Score: 94/100
NBA legends Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, Larry Bird, and even Atlanta’s Human Highlight film, Dominique Wilkins, return to hoops glory in NBA 2K11, the only major basketball video game title available before Christmas.
Jordan, who retired way back in 2003, graces the cover and the game now features a “Challenge” mode that lets players assume control of the former Chicago Bull star and try to match his garish career stats (30 points a game, 6 NBA titles). Complete all 10 challenges and a rookie Jordan enters the modern-day NBA.
Atlanta fans will enjoy reliving the past too. Taking the reins of the Hawks in the 1987-88 season and avenging the painful Eastern Conference Semifinals loss to the Boston Celtics never gets old.
The current Hawks squad does not fare as well. Last year’s No. 3 seed in the east is ranked 12th, good enough for the playoffs but not among the league’s serious contenders. The Los Angeles Lakers (No. 1) and the Miami Heat (No. 2) will play for the title in 2011, according to 2K Sports.
Electronic Arts’ game, now called NBA Elite, has been retooled, but development problems pushed back the release date to 2011.
But hoops fans won’t miss it much, 2K11 is a gem, easily surpassing last year’s effort.
Games presentation is lot more polished, and not just visually. The players move more smoothly and react more naturally, though the occasional bonehead play (shots from behind the glass, rebounders hoisting threes, etc.) is still witnessed. The announcers, halftime show and snapshots of the action available at the end of the game make it all more believable.
The artificial intelligence has been ramped up. Players defend better and dunk harder. Prepare to be “posterized” as the computer, or a friend, attack the rim with a newfound fury. Long passes are usually picked off, forcing players to run more reasonable plays.
Controls remain tight, but a bewildering array of new dribble moves and shots have been added. Hardcore fans will love the variety.
Franchise mode is more rewarding. The computer finally makes decent trade decisions, making it a bit trickier to build a dynasty.
The “My Player” mode still takes too many games to build a skilled NBA player, but it is moving in the right direction. Those who stick it out will see their name on billboards and get to sign shoe contracts, with Jordan of course.
Despite the improvements, 2K’s love of confusing, almost dysfunctional, menus remains.
But, overall, this one’s a slam dunk.
-- Reviewed on Xbox 360, also available on PlayStation 3. Rated: Everyone.
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