For those of you who follow me on Twitter (shameless plug: @bdot10), you probably would have noticed a lot of tweets lately with #NBA2K12. It took a lot of deliberation and strong will, but I finally gave in and purchased a copy 2K Sports’ basketball simulation. After playing it for a week now, I question why I waited so long.
Typically, I get bored of basketball video games really quickly. I’m not sure if it is based on past NBA Live games from EA Sports or the fact that it pales in comparison to playing a real game of 5-on-5 at a local gym. However, this year’s NBA 2K12 has left me addicted to it’s gameplay, specifically the “My Player” mode. Much like the “Be A Pro” and “Be A Superstar” modes in NHL 12 and Madden NFL 12 respectively, you control a player you create - in your own image or not - with the end goal of reaching the Hall of Fame. In 2K12’s version, you play one pre-NBA game against members of the upcoming rookie class prior to the draft in order to improve your draft position. Once drafted, you start the grind of playing through the NBA regular season. Each game you play has objectives such as “Limit your matchup to 10 points” and the like. By completing these, you earn skill points which are used to upgrade your player - something you desperately need to do as you start in the low-60s. One feature I specifically like about the schedule is the ability to sim to “Key Games” against your team’s rivals which reward you with double points. It’s a great mode to explore, with the freedom to demand a trade as early as your rookie season if you dislike who selected you in the draft (I chose to ride it out with the Pacers).
2K12 brought many NBA Legends into play through the game mode “NBA’s Greatest.” With this, you play era-specific games between many of the past’s greatest stars. One of the coolest things about this mode is not playing as Wilt Chamberlain or Bill Russell, but the how the visuals change based on that time period. If you play with the Russell era Celtics, you are transported into a pre-three point line, black and white visual treat. It’s the simple things like this that make this game mode feel more authentic when playing with these special teams.
One mode I haven’t tried yet is “The Association.” As the NBA has just come out of their lockout, I’m waiting for the rosters to be set and all the rookies to have found a home before I take on the role of a NBA General Manager. I want all options at my disposal to improve on the dreadful overall ratings of my beloved Toronto Raptors. I’m also waiting to try out the “Online Association” since I have enjoyed Madden’s take on it so far.
There is tons of online integration in the game, and I’m not just talking about playing someone across the Playstation Network. When you first set up the game, you are asked to create a 2K account. Once you do, you can log onto their website and all of your in-game accomplishments are tracked online. There is also the option to link a Facebook, Twitter, or YouTube account to further spread the highlights, career accomplishments, and game scores. It’s a nice feature if you want to brag about your “My Player” being a starting centre for the defending NBA Champions.
All in all, NBA 2K12 is a great basketball and video game experience. Give it a try. Basketball fans will appreciate all of the little details and history they put in the game. Even RPG fans might enjoy training your future superstar in the “My Player” mode.
