NBA 2K11 Message Board

If you needed further proof that some developers are perhaps beginning to run dry of ideas in regards to what to do with current generation console hardware so late into this generation's lifespan, just look at the sports genre. When you take a long, hard look at 2012's sports titles, pretty much all you see are a lot of stopgap solutions and wild stabs in the dark at something, anything different to do with the hardware we've been saddled with lo these last several years.

NBA 2K13 looks as good as ever.

The NBA 2K series has perhaps fared better than other franchises, but even the developers at 2K Sports seem to be running short of ideas at this point. After a brilliant set of gameplay upgrades in NBA 2K11, and a host of mode and feature changes in NBA 2K12, NBA 2K13 feels...well, a bit samey. Which isn't to say that the quality of 2K13 has taken a nosedive. On the court, 2K13 is as strong an entry as there's been in this series. But the changes it does make largely feel like changes for the sake of change, rather than anything particularly beneficial to the cause. This is certainly a very good basketball game, but it doesn't make the definitive argument for itself the way 2K11 and 2K12 did.

At the very least, NBA 2K13 does fix some things that were wrong with 2K12. Most notably, passing is a lot better this time around. Last year there was perhaps an over abundance of intercepted or borked passes, even in seemingly safe circumstances. This year, you're only going to get intercepted when you're careless with the ball, or up against a particularly sneaky defender. Online play has also finally seen an overhaul for the better. Lag has killed this series time and time again, and I'm happy to report that 2K13 really does seem to excise those demons. Save for one or two matches that suffered from a bit of stuttering now and again, I was pretty much able to play without any real issue online.

Other changes were perhaps less necessary. The right stick, for instance, has been switched from a pure shooting method to a home for dribbling moves. Moving the stick in different directions and combos lets you dribble the ball from side to side, through the legs, and whatever other fancy moves you might be looking to do. Players more enamored with the stick as a shooting method can return it to that form by holding down the left trigger button. It's an interesting change that admittedly does give you a bit more control over your dribbling, but it's also largely an unnecessary one. It's the sort of thing that sounds great on the back of a box, but doesn't really add much to the equation.

To be fair, NBA 2K13's controls are already a dense equation to begin with. 2K Sports has had to map so many different things to so many different control schemes over the last several years, and in that time it hasn't removed very much. That leaves NBA 2K13 feeling a bit overwhelming to all but the most dedicated players. If you're just the sort that wants to play along with the season in some pick-up games and maybe dabble around with The Association mode, 2K13 presents a depth of complexity that is, at times, harrowing. For those willing to learn the ropes, there's a great deal of reward here. But getting to that reward is a daunting process that requires more tutorials than is perhaps reasonable for a mass market game.

Mapping the dribble moves to the right stick sounds more interesting than it actually is.

That said, NBA 2K13 is still a blast on the court. The controls are tight, the AI is smart, and the presentation is second to none. It's not just the graphics engine, which is still great, but the little details in the players. Their mannerisms, their personalities actually shine through. LeBron looks, moves, and feels like LeBron. And he's just one of dozens of players that look and feel wholly authentic. Between the visual presentation, and the still stellar commentary from Kevin Harlan, Steve Kerr, and Clark Kellogg, NBA 2K13 does a better job of emulating an NBA TV broadcast than even last year's game.

One of the best things about the 2K series in recent years is how it's handled the league's legacy. In 2K11, there was the fantastic Michael Jordan challenge, and last year's game went even further by including a huge crop of classic teams, paired up with their most noteworthy rivals of the era. By comparison, this year's inclusion of the dueling Olympic Dream Teams (the 1992 squad, as well as this year's squad), is a bit of a let-down. Not because there's anything wrong with including those teams, but just because it's not nearly the educational, nor entertainment experience that last year's rivalries mode was. There are still classic teams here, but they're only available in quick matches, and none of the nifty presentation nor detailed histories of those teams are present.

Outside of the USA Basketball inclusion, the only major new feature is the MyTeam mode. Ostensibly a riff on EA's Ultimate Team cash-grabs, MyTeam lets you buy card packs of players you can use to build out your own team. You buy those packs with VC, a new in-game currency that, in a smart divergence from the Ultimate Team formula, you can earn via multiple game modes. The MyPlayer mode, for instance, implements VC by including player upgrades you can buy. But those same VC points can be carried over into MyTeam. You can, of course, also buy chunks of VC for actual money, if you're the impatient type. Thankfully, you'll earn decent enough amounts of VC just by playing, so you won't have to crack open your non-virtual wallet.

MyTeam is a fun enough distraction, but like Ultimate Team, it doesn't have much staying power. Instead, you'll likely find yourself more engrossed in the MyPlayer and Association modes. Last year's MyPlayer mode was something of a revelation, and this year it's no worse off, though no better either. Some new things, like superstar players being able to design their own custom shoes, are nifty additions, but that's about all. Mostly, these are the modes you remember from last year, which in my estimation is still a good thing.

It's great to have the two dream teams, but it doesn't suitably replace last year's excellent NBA's Greatest mode.

If you're wondering about the "Executive Produced by Jay-Z" emblazoned on the box, Young Hov's involvement effectively boils down to a fancy wrapper. He apparently presided over the game's look and feel by selecting the soundtrack, giving some insight on visual design, and awkwardly including concert footage of him in the game's opening movie. It's a meaningless distinction that has no real bearing on the game you're playing, outside of the in-game inclusion of longtime holdout Charles Barkley, and a celebrity team that includes two Jersey Shore cast members and Justin Bieber.

I remember when ESPN NFL 2K5 did basically the same thing. It was the end of the last console generation, and the developers, despite having a terrific game in front of them, must have been running out of improvements to make. So, they resorted to getting people like David Arquette and Carmen Electra to do some annoying voice-over for games you played against their custom-built teams. It was a lame idea then, and it's still a lame idea now.

And like then, the game itself is no worse off for it. Where it matters, NBA 2K13 is phenomenal, if familiar. Go in with the right expectations, and you'll be enjoying it all season long.

Ronnie2K here! I have been a contributor on the PlayStation.Blog many times, and I am back again for the yearly NBA 2K news cycle. Today I am extremely excited to announce the cover for NBA 2K12, the latest game in the unrivaled basketball video game franchise that sold over 5 million units last year and garnered over 20 ‘Sports Game of the Year’ accolades.

As a kid, I remember watching basketball religiously. Looking back, there were three icons in the basketball world that stood out for me, all for their different strengths. I imagine you late 20s-early 30s gamers know exactly who I am talking about.

Fast forward to 2011. Yes, this year we have not one, not two, but three cover athletes! And not just any three players. We’re talking about three of the NBA’s greatest legends: Michael Jordan, Larry Bird and Magic Johnson.

As you can see, the new stylized NBA 2K12 covers are a unique, one-time departure from the traditional 2K Sports brand artwork and spotlight each legendary athlete on his famous team: Michael Jordan on the Chicago Bulls, Larry Bird on the Boston Celtics, and Magic Johnson on the Los Angeles Lakers. The Bird and Johnson covers will be available only at launch while supplies last for PlayStation 3 so you’ll have to jump on the game early to make sure you get your favorite.

I thought that we couldn’t do things bigger and better after last year’s first-time inclusion of Michael Jordan. But by putting three legends on the cover, we’re really speaking to fans across all generations and celebrating the legacy of legendary ballers, past and present. Larry Legend with his unmatched jump shot, Magic with the unstoppable Showtime Lakers, along with the incomparable Michael Jordan are players that gamers of all ages can appreciate. From a marketing point of view, this will be an unprecedented year for things we can do to bring the only basketball simulation game to your homes.

In the coming months, we will be discussing the various countless features and modes that make NBA 2K12 unrivaled. In the meantime, for those who missed it, please feel free to check out Kobe Bryant showing off NBA 2K12 using the PlayStation Move at the Sony Press Conference a few weeks ago at E3. Yes, the PlayStation Move will be back and better than ever in NBA 2K12 so more news on that soon. Also, below you will see the first screen shot from NBA 2K12.

As always, thanks to the great people at PlayStation for giving me this time to talk to you about the NBA 2K12 cover. And of course, thanks to you passionate Sony fans who have helped us make the NBA 2K Franchise what it is. Make sure to follow us on Facebook to see exclusive info for the NBA 2K Franchise in the coming months or hit me up personally on Twitter anytime.

I’ll be taking questions below so feel free to ask any follow-up questions. I am sure I will be posting another blog in the coming weeks. Thanks for reading!

2K Sports today announced it has extended its deal with the National Basketball Association, signing a new, multi-year agreement. Terms of the deal were not disclosed...

#getyourbetsdown 2K Sports ran a simulation of the remaining rounds of the NBA Playoffs - the conference finals and the NBA Finals - and found the Chicago Bulls defeating the Dallas Mavericks in seven games. More »

There was a time when EA dominated all facets of sports gaming. The NBA Live series may not have always been a critical darling, but it once was a fan favorite. That changed a few years ago as sales swung in favor of the NBA 2K series. And eventually, 2K crushed Live out of existence...

Kevin Harlan, the play-by-play voice of NBA 2K, told KNBR-AM's Damon Bruce (also a voice in the game) that former NBA executive and player Steve Kerr will join the series as analyst next year. Kerr will replace Clark Kellogg; he was formerly the analyst in EA Sports' NBA Live series. More »

An all-star game deserves an All-Star Weekend.

During an investor call today, Take-Two revealed just how nice a season NBA 2K11 has had without competition from an EA Sports' basketball sim. Hint: Really nice.

"NBA 2K11 has now sold in nearly 4 million units since launching in early October," Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick said during the call, "and has become the best-selling title in the history of both our basketball franchise and 2K Sports." ("Sold in," of course, refers to shipments to retailers, rather than actual purchases by consumers.)

It would be irresponsible to attribute all of this game's success to the fact that EA canceled NBA Elite 11, leaving this game unopposed in the market. 2K11 was quite well-received critically on its own. But it would be even more irresponsible to pretend the cancellation had nothing to do with the increase in 2K11 sales.

MIchael Jordan and lack of competition help 2K sports annual make strides.

#nsfw Remember our foul-mouthed Street Fighter IV friend? Anything he can do, our NBA 2K11 player can do better. Both spew words of the F- MF- (and N-) variety, but our hoopster does it to DMX. Bitch, eat that. Ho. NSFW. More »

#gameoftheyear Sports titles just aren't supposed to be game-of-the-year contenders. Their annualized nature sends the message that this year's game, no matter how great, won't be worth owning in 365 days. If anything could rise above that, it is NBA 2K11. More »

Ronnie2K here! Back in October, I discussed NBA 2K11’s PlayStation Move functionality along with a deep look on all the great features NBA 2K11 has to offer. And if you ever have suggestions for NBA2K, hit me up on Twitter and follow us on Facebook.

NBA 2K11 has garnered more than two dozen Sports Game of the Year awards, has been called “the greatest sports game of this generation” in earning a 9.5 from IGN, and continues to be one of the most talked about games across social networks. And the nostalgia behind the return of Michael Jordan to the virtual hardwood continues to be overwhelming. For the few of you who have been holding out for a copy or have put your NBA 2K11 on the shelf for a couple weeks, I just wanted to give you heads-up about the upcoming game update. Especially anyone who was lucky enough to pick up a stereoscopic 3D TV over the holidays.

For those of you who missed out on the 3D retail exclusive at Best Buy released back in November, this Sunday, January 16th, we will be offering a free title update to your NBA 2K11 game that will allow PlayStation 3 users, who have a 3D television and online connectivity, to experience NBA 2K11 in 3D! Just pop your game in and it will update before the title screen. From there, you can turn on your TV’s 3D capabilities, grab those awesome 3D glasses, and experience the NBA game you love with an extra layer of depth (an extra dimension even!) to what many have hailed as the deepest, most immersive, and best sports game of this generation.

Many have been lucky enough to play the Best Buy 3D exclusive extensively over the past couple of months. This has led to the question of what goes on behind the scenes to make 3D possible in NBA 2K11. So I got together with Visual Concepts, the creators of NBA 2K11, and asked them!

All 3D effects come down to one simple idea: make each of a viewer’s eyes see a slightly different image and you can create the illusion of depth on a 2D screen. Technology to create 3D movies evolved from two-color images, called anaglyphs, into the more modern projection systems that use differently polarized light. Most of the new 3D televisions use a technique called “alternate-frame sequencing” in which they first display the image for one eye and then display the image for the other eye, holding each image on the screen for 1/120th of a second. To make sure viewers see the correct images with each eye, glasses that cover-up one eye in exact synchronization with the television display, called active-shutter glasses, are used. What’s most exciting about the new technology is the quality of the images it produces. The new generation of active-shutter HDTVs let us make a 3D game using full resolution HDTV images at framerates up to 120Hz.

To properly drive one of these televisions, NBA 2K11 must create two separate images every game frame–one for each eye. We create a virtual stereoscopic (two-eyed) camera and render the whole scene in full HD resolution twice, once for each eye of the camera. These two images are packaged together and delivered to the television as one “frame” which the television decodes and displays as two consecutive images, one for each eye of the viewer. Just in case anyone has a pair of the old-school [red-and-blue] 3D glasses lying around, NBA 2K11 will render using the anaglyph method as well.

The intelligence of the Visual Concepts guys, in programming NBA 2K11 as one of the finest sports games to be playable in 3D, is remarkable. And from personal experience, it’s absolutely amazing how your player literally jumps off the screen when going for a thunderous dunk. Or maybe a certain President in 3D? It must be witnessed to be believed!

I’d be remiss to mention that some other minor tweaks, including some updates to our online experience, are also included in this update. These changes should enhance the experience. So make sure to grab it and get to some 2K11 gaming immediately!

As always, thanks to the great people at PlayStation for giving me this time to talk to you about the latest NBA 2K11 update. And of course, thanks to you passionate Sony fans who have helped us make the NBA 2K Franchise what it is. Development for NBA 2K12 is already well underway and it’ll be October before we know it! How do we take it to the next level? Mark sure to follow us on Facebook to see exclusive info for the NBA 2K Franchise in the coming months.

I’ll be taking questions below so feel free to ask any follow-up questions. Thanks for reading!

#sports Hint: They're 3-8, have no hope of making the playoffs and fired their coach. But Tony Romo doesn't have a busted collarbone in cyberspace either, and the Dallas Cowboys are still the preferred side for thousands. More »

#nba2k11 San Antonio Spurs all-star Tony Parker and Eva Longoria got dee-vorced last week, around the time it was discovered that Parker was doing some dribble-drive penetration with a former teammate's wife. NBA 2K11's latest roster update factors in the breakup. More »

Here is the second edition of the revised (and less informative) NPD report. With the market research group no longer sharing specific hardware figures, it's noteworthy to point out that only Microsoft has (as of writing) released concrete sales numbers. Major Nelson tweeted that the console sold 325k consoles in October. Although the figure represents a 32% drop from the previous month, it was enough to secure Microsoft's spot as best-selling console of the month. Major Nelson also added that "it is the best selling console in 2010 w/ 3.5 million" sold so far.

Sony's response doesn't offer console sales numbers, but Patrick Seybold commented about increased momentum for its PlayStation Move motion controller. "The PS3 Move Bundle had a 15% increase in sales since launch last month, and we're working hard to keep the inventory up across the country to meet strong consumer demand." In addition, Seybold wanted to remind us of the impending launch of their big holiday game: "With next week's launch of the industry's most anticipated title, Gran Turismo 5, we're sure to carry the momentum through the holidays."

Nintendo, as of press time, had not offered comment.

Software sales jumped 6% year over year, to $605 million. The multiplatform release of NBA 2K11 helped it propel to the top of the charts, undoubtedly aided by EA Sports' cancellation of NBA Elite 11. Fallout, Medal of Honor and Fable all made strong debuts -- but Rock Band 3's 15th place position has us concerned. NPD analyst Anita Frazier did make a special note in the report, assuring us that "this game has the potential to perform well over the holidays."

The full chart is after the break.

Hey all!

Ronnie2K here back again to discuss all things NBA 2K11. If you missed my last submission on the PlayStation.Blog where I discussed the Move along with a background on all the great features 2K11 has to offer, you can catch it here. If you ever have feedback on a feature, don’t hesitate to hit me up on Twitter and make sure to follow us on Facebook if you are a fan of the franchise.

Several weeks after launch, fans everywhere are still buzzing about the return of Michael Jordan to the video game basketball landscape. The extremely remarkable reviews have been pouring in calling NBA 2K11 “the greatest sports game of this generation” and getting a 9.5 from IGN. We introduced great features like The Jordan Challenge, where you can play in 10 of MJ’s most iconic games, MJ: Creating a Legend, where you can bring MJ onto any modern team, and the revamped My Career Mode where you live the life of an NBA Star, participating in Press Conferences, sign Endorsements, and so on. For those of you who don’t have a copy, this is the perfect time to get in and get an extra feature for your NBA basketball video game experience.

We are now taking the NBA 2K11 experience to a whole another level. Starting today, you can experience NBA 2K11 in 3D, for PlayStation 3 users who have a 3D television! Just hop on over to Best Buy and get your copy to experience an extra layer of depth (an extra dimension even!) to what many critics are already hailing as the deepest, most immersive, and best sports game of this generation.

A lot of people wonder what goes on behind the scenes to make 3D possible. So I got together with the dev team and asked them!

All 3-D effects come down to one simple idea: make each of a viewer’s eyes see a slightly different image and you can create the illusion of depth on a 2-D screen. Technology to create 3-D movies evolved from two-color images, called anaglyphs, into the more modern projection systems that use differently polarized light. Most of the new 3-D televisions use a technique called “alternate-frame sequencing” in which they first display the image for one eye and then display the image for the other eye, holding each image on the screen for 1/120th of a second. To make sure viewers see the correct images with each eye, glasses that cover-up one eye in exact synchronization with the television display, called active-shutter glasses, are used. What’s most exciting about the new technology is the quality of the images it produces. The new generation of active-shutter HDTVs let us make a 3-D game using full resolution HDTV images at framerates up to 120Hz.

To properly drive one of these televisions, NBA 2K11 must create two separate images every game frame–one for each eye. We create a virtual stereoscopic (two-eyed) camera and render the whole scene in full HD resolution twice, once for each eye of the camera. These two images are packaged together and delivered to the television as one “frame” which the television decodes and displays as two consecutive images, one for each eye of the viewer. Just in case anyone has a pair of the old-school 3-D glasses lying around, NBA 2K11 will render using the anaglyph method as well.

I got the opportunity to try it out last week and have played NBA 2K11 in 3D extensively. I have to say it’s absolutely amazing how the ball pops out of the screen on a pass or how you literally jump off the screen when going for a thunderous dunk. It must be witnessed to be believed so make sure to get in front of the game immediately!

If you already have NBA 2K11 on the PS3 and don’t want to buy another copy, don’t fret. All current owners of NBA 2K11 for the PlayStation 3 system will be able to download an upgrade to enable their game to play in 3D for free from the PlayStation Store, January 2011. Make sure you’re on the lookout at the turn of the year. Before that time, we will have a game update scheduled (within the next few weeks) for small fixes to look forward to.

I want to thank the people at PlayStation for giving me this time to tell you more about NBA 2K11. Let me remind you to follow us on Facebook to see the most new and exclusive info for the NBA 2K Franchise. Thanks for reading!

- Ronnie2K

#3d Those who dug out their 3D glasses for the last post, my attempt to show you Madden's 3D mode fell flat. Here to save the day is Operation Sports' MessenjahMatt, with a 3D presentation of Michael Jordan in NBA 2K11. More »

Free downloadable upgrade for current game owners over PlayStation Network in January.

Want to enjoy the ‘Creating a Legend’ mode in NBA 2K11, but don’t feel like doing the actual work needed to access the mode? No worries, now we have a very simple code for you guys. Hopefully this works in the Wii version as well! To unlock Creating a Legend mode go to the [...]

#cheats The incentive for completing NBA 2K11's "The Jordan Challenge" is "Creating a Legend," which allows you to take Michael Jordan through the game's career mode. If you can't beat all 10 challenges, an unlock code out there will bypass it. More »

#twitter Few video games reach trending topic status on Twitter. It's the sort of thing normally accorded to disasters, celebrities, and global news. NBA 2K11 has been a trending topic every day since Monday, for 57 hours straight at one point. More »

#avatars Preordering NBA 2K11 via GameStop delivered a free Chicago Bulls road jersey for your avatar; NBA 2K11 now has six different pairs of classic Air Jordan sneakers to help complete the look. More »

#review Michael Jordan returned to the NBA in 1995 with a famous two-word statement. He returns to video games with NBA 2K11, a deeply compelling narrative of both the league in present day and the feats of its greatest player ever. More »

Shut down the competition and secure a seat in the finals at the Virgin Gaming Red Room in Las Vegas.

As with any well-rounded basketball team, NBA 2K11's success hinges on collaboration. It's a pretty corny analogy, but it's the truth: a combination of realistic gameplay, improved ball handling techniques and challenging AI go a long way toward making NBA 2K11 the best basketball game around. Lack of quality competition probably doesn't hurt, either.

#clips NBA 2K is best known for giving the league's star performers signature appearances - shots, dunks, dribbling, etc. That will certainly be put to the test when the game recreates Michael Jordan, whose playing style is instantly recognizable to millions. More »

#clips This four-minute compilation of audio highlights withink NBA 2K11 doesn't skimp on the video, either. You can catch Michael Jordan in action versus Dominique Wilkins - with signature dunk styles for both. More »

Michael Jordan comes out of retirement for one last championship run.

Have you thought about all the opportunities you'll have to pervert Jordan's legacy in NBA 2K11? This new trailer will give you some good ideas.

#yay Washington Wizards' starting center JaVale McGee (pictured, far right), miffed that NBA 2K11 rated him a 59, complained about it last week over Twitter. 2K Sports responded today that it'll goose up his overall number to at least a 64. More »