'NBA 2K11' presents lifelike imagery, gameplay
Jordan legacy makes latest NBA installment a hit


By Christopher Grossman,
Writer
September 2, 2011

One name comes to mind on the subject of NBA 2K11: Michael Jordan. Every year, 2K Studios introduces a basketball game, each starting with 2K and ending with the last two digits of the year.

Although 2K11's gameplay is very similar to the experience of last year's edition, it has an interesting twist: NBA 2K11 revolves around the legacy of Michael Jordan, recreating his greatest achievements.

Throughout the game, players have an ongoing opportunity to complete a series of 10 challenges: Jordan's greatest games. Whether it's in the NBA Finals, the playoffs or the regular season, each game has a series of goals players must reach in order to beat the challenge.

When a player first puts the game disk into their console, it takes them to Game One of the 1992 NBA Finals, where you are allowed to play as a member of the 1992 Bulls. This contest sets the tone for the Jordan challenges. After a player beats all 10 challenges, they unlock "Create a Legend Mode," where they can assign the rookie Jordan to any team they would like. I thought this challenge was very difficult and have yet to complete it.

Also new to NBA 2K11 is the Air Jordan Feature. Throughout the entire game, players unlock Air Jordan Sneakers. 40 pairs in all, each shoe can be distributed to players to slightly enhance a single skill. I find this to be an interesting add-on because you can give the shoes to any player in the game and then see the results they produce.

In addition to these new features, NBA 2K11 also includes classic game modes such as exhibition, online game, tournament, the Association (franchise), practice and My Player. With an online connection, players are free to compete against people all over the world, and the team rosters update automatically. For instance, if the Knicks trade a player to the Celtics, the internet sends that info to the player's console and changes their rosters.


Altogether, I really enjoyed NBA 2K11. It has extremely smooth, in-depth gameplay and great graphics -- it literally looks like the player is watching an NBA game on TV. You can control the characters' every move; from taking a step back to the three-point line or driving in to pull off a spinning lay-up -- each move completed by the player pressing a certain sequence of buttons.

Another aspect I really enjoy is the "My Player" mode. Through this, a player can create a character, in their own likeness if they want, and guide him through his NBA career. Starting out in the summer league circuit -- the exhibition games before the season starts -- you eventually try to land a spot on a NBA roster. Each move you make contributes to your ever-changing teammate grade, something which is measured like a school grade, whether that goes up or down.

The commentating is another amazing feature, as it is extremely incredible for a video game. When a player scores, the announcer calls out the name of the player, and the crowd roars -- just like in real life.

I love NBA 2K11, and it just has an overall real feeling when you play. Although the game didn't take a big step forward in the graphics department from last year's, the gameplay is much more in-depth and the Jordan element is refreshingly unique.

In my opinion, NBA 2K11 surpasses it's predecessors in gameplay, new elements and overall feel. I love being able to call for a screen, run to the side and perform a double crossover, pulling off a highlight reel-spin move and finishing with a thunderous dunk which, when compared to just running inside towards the hoop mindlessly, is sensational.

For more game reviews, read the Feb. 16 article, Hot Pursuit' sustains 'Need For Speed' legacy.



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