They would try to race to score as much as possible because they knew there score would disappear.

[@wavywade504]

Nostalgia at its finest 🙌🏾🔥💪🏾

[@stevesonlopesteixeira2213]

Bro u just remind me of all the reasons i loved nba live, this video i can show to the next generations and they will understand why we played what we played

[@lowgearman9731]

Great retrospective enjoyed it very much and you are right many games just feel soulless today

[@chadberles2056]

Legend not just our junior high nostalgia either !!! Let's GO!!!

[@GeorgePatmas]

My childhood!! If i have to, i will look for a ps2 and this game. Thats how much i loved this game! Thanks for uploading!

[@agrey832]

One of my all-time favorites!! Really wish we could get a remaster 🔥🔥

[@themanimal07]

I can hear the TROY intro in my head

[@PreacherMan1971]

Excellent video! I miss old school gaming like NBA Street Vol 2. Your video inspired me to buy it for my GameCube. Peace ✌️

[@JoeSmoe84]

On top of da best gameplay. Bobbito and the soundtrack brought it all together. It captured the essence which is hard to do. A timeless piece

[@RodMurray777]

Dope Video Bro keep up the good work

[@isaacrubio2393]

Great video as always

[@austinjones9171]

no better feeling in the world than hitting somebody with an off the heezy and immediately doing a kick pass/alley oop combo

[@JoeJack-nx1mn]

My copy gets delivered tomorrow. Im so hyped to relive this one

[@BootScootBoogie]

When They Reminisce Over You is a song I listen to almost everyday. I know about it thanks to this game

[@jasongriffin1517]

This is one of the most fun games I've ever played. Unlocking everything solo is cool, and playing with friends is amazing.

[@QsReef]

This what we been waiting for 🔥

[@Troyaholic1]

Another great video!

[@bishuphinojosa2803]

Great video man it was awesome should do a retrospective of NBA street volume 3

[@NBWDOUGHBOY]

You never disappoint bro

[@gerardotorres1483]

Great video. I 100% agree with you regarding the loss of passion within the industry. Money can't be everything.

[@vince_sad]

excellent video king

[@hahn6760]

this game was LEGENDARY. nostalgia hits different, they need a revamp on the modern system

[@woobacckk]

Damm bro your content is golden

[@CGoody564]

I remember getting this game, playing the ever-loving crap out of it, and always wondering what I missed out on in the original. So many memories of Stretch Monroe hittin' that heads or tails move. What an era for gaming.

[@jaytan4404]

Clicked as soon as I saw the notification

[@DarkManX16]

One of the best sports games PERIOD. The gameplay,the replayability, the soundtrack, the cultural impact and the overall passion behind this game made it what it is today. Everytime I play this game my nostalgia from 2003 just triggers. Good times

[@ogMrtakinoff]

I felt this bro. Got this game emulated on my series x career got hella reply value

[@hulksmash54]

It’s not a coincidence that the 6th generation is so well represented in best of lists. That generation had the perfect storm. Online gaming minus micro transactions which meant games were full featured while also providing great single player and multiplayer experiences. The hardware was able to provide games that looked much better than gen 5 while also being able to learn from the mistakes of those times. Finally, every genre of gaming was well represented. Action, platformers, adventure, sports, fps shooters, racing, etc.

[@brutalforce95]

I just bought an original Xbox and this game over the weekend! This and NFL Street were my childhood!

[@ghart22]

Off the hee-zay instead of heezy (hee-zee) kills me 😭

[@DiamondStudd757]

This is the game that deserves a remake

[@delldolo9048]

I just brought this game for the second time, first time when I was just a jit and now that I’m grown… classic for sure

[@TerickLamontVisuals]

The tournaments me and my friends used to have with this game ! 🙏🏿 And the soundtrack! 🤌🏿

[@quann06]

I still have this game on Gamecube in my Nintendo case. My Gamecube stopped reading disc so I went years without playing it but my friend bought me a backwards compatible Wii last Christmas so I played Street V2 as soon as I hooked it up. It brought back good memories. I have emulators as well but I prefer to play on my old consoles most of the time.

[@TPO43]

Somehow I was waiting for this video and didn’t even know it until now.

[@ag332]

I haven’t seen this game in 16 years, so glad I could again

[@imallfordabulls]

Holy crap that commercial is legendary.

[@derrickstewart2344]

Great video

[@middleeastern5796]

PS2 was the definitive gaming experience. Such a library of great games. NBA street vol. 2 and NFL espn 2K5 were the best sports games i have ever enjoyed. NFL 2k5 is still miles above any Madden game to date.

[@adajoy215]

you finally made it 😁🙏🏾

[@adajoy215]

do NHL hitz next

[@clubsteve4636]

EA BIG struck gold with this game.....your review is spot on. they got EVERYTHING right in this game. the gameplay, music, the commentary, the retro graphics, etc. this was in the pre-VC era, when they actually cared about gameplay and fun. we just need to appreciate this game for what is was, and know that it will NEVER be duplicated. especially in this day and age.

[@Letmesharemythoughts]

Perfect video

[@RedRaiderDre6]

ahhh yes my favorite video game of all time countless hours was spent and a lot of memories were made playing this game

[@BoompaWorld]

This is definitely the goat when it comes to NBA street. I did a video on the first one though and it’s still fire. I remember not liking the third one at all though besides being able to dunk on Lebron with Mario and peach lol

[@BlankManj5]

This game and ssx 3 were and are the pinnacle of sports game. EA BIG is sorely missed.