Hoop it up with the latest edition of NBA Street. NBA Street Volume 2 looks even better than the first rendition, and includes even more basketball stars from today and yesteryear, with more places to play above the rim. It's obvious EA went for more of an arcade-like feel for the player models, and I think it worked out well. Fittingly, the animations are just as outrageous as the characters. Old school ballers like Dr. J and Michael Jordan have their signature moves and dunks, as do the created stars like Bona Fide and Stretch. Let's not forget about the urban courts either. Venues like New York's Rucker Park and Oakland's Mosswood look and feel like the real deal.

On the audio side of things, Just Blaze is the featured artist providing the background tunes. It's definitely got an old school flavor to it, with some hip hop of today. Meantime, the loudmouth you hear in the commercials for Volume 2 is also making remarks after each play in the game. Things can get a little annoying after a while, but at least he's got plenty of shtick, so it's not repetitive. I was hoping for a little more in the sound effects department, like some trash talking or something. Nonetheless, I wasn't let down too much with the audio.

The main attraction to NBA Street Vol. 2 is the ability to play with some old school legends like Magic, Bird, Wilt, and many more. Or you can play as the NBA stars of today. Either way, there are plenty of different modes that will allow you to hoop it up somehow. 'Pick Up Game' is like an exhibition match, where you can simply learn how the game works in a contest setting. Once you've figured everything out on your end, brave the league in 'NBA Challenge', where you take on all 29 teams in the league. And for those who want to be remembered, try 'Be A Legend'. This is where you create a baller, scrounge up some scrubs, and take on other ballers from all over the country at all the famous street courts. Along the way, you can earn Development Points to improve your created legend hopeful. You'll earn the respect of hoop stars by freezing them with your crossover, and then killing them with your jump shot. Plus, you'll unlock things like hall of famers, their jerseys, and their signature moves and dunks that you can use for yourself.

The name of the game is style. Any old fool can shoot a ball through a hoop. But can you look good while doing it? The best way to win games is by earning trick points that accumulate to Gamebreakers, which give you extra points while taking some away from your opponents. New to Vol. 2 is the ability to save a Gamebreaker, and combine it with another the next time around. This gives you more points, and is an automatic shot, unlike a single Gamebreaker.

There are three different levels of difficulty for NBA Street Vol. 2: Got Game, Mad Game, and Legendary. Believe me, there is a world of difference between each level, so make sure you have some players who can handle the ball when raising the intensity. If you'd like to change some rules for personal preference, you can head to 'My Rules' to modify things around, like determining how points are scored, whether it be by a Gamebreaker or a slam dunk. Also, if you're new to NBA Street entirely, 'Street School' is a mode that will teach you the fundamentals of the game.

Basically, each button has a function. Then press two or more buttons at the same time, and you have a new function with every combination you press. There really is no way to keep track of everything you're pushing, but that's not necessarily a bad thing since each combo leads to some sort of highlight dribble, pass, or shot. Plus, having the ability run an alley-oop play without the ball is sweet. Meantime, there isn't too much time waiting during the loading period. The game menus are easy to follow, although you'll need to learn how read street court language. And the memory card isn't bogged down at all.

NBA Street Vol. 2 makes the first version look silly it's so good. This latest installment will have you hooping it up until Vol. 3.