NBA 2K12 Hands-On Experience
Posted on 09. Mar, 2012 by in Reviews
2K Sports has delivered a fantastic virtual basketball game yet again. With the help of NBA 2K12 hands-on previews, players, and critics alike get to decide that this latest release has raised the bar high once more for sports video games. NBA 2K12 dropped in stores on October of 2011 and since then basketball fans and gamers have been raving about this impressive b-ball game.
Going Retro
NBA 2K enthusiasts know that Michael Jordan was the face of 2K11. For 2K12, MJ, Larry Bird, and Magic Johnson will all have their moments. Last year, it was almost about Jordan. There is even the “Jordan Challenge” where users get to re-establish the best games in MJ’s career.
In 2K12, it is not just about “His Airness” but also the other athletes on the basketball court. The “NBA’s Greatest” gamers are given the opportunity to play as a part of one of the 15 model NBA teams, taking on a rival lineup coming from the same era. Each of these squads are led by a legendary superstar.
The Gameplay Encounter
Every year, the freshest version of this spectacular game series aims to perk up on the fundamental visual graphics of last year’s edition. NBA 2K12 does just that and unsurprisingly it succeeds in its efforts. Out of all the releases, this is considered the smoothest game yet specifically when players slide along around the floor in an effortless manner. While the visuals are undeniably heightened, the realistic physics of the ball are maintained.
Beyond the usual graphical improvement, the game’s developers have given special focus on a few gameplay aspects. One of which is with all the tilts throughout the gameplay where it starts with a forceful intro and ends with details that are solid and almost too authentic. Another is the in-game commentary which is more remarkable than ever. Commentators including Clark Kellogg, Steve Kerr, and Kevin Harlan may be chatting about the back-story of a player when suddenly they will cut into the wild action of the game then return right back to what they have been talking about. The crazy part is everything is quite relevant with references to the last NBA Finals.
The Greatest Mode
In every trailer of the game, it has been highlighted that gamers get to play with 15 notable basketball players on 15 incredible teams. If you have paid attention to these NBA 2K12 previews, you will find that there are other faces beyond the legends. This is because technically you also have access to not only the superstars. For each of these 15 players in the Greatest Mode, you can play this team against one of their primary competitors. For instance, if you play using the 1965 Celtics where Bill Russell was the superstar, you may come face to face with the 1965 Lakers.
If you win the game, the team you represent as well as the team you beat can be accessed in Quick Play mode. However, you are no longer allowed to play as the legends. To do this, you need to go back to NBA’s Greatest Mode. The actual gameplay in this mode is also worth-mentioning. As an example, if you choose Wilt Chamberlain’s Lakers which was in 1971, you will get the feel that you are watching the game exactly as it is in the mentioned year. This means everything is black and white and there are absolutely no corporate ads on the basketball court.
NBA 2K12 is not purely a legends showcase but a very smart upgrade from the last version. Undoubtedly, this will soon be heralded as one of the greatest sports games ever made and not just another basketball simulation game.
