NBA 2K11
2K Sports
NBA 2K11
Rating:
5 Stars
Review: NBA 2K11
This year, 2K Sports went all out with the release of NBA 2K11. They acquired something every publisher for a basketball title has been striving for over the last decade, the license to use Michael Jordan's persona. They didn't just take last year’s game and stamp it with MJ's face though, NBA 2K11 showcases a whole new set of game modes designed specifically around 'His Airness'. Players finally get the chance to step into his shoes via the 'Jordan Challenge’, ten of Michael's greatest games, and face the challenge of repeating his impressive feats, such as scoring 63 points on the '86 Boston Celtics or dominating the '97 Utah Jazz while battling the flu. If you successfully beat all ten Jordan Challenges, you're rewarded with the 'MJ: Creating a Legend' mode where you get the chance to start out as a rookie version of Jordan and try and work your way through the NBA.
The Good:
The amount of content you get for the price is just outstanding. So many modes to play, constant roster updates, classic teams, and the chance to collect digital versions of all those Air Jordan's you wanted as a kid! The controls are a little complicated, but they offer so much depth and flexibility it's worth the time to run the wonderful tutorial and learn at least most of it. The 'My Player' mode is the best part allowing you to create your own character and try to get him to thrive in the NBA, all the while constantly improving his skills. Even if you don't know a lot about basketball, this mode will both teach you how to play and how to be a good player. You also have the opportunity to run an entire franchise and play with friends, both locally or online. Graphics are stunning, audio is crisp, and the flow of the game almost always feels natural and rarely forced or scripted. It can be rough at first, but watching your player grow and getting the thrill of watching him throw down his first dunk or stuff Shaq is worth the time invested.
The Bad:
Commentary gets repetitive, but that's normal for sports games; there's also the option to turn it off if you so choose. There are a few glitches that leave you scratching your head, but they're very sparse - just the occasional player passing through each other or the unrealistically frequent loose ball fouls that never seem to happen. Another downer is the replay system, having one is expected in this day and age, but if there's a clip you want to capture, you better do it quick. Often, you can only go back about 30 seconds from where you currently are in the game. NBA 2K11 can also be very time-consuming, but as I stated before, it's well worth the time investment if you have it.
The Ugly:
The only thing ugly about this game is the possibility that you don't have it! Everyone and their mother ran out to buy this game the week it came out; it was even a trending topic on Twitter!
Bottom Line:
If you have even the mildest of interest in basketball, you'll love this game. It's one of the few that are worth the original $60 asking price. It's filled with teaching moments, excitement, and a nice dose of nostalgia. With NBA 2K11, you'll be an All-Star couch athlete in no time.
NBA 2K11 released in North America on October 5th, 2010 with an MSRP of $59.99, it now sells with an MSRP of $39.99. The review was based on a Xbox 360 copy purchased on the release date.