1st Thoughts on...."NBA 2K11"

The Greatest of All Time in the Greatest Basketball Game of All Time

Wow, its been a while since I made a "1st Thoughts" post (and only one I may add, so this makes my 2nd game review). What's more is that this game that I'm about to give a review was released a few months ago. That's how stagnant my video game life has been. Anyways, onwards to my review....it's not really much of a review, just my "thoughts" about the game.

2K Sports once again outdid themselves with a sequel to 2010's #1 basketball game, NBA 2k10, with the release of NBA 2k11. One thing about sports titles is that they don't really have major changes aside from team roster. Despite NBA 2K10 already a near-perfect basketball game, 2K Sports still found a way to amaze b-ball and video game junkies alike with a high quality game in the form of NBA 2K11. The game is just so good, that it got Video Game of the Year nominations from all over gaming sites, a rare feat for sport video game titles. But if there is one thing that stands-out the most for this game, and probably the reason for the popularity and the hype that this game got, is the inclusion of the greatest of all-time, "His Airness", Michael "From North Carolina, No. 23" Jordan.

Hellz Yeah!

Graphics wise, there really isn't much of a difference between last year and this year's title. Still, 2K Sports made sure that graphics for 2k11 would at least get a little closer to near or should I say realistic potrayal of the basketball players, coach, fans, the mascots and heck, even the announcers (although I could care less about the announcers....I kept staring at the dancers). The game still looks as if you're watching a real basketball game in TV. From facial expressions to basketball gears, the players have never look so alike to their real-life counterparts. The game also improved in the game design as it looks more elegant compared to last year. You will find yourself staring and exploring around the game menu for a couple of minutes before you start playing the actual game. That's how beautiful the game is.

Although Kobe here looks more like "Uncle Kobe"to me.

Gameplay and presentation is really the main key feature in NBA 2K11. The game really brings a realistic feel for the person playing. You will really get the notion that you are about to play basketball. It plays like as if you're playing in the arena, it actually makes you take deep breaths when making a free-throw. Although compared to last year's title, NBA 2K11's AI has really been improved and solid from the get-go. The computer plays a very stiff defense, its quite challenging despite in low difficulty that you'll find yourself to a couple of turnovers if you make erratic passes or make wrong decisions. But a downside about it is that you really can't make a lot fast-break plays that much or make long passes as the computer will find ways to get the ball. But other than that, the game has authenticity all over it. The announcers call how the game is being played and the court-side reporters give true to life scouting about the different NBA teams. Presentation of players, teams and stats are presented very well with top-notch animations that would make today's real-life basketball coverage more like it were made in the 80's.

But they can't be realistic in everything. Wade on the back of Miller? Uhhh...

But the biggest highlight of 2K11, like I said earlier (and the cover suggests) is Michael Jordan. Sure, the Association and My Player modes are very great for you to play for hours, but the Michael Jordan features are the one that really stole the show. MJ here isn't just a playable player. MJ is played in the game in 10 different versions. The game features 10 different Chicago Bulls team with 10 different Jordans. This is because of the "Jordan Challenge" mode. This let's you play 10 of Jordan's greatest performance from dropping the nickel to the New York Knicks to relieving the game against the Utah Jazz where Jordan made "the Shot", all of those in which the player must imitate and repeat by using the different Jordan-led Bulls team. Not only are the 10 different Bulls team playable in the game but also the opposing teams you played against in the Jordan Challenge from the '91 Lakers, Gary Payton's Seattle Sonics, Domique Wilkin's Atlanta Hawks and the '98 Utah Jazz. Once the challenges are completed, it unlocks a rookie Jordan in the My Player mode and use him to rise in today's league.

Sure, you've probably seen a rookie Kobe go up against a prime Jordan. Now play the game with the tables turned.

There are a lot in NBA 2K11 that I wasn't able to try. Like the new interview feature in My Player mode where you are given the option to choose the words you want to say in press conferences where it can determine your popularity in the basketball world. Nevertheless, the key core really of a basketball video game is...playing basketball. The game really feels like a true to life simulation of NBA games. Sadly, my computer is too outdated to play NBA 2K11 so I probably have to play in internet cafes just to play it (that's also the reason why I was able to play this game late). But to those with high-end PCs who still don't have the game (I doubt, my review just came out pretty damn well late also), then this is a must have. NBA 2K11 is the best basketball simulation today and you just got to wonder how 2K Sports will have to outdo themselves again for 2K12.

Best part of the game for me? Getting to beat Jordan's team of course, hehe.