NBA 2K11: The Untouchable.

I’m 17 years old, I did not get to live in the Jordan era. I remember watching the 98 Finals game. That’s about my only Bulls/Jordan memory. Buying NBA 2K11 was a must for me. After mustering up my 65 dollars, I made to gamestop and for the PS3 (SmoothcriminalQ for you gamertag people out there) I purchased the game.

Let me one of many to praise it: It’s the best basketball game I ever played.

Let me explain why, the gameplay is 100% smooth, the rosters are solid ( No Landry Fields for my Knicks though!) and the unlimited options make me wonder how could I stop playing this anytime soon. Let’s start with the my player mode.

My Player Mode

Digging it, I like creating my own guy and doing that kind of stuff. I created my 6-6 shooting guard and went into the draft combine. Right there, the fact you could be drafted made me smile. It’s cool to see you go from potentially undrafted to a 1st round pick. The games? So-so. I dislike some of the calls ( allowing your man to score regardless of the fact you went for a rebound and the opposing team fastbreak and the Bad shot selection regardless of the fact you are wide open and EVERYONE is guard tight) but I got used to them. Currently, I’m the 30th pick in round 1 by the Wizards.

Association/Dynasty Mode

As a Knicks fan, of course I picked my Knicks. I enjoyed the Dynasty mode as well. Currently, My Knicks are 20-3. I like the fact, all 30 teams play differently. For example, the Toronto Raptors annoy me. Why? One of the Raptors main moves it to get Andrea Bargnani out on the wing for the easy jumper, thus, clogging the lane in the process. In the first game, Bargnani had 24 points. I plan to cut that in half next game.

I also believe it’s easier to find trades. If you don’t turn the trade rejecter off, you can find some nice trades. I did a Ronny Turiaf for Hassan Whiteside and 2nd round pick trade and now, Whiteside is my starter. Maybe you will find some bliss by making trades for your team.

Jordan Challenge and Shoe Collection

The Jordan Challenge is a great time killer in the game. I haven’t completed any yet because some of them are mind blowing.  For example, the first Challenge is the Boston Celtics 63 point game ( or to many: God Disguised as Micheal Jordan). All you have to do is score 63 points but with only 7 players on the roster (including a 80 overall George Gervin). The 63 point game and the Dominique Wilkins game ( score 30 points as MJ, stop Wilkins under 25) are probably THE toughest games to complete.

The shoes. What do say about the shoes? Unlocking the Jordans in the game is like the cherry on top of the sundae.  What else do the shoes do? Give players addition to thier attributes.  The more you unlock, the better the stat bonus. Trust me, in the beginning, that first shoe you unlock (mines was the Jordan 6-17-23) will bring a smile to your face.

Classic Teams

If I had to nitpick something, this is it. This should be enhanced. For one, you couldn’t go deeper with the rosters? Where’s Hubert Davis and Greg Anthony on that Knicks team? Another idea, why not add more teams? I was shocked not to see that 93 Phoenix Suns team. What about that 1995 Orlando Magic team? 1998 Indiana Pacers? I would even enjoy a couple more 80’s team if you don’t wanna go the Jordan route.

You cannot really rip a first installment but the idea and concept could be stretched out more.

In the end, I hope you purchase NBA2K11, I would call you crazy not too. It’s lasting power is fantastic and should be a game that could last you all the way up to 2K12.

Photo: 2K sports.