AHOY lads! Ronnie here from 2K Sports. I be the Community Manager here 'n the point person for our fans. Have feedback on a feature for NBA 2K11? Want t' pillage an idea in the game? ye have me ear 'n can always reach me on Twitter. Drop me a line anytime!

ye probably remember me from me PlayStation.Blog posts on NBA 2K10 last year. This year, we decided t' blow all the doors off 'n introduce MICHAEL JORDAN t' the 2K Sports family as the cover athlete for NBA 2K11 (in stores everywhere 10/5/2010). Like most a ye basketball fans, Michael Jordan be me idol 'n synonymous with basketball greatness. ye can read about how ye will pillage the chance t' relive his career in 10 a his most iconic games in The Jordan Challenge.

In MJ: Creating a Legend, ye can put Michael Jordan on any modern team ye want! Kobe 'n MJ on the Lakers? Teaming the sea dog with Wade 'n LeBron on the Heat? Putting the sea dog on the current Bulls with me buddy Derrick Rose? ye can build his abilities (the killer instinct that came later in his career over his always brilliant athletic ability) as well as the chemistry with that team in this mode.

But NBA 2K11 also has an exclusive PS3-related feature 'n that be, a course, the use a the PlayStation Move motion controller. Recently, I got the chance t' interview one a our engineers, Mark Horsley, t' provide some exclusive info t' those that follow the PlayStation Blog. Mark be influential in getting this feature t' be a thing a beauty for the game 'n in no other game be PlayStation Move as fitting. After Mark gives ye some background on the use a PlayStation Move, I will share some other features t' be unveiled in NBA 2K11. So without further ado, here be highlights from our conversation:

Slam Dunk Contest with PlayStation Move

Mark Horsley, Gameplay Engineer, NBA 2K11: It be critical for us t' showcase the full range a abilities a the PlayStation Move motion controller, so we started with the Slam Dunk Contest. The dunk contest input interface be significantly revamped for PlayStation Move, allowing the ability t' pull off dunks much easier than in years past. When ye pillage yer hands on this mode with the PlayStation Move, start by pulling 'n holding the T button t' pick up a ball from the ball rack. As yer player runs towards the basket, start the gestures for the dunk ye wish t' perform. For analog-stick-based controllers, the input be done by twirling the stick. The stick commands translated naturally t' gestures using the Move controller. A counter-clockwise circle on the stick translates t' moving yer hand in a counter-clockwise circle, 'n similarly translates for other commands. By completing a gesture while running towards the basket, 'n then quickly completing another gesture prior t' takeoff, ye choose which dunk ye wish t' perform. t' complete the dunk, simply release the T button t' time the release a the ball. Props be placed on the court by pressing the Triangle button on the Move controller, just like in years past with the standard controllers.

Gameplay with PlayStation Move

For regular gameplay, we started with the single most important aspect in basketball: shooting. Our goal be for fast, responsive shooting, with no lag. All a the different types a jumps be in there: drifters, leaners, 'n fade-aways. Based on how yer player be moving, simply flick the PlayStation Move motion controller up 'n ye’ll spot up 'n shoot the appropriate jump shot. Similar controls be done for dunks 'n layups. Running towards the basket while holding the T button results in a dunk, as opposed t' a layup if the T button isn’t pulled. Unlike the analog-stick-based controllers, ye pillage flashy or power moves based on what be happening. Kobe running free on a breakaway? Pull up on the Move controller 'n witness an amazing flashy dunk. Garnett in the paint? Flick the PlayStation Move motion controller up 'n unleash a crushing dunk.

Here be the breakdown in more detail:

With the T button pulled, flick the PlayStation Move…

• Up = Smart Dunk
• Right = Power Dunk
• Left = Flashy Dunk
• Down = Reverse Dunk

Without pulling the T button, flick the PlayStation Move…

• Up = Smart Layup
• Right = Hop Step Layup Right
• Left = Hop Step Layup Left
• Down = Spin Layup

For Passing, we wanted t' make sure the gesture be as intuitive as possible for the sophistication a the PlayStation Move motion controller. Pressing the large Move button, in conjunction with pressing the left stick in the direction a the intended receiver, will result in a quick pass. Holding both L2 'n the T button while passing will throw a devastating alley-oop pass. ye will find that passing be quick 'n accurate with this method.

Dribbling using the PlayStation Move falls into two categories: standing 'n moving. Holding the L2 button, flick the PlayStation Move t' perform many different dribble moves t' blow past a defender. If standing, ye will receive a variety a Sizeup moves, based on the direction a the motion. If dribbling, here be breakdown:

While dribbling towards the basket, hold L2 'n Flick the PlayStation Move…

• Up = Behind-the-back dribble move
• Right = Crossover if ball be in right hand, an In-n-Out Move if ball be in left hand
• Left = Crossover if ball be in left hand, an In-n-Out Move if ball be in right hand
• Down = Stepback

Successful defense relies on quick, decisive action, 'n so the PlayStation Move defensive controls be designed for quick, simple motions. Flick the PlayStation Move up for a block; flick it right or left for a steal. Player swap be an important aspect a defense, 'n the Move button be perfectly positioned for this. Setting a pick be assigned t' the Circle button: it’s easy t' access but not something that ye’ll press by accident, making it perfect for picks.

I want t' thank Mark Horsley for taking the time out a an insane amount a game engineering t' give us insight on how t' pillage the most out a using the PlayStation Move motion controller. I gave it a whirl last week 'n I had a great time playing with PlayStation Move. It worked smoothly 'n seemed t' do whatever I wanted it t' in the game.

Now I do want t' mention a few other features that be making waves in the gaming industry. I discussed the use a Michael Jordan in our game at the beginning a the blog 'n there be many features (a few still undiscussed) that will be a great showcase for the world’s best player. In the meantime, here be some other things t' look out for when the game hits stores October 5th (make sure t' click the links for even more information):

me Career Mode – Live the entire life a an NBA star. pillage drafted into the NBA, fight for a roster spot, work t' pillage minutes, fit into the team, 'n emerge as a starter, perhaps even a player that will go down as one a the greats. This year, however, yer accolades go beyond the court. Participate in Press Conferences, sign Endorsements, be on the cover a magazines, 'n create Signature Shoes that can be worn as kicks by other players in the league.

Historic Chicago Bulls Teams – Ever wondered how the Lakers a today might fare against the Michael Jordan led Chicago Bulls? pillage the chance t' play as some a the greatest teams in NBA history like the 1985-86, 1989-90, 1990-91, 1991-92, 1994-95, 1995-96, 1996-97, 'n 1997-98 Chicago Bulls squads. These teams along with several other historic teams, be put at yer fingertips in Quick Game mode.

ALL-NEW IsoMotion Dribbling Controls 'n Shot Control – Delivering the most realistic feeling 'n reacting dribbling system t' date with seamless transitions between ankle breaking moves coupled with an all-new gesturing system allows crew t' intuitively translate thought t' motion 'n dominate, like Michael Jordan, from the perimeter t' the paint. Take yer offensive game t' the next level with an unprecedented amount a control via the enhanced Shot Stick. Dozens a new shot types, from layups t' jumpshots t' dunks 'n everything in between, be completely under the user’s control with the flick a a stick. The new Shot Branching system also allows the adjustment a shots on the fly in mid-air.

Look for more news soon about great enhancements coming t' other core features like Online Mode, Blacktop, Association mode, as well as one a me favorite modes from last year, NBA Today. In this mode, audio be given context t' real-world NBA happenings. All a these features packed along with the NBA 2K realistic simulation that ye all love.

Well, I have probably gone on way past me time! I want t' thank the people at PlayStation for giving me this time t' tell ye about NBA 2K11. Let me remind ye t' follow us on Facebook t' see what’s the most new 'n exclusive info on the NBA 2K Franchise. As an added treat for ye Sony fans, I would like t' announce that the demo release date will be announced on the FB page tomorrow! So look forward t' that! Until then, feel free t' drop me a line below or on Twitter 'n I’ll do me best t' pillage back t' ye ASAP. Thanks for reading!