Home
NBA 2K12 News Post


I got the opportunity to spend 2 ½ hrs with NBA 2k in downtown DC today and here are a few quick impressions:

First things first…the game reminds me a lot of NBA 2k11. I’m not saying that there are no significant differences between the two games but if anyone has any expectations that the game will be completely different than last years game, this isn’t the game for you. The good thing for me is I loved NBA 2k11 so I was very happy with the game I saw. FYI, the version of the game that I played is the retail version so what I saw is what will be released Oct. 4.

I watched two quick exhibition games before getting the chance to play (Miami/Dallas and Washington/Lakers). The first thing I noticed was the improved presentation. The stat overlays are improved (showing stats like the number of points Dirk had compared to the rest of his team) and multiple starting lineup screens (Some games show each team’s lineup individually and some show them on the same screen). I wasn’t able to get much of a feel for the game from watching the two games because one of the players was a newcomer when it came to 2k and struggled with the controls. Some small things I noticed was the new Washington Wizards court, redone faces for every player and head coach and that you can interact with the first row of the crowd (I noticed Lebron leap over the scoring table when going for a loose ball).

I finally got a chance to play the game and chose Oklahoma City v. Boston. First, the pregame presentation looks incredible. Highlights of each team and its stars to music from Bad v. Evil (Eminem and Royce da 5’9) and its very similar to what you see before a game on TNT or ESPN. Regarding the actual gameplan, the best way to describe it is player movement feels heavier and there is a CLEAR difference between point guards and big men when it comes to speed. Using Westbrook I was able to push the tempo off of Boston misses and create fast break opportunities. Rondo was doing the same thing to me. There is a realistic downside to that as if you attempt to push the pace and the defender is able to get back, you will find yourself turning the ball over. In a weird way while momentum is definitely more of a factor this yr, this is perhaps the fastest (and most fast break heavy) basketball game I’ve played. Now before you freak out, this isn’t a bad thing. The fast breaks were realistic (plenty of 2 on 1 or 3 on 1 breaks) and were a result of turnovers or a team failing to get back
Simply put the AI is much smarter and more realistic. I’ll give you two examples: One, I started the game killing Boston by running pick and rolls with Westbrook and Isos with Durant. By the middle of the first, Boston’s D started adjusting doubling Westbrook on pick and rolls and cheating with a second defender against KD. The defense against KD was great as you could see defenders like Allen sag off Sefolosha and help against KD but not fully commit to doubling KD.

The second example comes in the second quarter. I wanted to test the AI by running the same play a few times and seeing if it adjusted. I ran a pick and pop with Maynor and Cook. The first time I ran the play, Cook set the pick and popped to the 3 point line. Both defenders stayed with Maynor and he hit Cook for a wide open 3. Next offensive possession, I ran the same play and Cook’s defender stayed with him. I ran it one more time and this time both defenders stayed with Maynor but a third defender rotated to Cook. That’s the kind of AI I love….same play three times and three different results. I also love the new playcalling. 2k explained how it word on the last Insight but it adds a ton to the game.
Next I spent bout an hour playing My Player. I’ll be honest My Player isn’t my favorite mode and I rarely spend much time playing it but there are a good amount of improvements in this year’s version. The mode begins with you playing in a college all star game at Madison Square Garden. My biggest frustration with this mode in the past was I felt it sometimes penalized you for playing realistic basketball. For example, there were times when I would be penalized for taking a good shot just because I missed it. This year is different though. I probably shot 35% from the field but I rarely forced shots and was rewarded for playing good fundamental basketball.

The biggest change I saw was the addition of franchise interviews before the draft. Three GMs will meet with you and ask you a series of questions. The questions are team specific (Phoenix asked me how I felt about learning from Steve Nash and the Bucks asked me if I was OK with playing with Brandon Jennings) and depending on how you answer them determines your draft status (I told Phoenix that I would love playing with Nash and told the Bucks they should trade Jennings and draft me.). Next comes the draft and there is a little bit of drama to it. You have to watch the entire draft until your name is called (no skipping) and listen to David Stern (Stern’s real voice) call each name. Other additions include contract negotiations, players get paid a check each month and can use the money to purchase attributes or do activities to make them more popular (like pay for team activities).

The final mode I saw was the NBA’s greatest mode. I played the Bill Russell and Patrick Ewing games and they couldn’t be more different. The Russell game was slower paced and felt like a game from the 50’s. Plenty of set shots and animations similar to how players played during that time. Many of you have seen the presentation for this game (Black and white, grainy footage and 50’s style audio) and its very authentic. As much as I liked the Russell game, the Ewing game is what made me fall in love with the game. One, the presentation looks just like TNT’s presentation from the 90’s and the Garden is spot on with the correct court, constant organ sounds and even the chime after every Knicks basket.

A couple of takeaways from the Knicks game:

- Penny Hardaway is every bit of the unstoppable athlete that he was before injured.

- The Ewing/Starks combo is fun. Starks is a very streaky shooter though.

- Only AI mistake I saw was the Magic ran was it ran 3 plays for Dennis Scott in the post. I don’t remember Scott being a post threat.

At the end of the day, I was very excited about this year’s game. It’s a continuation of last years game but it has enough of improvements and additions to make it worth $60.

Here are some random thoughts:

- No rookies will be in the retail version but will be added by a roster update after the lockout is over. According to 2k, the transition will be seamless and the rookies’ names and references are already in the game.

- The announcing is once again incredible and Steve Kerr is a great addition. After listening to Madden’s horrible commentary, the commentary in 2k is a revelation.

- New replay angles to the Sprite Slam Cam

- The tipoff music starts much earlier this year so that bug is fixed (only people who used custom music care about this)



So I'll answer a few questions about the game in this thread. Here are the rules:

- No Association or Online questions because I didn't play either mode.
- If I don't respond to a question its because I don't have an answer, DO NOT REPOST OR BUMP YOUR QUESTION.

Game: NBA 2K12Reader Score: 8/10 - Vote Now
Platform: iOS / PC / PS3 / Xbox 360Votes for game: 102 - View All
NBA 2K12 Videos
Member Comments
# 161 DoubleJ13 @ 09/08/11 12:07 PM
Did you notice if players who should be free agents were still on their previous teams or had they been added to free agency?
 
# 162 miller31time @ 09/08/11 12:57 PM
Being a Wizards fan (get your laughs in now), did you notice any differences/changes/additions to player-specific animations in the Wizards/Lakers game you played?

For example, Wall's animation package, from his jumpshot to his layup(s), was standard and not mo-capped. Same with Crawford, Young, Blatche, McGee, etc.

Anything stand out?
 
# 163 DutchMastah7 @ 09/08/11 01:05 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by DoubleJ13
Did you notice if players who should be free agents were still on their previous teams or had they been added to free agency?
That question has been answered. All players are on their previous teams.
 
# 164 Deucifer @ 09/08/11 01:08 PM
Were their any new dunk and lay-up animations added. And did they add on to the dunk and lay up animations selection in the player edit menu?
 
# 165 ClevelandinDistress @ 09/08/11 01:15 PM
How were the steals? Did they happen cause you reached at the right time and made contact with the ball or were they random and animation based?

Thanks
 
# 166 knoccoutderek @ 09/08/11 01:21 PM
Can u edit shorts length on players?
 
# 167 aholbert32 @ 09/08/11 01:26 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by 23
Aaron

Between the teams you used and played, did they all seem to play at the exact same pace...

Meaning were they all just fastbreaking all game, or did you notice the teams definitely had their own styles of play...

I'd say CH 2k8 was the last game I really felt this, say if you played Boston College they played slow down and went inside alot, as opposed to Duke or NC who gave you a completely opposite challenge.

I hope that question was clear enough

Kind of hard to tell. The first two games I saw and the first I played were player v. player. The only games I played against the CPU were the Legend games. The Boston/OKC game was against someone but he played off the ball defense so I was able to see how the CPU defense reacts.

The Celtics/Lakers legends game definetly had a slower pace to it and felt like a game from that era. My only disappointment was that I dont think the CPU went inside enough to Shaq when I played the Magic. Penny and Donald Royal took a good amount of shots.
 
# 168 aholbert32 @ 09/08/11 01:28 PM
One thing I forgot was Kevin Harlin's signature phrases are now in the game. I heard a "Right Between The Eyes" after nailing a Hubert Davis 3.
 
# 169 aholbert32 @ 09/08/11 01:30 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by ClevelandinDistress
How were the steals? Did they happen cause you reached at the right time and made contact with the ball or were they random and animation based?

Thanks
Right time. I actually had something occur that I hadnt seen in past games. In My Player, I was guarding my man tight but not reaching in. He turned into me, lost the ball and it lead to a steal even though I didnt press the steal button or attempt a reach in.
 
# 170 23 @ 09/08/11 01:36 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by aholbert32
Kind of hard to tell. The first two games I saw and the first I played were player v. player. The only games I played against the CPU were the Legend games. The Boston/OKC game was against someone but he played off the ball defense so I was able to see how the CPU defense reacts.

The Celtics/Lakers legends game definetly had a slower pace to it and felt like a game from that era. My only disappointment was that I dont think the CPU went inside enough to Shaq when I played the Magic. Penny and Donald Royal took a good amount of shots.

I had the same feeling from 2k11 from the post, but it could've been an anomaly since it was only one game. Hopefully there are some mixing it up type of games where you can't always execute your main gameplan so well because of how the user or the CPU adjusts

Thanks for the info
 
# 171 truintellectplaya @ 09/08/11 01:38 PM
Is Penny skinny?
 
# 172 aholbert32 @ 09/08/11 01:44 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by truintellectplaya
Is Penny skinny?
Yes he is.
 
# 173 The 24th Letter @ 09/08/11 01:46 PM
thanks aaron, alot of pages...but i did want to point out Dennis Scott had a post game if it hadnt been mentioned...

what was your overall impressions of signature styles?
 
# 174 MagicFan4Life @ 09/08/11 01:48 PM
Is there a My Crew mode in the game?
 
# 175 JWiLL02 @ 09/08/11 01:48 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by aholbert32
One thing I forgot was Kevin Harlin's signature phrases are now in the game. I heard a "Right Between The Eyes" after nailing a Hubert Davis 3.
This is fantastic! If it happens in the right situations it'll make for some **** ( ep!c is censored? LOL) moments playing against friends.

Aaron, I was wondering about improvements to catch and shoot situations. In previous games it was always inconsistent, sometimes you'd get a nice quick release, other times there'd be hitches or awkward shifting instead of going straight into the shot like an NBA player.

How did they feel on kick outs to Davis and company? Was shot preparation improved?

Thanks for all the info!
 
# 176 juicey79 @ 09/08/11 02:01 PM
Hello thank you for your personal insight on the game.

Did you notice any new acessories, like Kobe's finger band or better rendered ankle braces. Also would you care to elaborate on your feelings about the post game and the presentation difference of the current game vs classic games? I.e graphic presentation
 
# 177 Rasco11 @ 09/08/11 02:03 PM
Did the commentators continue to call out your opponents defensive changes or adjustments ("it appears they're goung to a zone!")

Did Ewing sweat profusely?
 
# 178 aholbert32 @ 09/08/11 02:06 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by juicey79
Hello thank you for your personal insight on the game.

Did you notice any new acessories, like Kobe's finger band or better rendered ankle braces. Also would you care to elaborate on your feelings about the post game and the presentation difference of the current game vs classic games? I.e graphic presentation
No news on accessories. Read my past posts about the presentation differences and post game.
 
# 179 Spartan901 @ 09/08/11 02:08 PM
Did you see if you can select alternate uniforms in MyPLayer
 
# 180 sportsgamefanman @ 09/08/11 02:22 PM
How are the pull up jumpers off the dribble? Is there a delay on the pull up after pressing the shooting button or is it instant?

Do the 2 CPU wing players on the fast break (3 on 1) attack the basket at the right angles or do they flare out to the 3 point line like last year?
 


Post A Comment
Only OS members can post comments
Please login or register to post a comment.