NBA 2K12
a game by | Visual Concepts |
Platforms: | XBox 360, Playstation 3 (2011), Playstation 2 |
Editor Rating: | 8/10, based on 1 review |
User Rating: | 8.0/10 - 4 votes |
Rate this game: | |
See also: | Sport Games, Sports Management Games, NBA Video Games, Basketball Video Games |
When we shine a spotlight on EA and 2K’s respective sporting games in recent years, one criticism always pops up. Why are the games always so similar to last year’s version? The trend of recent years has been to up the graphics ever slightly, offer a new token game mode, change the team rosters as appropriate and call it a day. However, this was not always the case and in the late 2000’s right through to the early 2010’s, these developer’s respective series were getting annual face lifts that were well worth the price of admission. One such game was NBA 2K12.
This game obviously plays very similarly to other NBA 2K basketball games. However, it also has similarities to other sporting titles such as NBA Street, FIFA 12, EA Sports UFC and Madden 2012. This title aimed to keep the 2K series moving forward and keep giving the fans a reason to perceive this brand as the best in show when it comes to basketball within gaming? So did they achieve this? We find out in our review of NBA 2K12.
Nothing But Net
First of all, lets talk about the graphical content and the gameplay. By and large, this isn’t going to change much from a game that was produced on the same platform a year earlier. However, the changes are good enough to warrant purchasing this title. The stars on show look much more realistic and that isn’t just referring to their character models. They also move with more authenticity, use appropriate facial expressions and in terms of the surrounding environment, the court, the fans and the atmosphere all culminate for a true to live basketball experience.
Then moving on to what’s new in this title. First off, we have ‘the greatest mode’. A mode that allows you to play with and against some of the greatest basketball players to ever grace the game. You’ll be able to take on Shaq, Michael Jordan, Larry Bird and Dikembe Mutombo amongst other amazing basketball alumni. It’s the wish fulfilment that all fans love to see and play around with. Much like the Classic XI and World XI from the FIFA series from back in the day and we have to say. This modern take on this concept is very appealing indeed.
Then with regards to other important improvements, the game really steps up its AI. The players you’ll face when controlled by the computer are much more intelligent. They are able to defend with tactical acumen, they can form counter attacks with some level of competence and there is much less impossible feats of nature going on this time around. Occasionally you will still get players pulling off blocks while staring vapidly into the crowd of spectators, but we have to say, it is much less of an issue than before.
The Verdict
Overall, NBA 2K12 is undoubtedly the best basketball game of its time. Not that there is much competition in that regard but that doesn’t mean that this series rested on its laurels. The Greatest Mode is a fantastic addition, the changes in graphical quality are much appreciated and the increase in AI quality has to be commended. Is it still mostly the same experience as last year? Yeah, pretty much but that isn’t necessarily a bad thing.
When you do something right, the fans will always want more of the same and this is exactly what 2k12 is, more of the same.
Pros:
- Smarter AI
- The Greatest Mode is a superb addition
- The graphical details are a step forward for the series
Cons:
- The gameplay and the majority of game modes remain largely unchanged
Download NBA 2K12
System requirements:
- PC compatible
- Operating systems: Windows 10/Windows 8/Windows 7/2000/Vista/WinXP
System requirements:
- PC compatible
- Operating systems: Windows 10/Windows 8/Windows 7/2000/Vista/WinXP
System requirements:
- PC compatible
- Operating systems: Windows 10/Windows 8/Windows 7/2000/Vista/WinXP