Fans of the Los Angeles Lakers have complained, in recent years, of some other team’s propensity to play the game of "hack-a-Shaq."

But what if there was a game where tackling and tripping were just fine? Or if NBA players flew to the basket with all the freewheeling aerial acrobatics of Michael Jordan in the closing minutes of the movie "Space Jam."

Acclaim and DC Studios has put together a nice little arcade-style game for the Game Boy Advance called NBA Jam 2002. Sure, the game features flat, two-dimensional graphics and some of the action gets lost in the conflicting colors of the legs of fans seated beyond the court, but this program is not only a lot of fun, it will have game players glued to the hand-held console system for hours of entertaining action.

There are several modes of play, including season (a 28-game schedule, which is important if you hope to unlock either the All-NBA team or the All-Rookie team), playoffs, a quick game, a jam fest, horse, or practice. Quarters can last from one to five minutes, and you can turn the shot clock on or off.

This is two-versus-two action, featuring NBA players in a no-holds-barred competition. Yep, they can take off for a monster dunk from beyond the three-point line, or they can pull up and fire the trey.

You can substitute out players at the quarter breaks. Start with Tim Duncan and Terry Porter for the San Antonio Spurs, build up a bit of a lead, then bring in Malik Rose and David Robinson, or Steve Smith and Antonio Davis. The combinations can be lethal.

The game controls are very straightforward and vary whether you have possession of the ball or are on defense. Of course, the D-pad controls movement, but the L puts a little extra fire in your player’s step. R is to switch players, B is to pass the ball and A is for shooting the rock. The A and B buttons change functions on defense ­ A is to jump and/or defend, B is for tackling the opposing player.

The game’s two-dimensional flavor can be a little confusing, especially when trying to pick up a loose ball. But the graphics do work to convey the flavor of the game. The audio track features some narrative work, and overall supports the graphics well.

NBA Jam 2002 is one of those innocuous little programs that can entertain for minutes or hours.  It has range of play, solid animation and sound, and high-flying action.

This program is rated for Everyone.

Gameplay: 7.8
This is up-and-down action ­ not only on the court but also above it. From the opening tip to the final buzzer, the games are fast-paced and entertaining.

Graphics: 7.5
The game is colorful, but that sometimes hampers rather than advances the program. It is hard to see the hoop because of the spectator legs, and you find yourself watching the scoreboard to find out if you put the ball in the hoop. That aside, the two-dimensional arcade look works in this format.

Sound: 7.2
The announcing can get old in a hurry, but this game’s audio portion supports the graphical elements well.

Difficulty: 7
The controls are kept simple, enabling players to jump right in and play with little learning curve. There are three difficulty levels, which allows players of any skill level to enjoy the experience.

Concept: 7.4
The range of game-play options is excellent, and with NBA mug shots and profiles, this game brings a solid package to the hardwood.

Overall: 7.7
This game is a pleasurable outing with simplistic, yet challenging gameplay, and an excellent variety of playing styles.