NBA 2K11 Review

[CJBEeZy]

Really hope 2k patch in some better camera angles in My Player pick-up mode becuz that "broadcast dynamic" angle is garbage (2k10s was way better) and some more courts would be great, not feeling that night court which is the only court available in My Player pick-up mode!!!!

[CodeBr8k3r]

Great review. I will admit I am disappointed in the changes made to NBA Blacktop. I like to kill time by playing the Slam Dunk or 3-Point contest and the changes made were disappointing. If anything they should have left it as is. Playing against Lebron with MJ in a dunk contest via Split Screen is horrible. Not to mention...am playing the CPU split screen period. Also, 3-Point contests you can't skip the CPU to get to your player. You have to sit there and watch the whole thing. This is just a gripe but one worth mentioning.

Also, NBA 2K11 is Move compatible and I have not seen any feedback on those controls. I hope you guys will post something in regards to that in the future.

[HealyMonster]

Re: NBA 2K11 Review

BlackRome must own a PS5 or an XBOX 1080 because I Can't see any other basketball game being better than this.

I've also owned an ATARI. I even played "Kobe Bryant in NBA COURTSIDE". You name it I've played it. As far as I know this is the most fun I've had playing a basketball video game in a loooooong time. So let's not forget this is just a video game...an amazing one at that.

Thanks for the review.

I agree, This is the best sports game ive ever played. I dont know what the other guy is talking about.

[DaReapa]

I have to agree with the lack of control on BlackRome's part. Still a big issue in this game. I don't know how people say this game controls much smoother. It's just as wonky as ever, control wise. 2K needs to overhaul the controls and player controlled movement or find a way to fit in people who prefer better controls ala Live 10/Elite 11.Everything else is just fine, to me.

Agreed. Even though it's not a deal breaker like it was in 2K9 and 2K10. I have to admit, the controls are much more improved than in recent years, but it's nowhere near as fluid as it was in CH 2K8. Depsite what has been touted, there are still sluggish controls and hanging animations. Also, there are nagging issues like players constantly picking up their dribbles during contact, inconceivable steals by the AI, and out-of-control pass attempts when your intended pass recipient is caught up in some hanging animation after getting bumped (FRUSTRATING). Even with these issues, it's still one of the better basketball titles I've ever played - and I've been playing bball games since Jordan vs Bird (on the Tiger handheld, no less). I just hope that 2K can resolve some of the issues that are present through a patch, then maybe we just may have one of, if not the best sports game ever.

[spankdatazz22]

Re: NBA 2K11 Review

I've played pretty much every NBA game released...and this is the best one by far.

IMO that rates it a 10.

Perfection won't ever happen...so there's no point hoping for 100% perfection. However, context = best NBA game ever by far = 10.

I was thinking 9.5, but the more I think about it and play I think the game does deserve a 10. And like Tomba said, it may easily deserve a 10. There are just so many reasons as to why:

- Most ambitious sports game effort to date: Given everything that's been added to this year's game - the basic gameplay additions, the commentary/implementation, the new presentation elements, the Association additions, AS WELL AS adding all those things specific to the Jordan Challenges... Never been as attempt to improve a game to the magnitude this game was. It's remarkable that they made as ambitious an attempt to improve the game and there are no major issues ("bugs"/little issues should be expected)

- Game likely rates at or near the top in different areas: Association. Commentary. Gameplay. Graphics. Presentation. Additional modes. Customization. Innovation. The game rates at or near the best in so many areas

- Attention to detail (the little things): It's only been a week, but I'll go out on a limb and say no game better to date. NONE. And most of it done in real-time, not via cutscenes making it all the more difficult to implement. From the free throw routines, the signature shots (some players have multiple! sig shots), the player emotion, the crowds (having people the in crowd sometimes motion for penalty calls is brilliant), the player reactions, benches, coaches, refs.... and I'm still not touching on it all.

- No better sports game value: Between regular exhibition games, the various gameplay modes like: Season, Association, Playoffs, Jordan Challenges, Blacktop mode, Online play... and I'm still probably missing something. Don't think any other sports game has had this amount of content

I'll say it again - what other game is operating on multiple levels like this game is? It's debateable whether The Show or NHL or FIFA or whatever represent their sport better from a gameplay standpoint. But I don't think any are top-notch on so many levels as NBA2K11 is. It's really going to be the game which others are measured up to and deserves more than a 9 imo. Too often people are focused on what isn't working perfectly, which shouldn't be the case. Games like GTA IV or God of War III weren't perfect but garnered perfect scores because of the scale of what they attempted and what they were able to accomplish. I'm not saying 2K11 is equal to them, but in the sports gaming world it should be held in similar regard.

[bram73]

I feel like this game was a great. best bball game i eva played. the people strugglin with control dont know them period. learn the moves its that simple. The worst thing bout this game is the bigs verticals, my player starts way to low, minor glitches, missed shots some times and cheaty d sometimes but otherwise wat more could you ask for?????. come on lets b serious a dude at operation sports said he doesnt lik to review games because people compare scores, seriously. Yea we compare scores!! You mean to tell me that madden is jus as good as this game sports wise?? Dont tell me you didnt know maddens score when you did this review? whatever 2k jus release your patch fix the online which i hear youre working on and your good great effort second to none. 9.3 for me maybe even 9.5 lol

[bram73]

and o yea good read op jus dnt get the score?????????

[bram73]

I was thinking 9.5, but the more I think about it and play I think the game does deserve a 10. And like Tomba said, it may easily deserve a 10. There are just so many reasons as to why:

- Most ambitious sports game effort to date: Given everything that's been added to this year's game - the basic gameplay additions, the commentary/implementation, the new presentation elements, the Association additions, AS WELL AS adding all those things specific to the Jordan Challenges... Never been as attempt to improve a game to the magnitude this game was. It's remarkable that they made as ambitious an attempt to improve the game and there are no major issues ("bugs"/little issues should be expected)

- Game likely rates at or near the top in different areas: Association. Commentary. Gameplay. Graphics. Presentation. Additional modes. Customization. Innovation. The game rates at or near the best in so many areas

- Attention to detail (the little things): It's only been a week, but I'll go out on a limb and say no game better to date. NONE. And most of it done in real-time, not via cutscenes making it all the more difficult to implement. From the free throw routines, the signature shots (some players have multiple! sig shots), the player emotion, the crowds (having people the in crowd sometimes motion for penalty calls is brilliant), the player reactions, benches, coaches, refs.... and I'm still not touching on it all.

- No better sports game value: Between regular exhibition games, the various gameplay modes like: Season, Association, Playoffs, Jordan Challenges, Blacktop mode, Online play... and I'm still probably missing something. Don't think any other sports game has had this amount of content

I'll say it again - what other game is operating on multiple levels like this game is? It's debateable whether The Show or NHL or FIFA or whatever represent their sport better from a gameplay standpoint. But I don't think any are top-notch on so many levels as NBA2K11 is. It's really going to be the game which others are measured up to and deserves more than a 9 imo. Too often people are focused on what isn't working perfectly, which shouldn't be the case. Games like GTA IV or God of War III weren't perfect but garnered perfect scores because of the scale of what they attempted and what they were able to accomplish. I'm not saying 2K11 is equal to them, but in the sports gaming world it should be held in similar regard.

Agreed!! idk the effort and delivery was unmatched

[mnus03]

As far as this game deserving a 10 rating....There are a lot of things wrong with this game. Every time i play it I find myself screaming at my cpu teammates in my player mode for for being moronic. I cant count the number of times i yell "OH THAT'S REALISTIC!". my 48 rating on dunk still lets me dunk successfully at will. My coach gets fired after every game. Press conferences don't make any sense half the time in my opinion. when i try to set picks for the ball handler while running a play he falls into a terrible despondency and sits there hunched over until time or user movement breaks the play. In a mode called "My" Player the face creator although a little better than last year still doesn't let you make anything like yourself(at least i look like my race this year). That they don't even give you the option to meld My Player mode (which if you haven't guessed is my favorite) into a MY Player Association hybrid makes no sense to me. At least at a certain point let us do coaching and roster management, if we wish... WHY NOT!! I could go on and on with controls not feeling quite right, how spins, behind the backs, in and outs, and double crosses(the quick ones not the manuel doubles) are worthless on higher difficulties(i haven't on higher difficulties found any scenario where a spin or behind the back works better then a normal crossover.) And i do go on and on everyday about something that pisses me off about this game. If you read the forums on here there's something that annoys just about everyone. Flaws are everywhere in this game.

and in my opinion this game for me, no question deserves a 10 rating. The only reason i complain so much is that the 2k series standard of excellence is getting ridiculous and im spoiled rotten. The scope that 2k has set out to accomplish and in large part achieved is incredible. The realism is incredible. That people play this game and have no idea what my player is like or what association is like or what the jordan challenge is like because they've been having to much fun in quick match or one of the other modes is incredible. Its incredible that we can moan so much every year about this series and 2k takes it on full force.
The only reason this game has so many flaws is that 2k developers have been so ballsy to make such a dauntingly realistic, comprehensive, adaptable, fun basketball experience that they will never reach there goals. The closer to perfection they get the more nit picky we will get and 2k will humbly listen because they are ballers. But i think 2k needs to be rewarded for there efforts. I LOVE THIS GAME, The good far far outreaches the(in large part) superficial bad. And when the day comes when people start to say this game is broken for some ridiculous reason i'll just shake my head and load up my player and start yelling at the cpu again or how a pick and roll wasn't quite right, i'll turn to my bro who couldn't care less and show him a replay of Pau Gasol rebounding and say in mockery "look at that, yeah right.", I'll rage quit after loosing on sim hall of fame in the fourth because suddenly i can't make a three to save my life. And i'll brashly condemn this game for being hands down the worst game of all time! And believe me i'll love every minute of it. this game is a 10.

[tril]

after playing the game for 3 days, IMO, I can say that 2k has struck gold again. the last time was with ch2k8.
I still havent touched the my player or Jordan challenge.
I didn not realize the number of shot options thata re available until I went into the practice mode.
In some aspects This game may be too sim, ofr those screaming sim. but 2k did everyone a favor by including so many modes.
Its as if 2k produced a basketball game like it was going to be their last basketball game ever made.
the little nuances, are incredible.
AI logic on point. its great to see a dominant player actually dominate a reserve player. case in point. Duncan vs Dirk, I had to sub Dirk in my fantasy association, I brought in JJ Hickson, and the AI continually exploited this match up, so much so that I was forced to Bring Dirk back in.
this was lovely.
There is so much to this game.

only complaint Ive had, is with the fatigue ratings.

[Rimfro]

I agree with BlackRome, in part, on the issue of controls. I played PG in JH, JV, and Varsity levels in school, and can tell you with all certainty, that when the lane opened up in front of me, like Moses parting the Red Sea, I could fly straight to the basket for an easy lay-up. I can't tell you how many times I have seen the defense blow their coverage of the paint, and I immediately go to move straight at the basket, for what should be an easy two points, only to have my player do some weird u-turn maneuver, or hesitate, instead of finishing the play. Then the defense gets time to fill the paint, and my player gets contacted by the D, and the basket is blown. Sometimes it just feels like you are playing in a foot of water.

If Wade has an open lane, he will use his speed, and finish every time. He was called flash for a reason, after all. The were times in the Jordan challenge that I couldn't beat Danny Ainge, because out of nowhere, Jordan lost the ability to size-up his defender, but felt it necessary, without me pushing the LT button, to try to back him down from the three-point line. That happens constantly. There is no benefit to having a speed guy. Basketball is a game of quickness, yet Derrick Rose, at times, handles like a Hummer when attacking the basket. I never had to do a wide turn to make a quick cut. If this game is a realistic interpretation of the NBA, then I chose the wrong Career path. I should quick everything I am doing now, and get to the nearest NBA practice facility, and see if I can walk on.

That animation that forces the bump, and you to bounce off, and turn your back to the guy, while tryin to face him to use a crossover, or cut, is making me want to shelf this game. They did nearly everything right, but there is no way that Steve Blake could keep D Wade in front of him. The controls are sluggish, not always, but an open lane, with a guy like Lebron holding the ball would always result in a quick, easy basket. In 2k11 it isn't the case. You can hold the stick in one direction, and watch the guy zig-zag on his own. It is a little disappointing to see this again this year.

[MrSimCity]

and o yea good read op jus dnt get the score?????????

We only score games in 0.5 increments.

But focus on the review itself, not so much the score. This game is really great, but ONLINE play is such a big factor in sports gaming today. Inconsistent servers (so far) was one of the main things that stopped me from scoring this game higher.

[Carrington618]

Its Clear everybody didnt like JESUS. So how can you expect everyone to like 2k 11. this game is not for babies. there is a cause an effect to everything in the game. YOU say the cherry picking is back well its only a problem if you shot too many bad 3s b/c other wise that sounds like a 5 on 4 in your favor . this year game really show who is smart an who is not. IN the NBA there only TWO players on the same team on the court at the same time that can create off the dribble and still they have to set the defender up (size up) or come off a pick. (with me so far). now if your getting in to a bump fest. YOU ARE DOING 1 or 2 THINGS WORNG.
ONE your playin street ball finger on turbo tryin to pull off one move to get by the defender. They got rid of this cheese(check the czar videos). piont blank if you keep getting bump when tryin to pass the defender then SIM BALL IS NOT FOR YOU.
TWO the game is still cheesy ( hop step and the spin dunk to name few ) at the same time you cant size-up then try to pull off an in an out before the ball hits the floor.
this game is not that hard if they killing you with there piont and he cant shoot then go zone if he is the fast play half court trap to get the ball out of his hands. this game take a lil bit of focus good luck to you all

im just 5 an 1 online right now after one nite psn id carrington618

[Rimfro]

Its Clear everybody didnt like JESUS. So how can you expect everyone to like 2k 11. this game is not for babies. there is a cause an effect to everything in the game. YOU say the cherry picking is back well its only a problem if you shot too many bad 3s b/c other wise that sounds like a 5 on 4 in your favor . this year game really show who is smart an who is not. IN the NBA there only TWO players on the same team on the court at the same time that can create off the dribble and still they have to set the defender up (size up) or come off a pick. (with me so far). now if your getting in to a bump fest. YOU ARE DOING 1 or 2 THINGS WORNG.
ONE your playin street ball finger on turbo tryin to pull off one move to get by the defender. They got rid of this cheese(check the czar videos). piont blank if you keep getting bump when tryin to pass the defender then SIM BALL IS NOT FOR YOU.
TWO the game is still cheesy ( hop step and the spin dunk to name few ) at the same time you cant size-up then try to pull off an in an out before the ball hits the floor.
this game is not that hard if they killing you with there piont and he cant shoot then go zone if he is the fast play half court trap to get the ball out of his hands. this game take a lil bit of focus good luck to you all

im just 5 an 1 online right now after one nite psn id carrington618

It's not a simball issue. I played in a high level basketball division in Memphis. I know sim ball. I'm not abusing the turbo. There are times where it feels like the controls have a mind of their own. If the lane is open, turbo or not, getting to the basket shouldn't feel like you are treading water. Maybe you know video game sim, but some of us have actually played the game in reality. Don't insult those of us who actually have shed blood, sweat, and tears for this game. The game does have it's quirks.

[spankdatazz22]

Re: NBA 2K11 Review

We only score games in 0.5 increments.

But focus on the review itself, not so much the score. This game is really great, but ONLINE play is such a big factor in sports gaming today. Inconsistent servers (so far) was one of the main things that stopped me from scoring this game higher.

Then don't give out scores with games - simple. We've gone through this in the past, there's no way to not focus on the score. It's usually the first thing people want to see. If you're graded on a test, you don't look at the teacher comments and not worry about the grade itself. As it is, if someone were to compare OS scores of games this game is no better/worse than Madden 11 - which when you take into account the content and quality of each, it's not even close to being comparable. And completely unfair to 2K's efforts.

I can't really comment about the online piece because I haven't played online yet, but to me the mode would have to be near-broken to negatively affect the other content that most developers don't even attempt to put into their games. I've read complaints about online, but nothing that leads me to believe it's completely unplayable (despite the terms "broken" and "patch this" being liberally thrown around). It's like most of those things are disregarded when it comes to grading a game. Again, it's your opinion and you have a right to it - I just don't think you gave them enough credit for every area they went above and beyond. We likely won't see another game like this, this generation imo. When the "suits" only seem to focus on what the Metacritic score is and sales, fans have to hope companies are rewarded with sales when they make extensive efforts like this one. Otherwise what's the incentive to do so when their effort is essentially going to be held in the same regard as a company that mails it in year after year?