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Review
The NBA has disappointed fans with its current lockout. With the potential of no NBA basketball this season, 2K Sports has delivered a basketball title for the ages. NBA 2K12 is a sports title that can easily fill the gap of having no professional basketball to watch on television.
As the only NBA title available, since EA Sports can’t deliver any competition for the NBA 2K series, it would be pretty easy for 2K Sports phone in a mildly updated title. Fortunately for basketball gaming fans, this is certainly not the case. NBA 2K12 is one of the best sports titles to date. This title features gameplay as precise as a Steve Nash dime along with presentation that is worthy of a Miami Heat pre-season celebration. This title is a great purchase for anyone that loves the game of basketball.
Gameplay
NBA 2K12 has revamped the gameplay. This is surprising since last years edition featured solid gameplay. A lot of emphasis has gone into managing the ball. A player can very easily rack up a lot of turnovers in just a start of the of a game cause the game’s computer players will make you pay for careless passes or forced drives (even on the rookie & pro settings). In place of last year’s signature move/gather, is now replaced with an aspect that allows players to turn around and post up the defender, to protect the ball and feature moves to carry out offensive post moves. This new gameplay mechanic leads to a more realistic basketball simulation. While the signature moves off of a single button push were fantastic to see, it did get old how shots would seemingly automatically fall in last years edition with use of the signature gather in NBA 2K11.The signature moves and shots are still all over this title. Players have their specific shot releases and ways to gather the ball. Instead of using a single button for a signature move/gather, now the triggers buttons and thumb sticks are the primary functions for ball handling. It really is ridiculous the depth that’s involved with just this portion of the game. The training camp mode, runs players through all the tricks, also seems very necessary for anyone to have success with this title because there are so many moves. With all of the jab steps, fakes euro steps, hop steps, hook shots, fades, runners (not to mention dunk packages) you can truly ball out of control like Jordan or whoever your favorite NBA superstar is past or present. The shot stick combined with the shoulder buttons allows users a plethora of offensive weapons to attack your opponent with. These changes make for a steep learning curve, ultimately making this basketball simulator quite rewarding once a player can properly handle these controls.
Presentation
An amazing part of this title is how much thought and effort went into the presentation of this game. From the moment Kurtis Blow‘s “Basketball” drops during the start up of this title, there is a very strong feeling that this game will feature a great sense of history of NBA basketball. Along with this the fact that the graphics and sounds in this title take the NBA 2k series to places that make it clear that this title is among the best sports simulator titles ever made.
Multiple commentaries give great insight to different teams’ situations throughout the league, and now adding Steve Kerr to the traditional tandem of Kevin Harlan and Clark Kellogg has added a very welcomed boost to this team making sure that this game’s broadcasts aren’t a rehash from last years’ edition (see Cris Collinsworth commentaries in Madden for examples of rehashed commentaries). The soundtrack is also a heavy hitter. With a variety of different styles of music throughout the soundtrack, there is quite a collection of catchy tunes from hip-hop, rock, soul to electronica. Keeping within the tradition of the majority of the NBA 2K soundtracks, there are a lot of very good tracks from artists that do not have a lot of buzz just yet, but soon will. These songs fit in seamlessly with the pre-game video packages that really make it look like you could be watching the NBA Sunday Showcase on ABC.
The graphics of this game take this title to a new level of realism. The stadiums, courts, player models, and now the television presentation is also very impressive. For example, when playing an NBA Greatest mode game as Jerry West and his 70-71 Lakers against a Pistol Pete lead Hawks team, the screen doesn’t offer the high resolution colors that players have become accustomed to, instead the game offers a presentation of how it would look if someone were watching television in the early seventies, this offers a sense of realism that most NBA 2K fans have ever experienced, and is a truly unique and enjoyable approach. The player models look better than ever, it really is easy for someone to walk in and see someone playing this game and just make the mistake that basketball is on television. Granted the cheerleaders still look silly (can they be on sync one time during a game break?), but who cares? Even the score updates during the 90′s games in the Greatest mode would make someone wish John Tesh’s “Roundball Rock were blasting” at every timeout or break in the basketball action.
On a side note, for the sneakerheads out there 2K Sports has continued it’s growing tradition of keeping the shoe game on point. Jordan, Nike, Reebok, Adidas, & Converse are very well represented. From current players signature shoes, the Jordan collections, Magic’s & Bird’s Converse Weapon are all very well represented, and these are all available for when you customize your create-a-player so you can make sure the players are rocking the proper set of kicks.
All the details, graphics, and sounds put the presentation of this title over the top helping it become one of the best sports titles ever made.
Modes
NBA 2k12‘s Greatest mode doesn’t disappoint. There are so many great squads. These teams are full of hall of famers, all with custom commentaries telling us more about these particular players. Another aspect that must have required a lot of detail was seeing how the television presentation as well as the team arenas all had a different feel between the decades. The only minor complaint about this pertains to how certain teams are not available, however it really is impossible to please everyone. This feature is about as close as we can get to seeing these greats play in their prime without a Delorean made by Doc Brown.
The My Player mode seems to be beefed up as well. It puts you in a rookie showcase where it gives the player an opportunity to show off their skills, which will then lead to interviews prior to the draft where you can determine what kind of attitude you want your player to have. There are press conferences after each game which determine your popularity around the league, your local fans and your teammates this treats the game. It is a very detailed and addicting experience. Also for players that do not wish to play through the grind of the 82 game season, it also allows players to just play their key games (debut, rivalry games, & big game match-ups etc.). Commentaries that including this is “his first points in his NBA career” moment, making sure they mention things that your rookie is accomplishing. The little details that really make every game in NBA 2K12 a memorable experience.
Also, in a new game mode that is a take from last year’s Creating a Legend mode, instead of placing Michael Jordan on any team. NBA 2K12 allows players to take control of any player and play through his career, as they were controlling their own created player. Press conferences, skill bonuses, and individual game goals can all be attained through this mode to improve this particular player. So if you want to take over Lebron’s career and give him a dynasty earn his place in the Hall of Fame, or play out Jason Kidd’s remaining years to his epic career giving him one last swan song. The way this mode is made it gives the player total control of that players career. It is just as addicting to play out this mode as it is to create your own player in the My Player mode.
Everything else is what you’ve come to expect from a NBA 2k title is here, the season mode, association mode, practices, quick games (where you will have access to all the teams you can unlock the Greatest mode). In quick games these added teams really make for what is the most interesting aspect of this game. Derrick Rose can test his handle against an Isaiah Thomas lead Bad Boys squad. The Miami Heat could take their trio against the Magic’s Showtime Lakers. Dirk can try to trade jumpers with Larry Legend. As the game advertises you can end the debate of who’s the greatest by proving it on NBA 2K12‘s digital court. The possibilities of entertaining matchups are endless.
Online
Online gameplay doesn’t offer a lot of bells and whistles. You can play one on one matches, or you can participate in a 5 on 5 game where you can only control one player in a similar fashion to the my player mode. Also online Associations are available for participation in season with a group of players. Also the servers seem to be working well as there was seemingly no difficulty finding matches. It’s nothing fancy, but just enough to utilize everything that is great about this competitive title.
Final Thoughts
In a year where NBA 2K can’t include rookies in the rosters, 2K Sports delivers a title that will make it worth the purchase while we wait for the owners and players to decide on an agreement. Also if the rookies is what is stopping you from purchasing this title, 2K Sports has promised that if there is an NBA agreement there will be a downloadable content that will feature the rookie class and commentary to include this years class.
The revamped gameplay, historical teams, and a level of presentation not seen in the common sports title make this a must own for basketball fans. This game is so good that is hard to envision how EA’s delayed NBA Elite series set to release next year will hold a candle to NBA 2K12. To end this review, if you like the game of basketball, do yourself a favor and pick up a copy of this game.
About the Author
More articles by Chris Calasahan »
Hi guys, I have recently started subsequent American basketball, and I was thinking about acquiring a new NBA game. My good friend has NBA 2K12, and he enjoys it. I have been on some reviews, on YouTube and review websites, and they are telling me NBA 2K12 and 2K11 and generally Just the same. I am a Nuggets fan, and as most of you will know, Carmelo Anthony has not too long ago moved to the New York Knicks. Also, big male Yao Ming has retired, as effectively as a whole lot of other trades. I would love to have the new rosters that are accessible in 2K12. On the other hand, I have heard there is no online multiplayer on NBA 2K12, and I am a massive enthusiast of online. NBA 2K11 will be more affordable at the moment, but I will not know which one to buy. Please help me.
Thanks!
I’ve had Rage for 360 pre ordered for nearly two months now and I Am biting my nails in anticipation for its launch on Tuesday….but some thing has me worried. The games Dark Souls and NBA 2K12, which equally also launch on Tuesday, have currently had some critic critiques come in but Rage has none. Does this imply that id has placed a assessment embargo on the recreation because of to prevent negative buzz on start day, or is it just simply because firms haven’t had plenty of time to review the video game yet? I Am anxious for my #1 anticipated recreation of the year, I need to have answers!!!
I’ve had Rage for 360 pre ordered for virtually two months now and I’m biting my nails in anticipation for its release on Tuesday….but a thing has me worried. The video games Darkish Souls and NBA 2K12, which each also launch on Tuesday, have previously had some critic critiques come in but Rage has none. Does this indicate that id has put a critique embargo on the game because of to steer clear of adverse buzz on start day, or is it just since companies haven’t had sufficient time to assessment the game yet? I’m anxious for my #1 anticipated video game of the year, I need to have answers!!!
My birthday is coming up and my parents are going to acquire me a game. It Is between NBA 2k12 and MW3.
I enjoy NBA 2k and I like MW but I’m not so certain about 3. I search at evaluations and it’s 3 out of 5. NBA 2k12 is 4.5 out of 5 help
I’ve had Rage for 360 pre ordered for virtually two months now and I Am biting my nails in anticipation for its release on Tuesday….but a thing has me worried. The games Dark Souls and NBA 2K12, which each also release on Tuesday, have previously had some critic opinions arrive in but Rage has none. Does this suggest that id has put a evaluation embargo on the video game because of to prevent unfavorable buzz on start day, or is it just due to the fact organizations haven’t had enough time to critique the sport yet? I Am anxious for my #1 anticipated video game of the year, I require answers!!!
My birthday is coming up and my mother and father are likely to buy me a game. It Can Be among NBA 2k12 and MW3.
I enjoy NBA 2k and I like MW but I Am not so confident about 3. I search at reviews and it really is 3 out of 5. NBA 2k12 is 4.5 out of 5 help
My birthday is coming up and my dad and mom are going to get me a game. It’s in between NBA 2k12 and MW3.
I really like NBA 2k and I like MW but I Am not so certain about 3. I look at opinions and it really is 3 out of 5. NBA 2k12 is 4.5 out of 5 help
Hi guys, I have just lately started out next American basketball, and I was thinking about purchasing a new NBA game. My buddy has NBA 2K12, and he loves it. I have been on some reviews, on YouTube and assessment websites, and they are telling me NBA 2K12 and 2K11 and generally Just the same. I am a Nuggets fan, and as most of you will know, Carmelo Anthony has not too long ago moved to the New York Knicks. Also, massive gentleman Yao Ming has retired, as effectively as a whole lot of other trades. I would love to have the new rosters that are obtainable in 2K12. On the other hand, I have heard there is no on-line multiplayer on NBA 2K12, and I am a large admirer of online. NBA 2K11 will be more affordable at the moment, but I will not know which a single to buy. Please support me.
Thanks!