NBA 2K11 Review

[Naej]

Re: NBA 2K11 Review

the game deserves a solid 9 even without Online. your score is basically 8.5-9 because the online bothers you??

[bkrich83]

Re: NBA 2K11 Review

It never ceases to amaze when people complain about a review "score" It's always the same handful of people, every time.

[nickelplaydit]

The game is a 9.5. best game this year and possibly one the best in sports gaming history. it has problems but its not the kind to take away from the overall experience. i personally think the jordan challlenge will take a while to die off on me. if it ever does.

but basketball has the top spot and 2ksports should be proud...... kudos to those guys!

[Rimfro]

Re: NBA 2K11 Review

The game is a 9.5. best game this year and possibly one the best in sports gaming history. it has problems but its not the kind to take away from the overall experience. i personally think the jordan challlenge will take a while to die off on me. if it ever does.

but basketball has the top spot and 2ksports should be proud...... kudos to those guys!

I'd say FIFA 11 is a better sports game, and just an overall better game. Red Dead is probably better as well. In terms of presentation, features, and quality animation, this just might be the best a sports game has ever been. There have been a lot of greats in the past. If a few issues can be ironed out, it might get there though. 2k games has had an hit or miss record on post release support. There is so much it does well, but the quirks can pull you out of the immersion a little, where as games like FIFA, MLB The Show, and NHL l1, you can go several games without the stuff that reminds you it's an imperfect product. Not that I'm saying those titles are perfect, it's just that the issues don't rear the ugly heads quite as much as they have in the NBA 2k series, as well as the Madden series. In both of those franchises you see tons of polish everywhere, except gameplay and A.I. While NBA 2k11 has made great strides in just one year, I personally thought that FIFA 11 made even greater strides than NBA 2k11 did.

[spankdatazz22]

Re: NBA 2K11 Review

It never ceases to amaze when people complain about a review "score" It's always the same handful of people, every time.

And it's always you making the same-type broad statements. Gonna take a wild guess - pretty sure that was directed at me. As I've said to you so many times before - debate the content of what I've said, don't whine because I was the one that said it.

[ChaseB]

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?

Such a tired argument, and we're not on Metacritic. I mean, at least be somewhat original and say HOW CAN NBA 2K11 GET THE SAME SCORE AS TRIALS HD!!!!

Never coming to this site again, sucks.

[spankdatazz22]

Re: NBA 2K11 Review

Such a tired argument, and we're not on Metacritic. I mean, at least be somewhat original and say HOW CAN NBA 2K11 GET THE SAME SCORE AS TRIALS HD!!!!

Never coming to this site again, sucks.

Well, imo the tired argument is saying "don't pay attention to the score" when one is posted. And I only threw Metacritic in because it's a central location for many reviews, and somewhere people would be able to easily gauge the overall quality of a game. I was simply disagreeing and stating my reasoning why. If the consensus is this game is no different than others rated similarly then so be it. Again I could be wrong but usually the first thing a person looks at is what a game is scored, and the content of the review usually second. As I said I thought the review was fairly well written even if I didn't agree with the score. But one really shouldn't be posted if you don't want it debated, imo. I didn't mean to offend anyone.

Oh, and I never insinuated "the site sucks" because of the review score or whatever lol

[ChaseB]

Re: NBA 2K11 Review

Well, imo the tired argument is saying "don't pay attention to the score" when one is posted. And I only threw Metacritic in because it's a central location for many reviews, and somewhere people would be able to easily gauge the overall quality of a game. I was simply disagreeing and stating my reasoning why. If the consensus is this game is no different than others rated similarly then so be it. Again I could be wrong but usually the first thing a person looks at is what a game is scored, and the content of the review usually second. As I said I thought the review was fairly well written even if I didn't agree with the score. But one really shouldn't be posted if you don't want it debated, imo. I didn't mean to offend anyone.

Oh, and I never insinuated "the site sucks" because of the review score or whatever lol

You're not offending me, just saying it got the same score as Madden is a stupid argument because a ton of games have scored a 9, thus why I said at least compare it to Trials to be different. Reading the text to gauge the score makes sense rather than just reading a score and seemingly trying to make that number mean something on its own.

And yes you did say the site sucks. You basically said I don't deserve to live and breathe the same air as you in your original post. /overly dramatic hyperbole.

[stlstudios189]

NBA 2k11 is in a tricky situation like FIFA and MLB the show. It is scored against itself and has trouble topping itself. After this year what can 2k12 do to impress people?

[spankdatazz22]

Re: NBA 2K11 Review

You're not offending me, just saying it got the same score as Madden is a stupid argument because a ton of games have scored a 9, thus why I said at least compare it to Trials to be different. Reading the text to gauge the score makes sense rather than just reading a score and seemingly trying to make that number mean something on its own.

When I look at the Reviews section, the things that are most visible are the name of the game, the OS review score, and R.S. (which I guess is Reader Score). No captions on the content of the reviews or opinions. It would seem the site is making the review score prevalant, then saying "don't pay attention to it"...? It would be ideal to have a person read a review and gauge themselves if the game is good or bad. But by listing reviews this way you seem to be acknowledging that most people are looking for a quick way to judge the games.

Most of us have been to school and understand there's a difference between getting an "A" in Gym versus getting an "A" in Geometry. So I don't understand the Trials argument - most people understand there's a huge difference between what's expected of an arcade title, a handheld title, or a title purporting itself to be a simulation of a sport. If NBA Jam rates a 9 I'd think most people are smart enough to know that NBA Jam doesn't have the same expectations a NBA2K11 would have, and vice versa. And I think most people would be smart enough to group games like Trials and NBA Jam in one category, and games like The Show, Madden, NCAA, NBA2K, etc. in another.

[clipperfan811]

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.

IMO if you want Live/Elite style control than buy that game and quit trying to ruin it for the people who understand the system that's in place with 2k.

The player movement isn't absolutely perfect but I really enjoy how there's a rocking type feel to it, cross over at just the right moment when you see the D react and they keep going while you turn on a dime. So much of it depends on the abilities of the ball handler and that's how it should be. I play a lot of basketball IRL and some people just don't have the handles or agility to turn on a dime, they lose the ball, or intend to go to a spot but wind up a bit further than they want. I've noticed the same thing with me over the years; as I've improved my ball control I get to my spot easier.

To each his own and I'm totally fine with that but don't request for the developers to totally revamp something that has a realistic theory behind it especially when you're requesting for the change to make the game more like Live/Elite. I DON'T LIKE the player movement in that series; it doesn't feel like it has weight incorporated in the movement. I don't like it so I don't buy the game it's simple. I don't ask them to make it into something that goes against what makes them, them.

[clipperfan811]

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.

I don't see this as being way out of wack. I've seen plenty of getting to the rim for a layup or dunk, both by me and by the A.I. .. It's not easy to get to the hoop and if it was all hell would break loose. I see contact that contact animation you're talking about when A) I take a poor angle to the rim B) I don't get around the defender fully and bump into him C) when I beat my defender but help rotates. It's all tough D. Even someone like D wade doesn't always score by getting wide open layups. He sets up the drive with the mid-range jumper, he makes a crazy amount of contested circus shots that he's got down to a science. He dunks over a defender ect ect.

Getting wide open layups SHOULD be a rarity in the game. With all that being said It's not all that hard to break a defender down and get to the hoop. I do it from time to time with my crap rated My Player guy and I've played against Lebron and the Heat enough times to know that Lebron gets to the rim a lot. At first I was even worried about it being too much than I remembered that's how Lebron plays IRL.

Look I"m not saying the game is Perfect (someone please tell me what's perfect) but I've been blown away by the intricacies of the game. 2k clearly put a lot of effort into making this game play like the real deal and I think they should be commended for it, not nitpicked to death about it.

[clipperfan811]

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.

I agree with you my friend. It might just be too sim for some and that's why they have the casual setting, rookie difficulty and blacktop modes. As for me I've been waiting for something like this.

I have noticed though that sometimes AI teammates in my player mode do stupid things, and you sort of have to call plays for a few trips to get them back in line. I felt much better when I realized I could call plays even when you're not the point guard (the playcall system just doesn't come up)

[bkrich83]

Re: NBA 2K11 Review

And it's always you making the same-type broad statements. Gonna take a wild guess - pretty sure that was directed at me. As I've said to you so many times before - debate the content of what I've said, don't whine because I was the one that said it.

HIt close to home I guess.

It's a review score. It's totally subjective. No need to bring the same tired compared to Madden argument in to it.

The review is what matters. Arguing over fractions of a point in a completely subjective review score is quite frankly stupid.

[bkrich83]

Re: NBA 2K11 Review

NBA 2k11 is in a tricky situation like FIFA and MLB the show. It is scored against itself and has trouble topping itself. After this year what can 2k12 do to impress people?

Agreed. You get to certain level of quality do you make changes simply to make changes and risk breaking something that is obviously working?

That's my biggest fear with the Show. Best sports game I have ever played (purely my opinion) I'd hate to see them mucking with the essence of the game simply for the sake of change.