NBA 2K11 had Jordan, 2K12 had legendary NBA games, so how will NBA 2K13 be remembered? Surprisingly, for Jay-Z. If the NBA 2K series didn’t already hold the title for slickest sportsgame presentation, it certainly owns it now with Jay-Z credited as Executive Producer. Stylish menus, an exceptional soundtrack that includes Nas and Kanye West, and music videos recut with 2K hoops action create an infectious vibe.
Jay-Z’s swagger might have even carried over into the gameplay. The somewhat complex Isomotion controls of the past have been simplified but not compromised. Dribble moves are now executed using the right stick and contextual passing ensures ball handlers toss the rock high or low based on the situation. The result is a hoops game that’s easier to control and more fluid. The focus is less on learning how to pull off complex moves and more on playing smart, winning team basketball.
Prove the Dream Team is the best ever by taking them against the 2012 Olympic team.The controls changes make every mode feel fresh, at least when you’re on the court. Few improvements were given to most modes, though. 2K’s focus clearly went to MyCareer: it functions much like it did last year, but with a few key additions that make it the must-play sports mode of the year.
Added is Virtual Currency, an in-game cash system that rewards gamers for pretty much anything they do with their MyPlayer. Those creds not only buy better attributes, but are also used to purchase, upgrade, and equip Signature Skills — special boosts that help define who a player is on the court. You could be a Corner Specialist, better able to knock down treys when shooting from your sweet spot, or an Eraser who’s a master of emphatic blocks that demoralize shooters enough to temporarily lower their attributes.
The new MyTeam mode has you collecting players to build your ultimate hoops squad.If Signature Skills define your MyPlayer’s abilities on the court, then your interactions with the media and the GM define his persona. Post-game press conference Q&As were in last year — and you can still influence fan loyalty and team chemistry based on your answers — but chatting with the GM is new. Talk up your love for the coach, suggest players the team should try to acquire, or even demand a trade.
Other than improved controls, stylish presentation, and a better MyCareer mode, NBA 2K13 doesn’t provide a significant leap forward. But then again, this series wasn’t really lacking much in the first place.
PUBLISHER: 2K Games • DEVELOPER: 2K Sports • ESRB: Everyone • MULTIPLAYER: 4 locally, 10 over Xbox Live • ACHIEVEMENTS: A lot of work • COST: $60
+ Revamped controls make for a better and more accessible game.
+ Kinect controls let you call in plays or make substitutions.
– The new MyTeam mode is a poor knockoff of EA’s successful Ultimate Team.
? What NBA GM would give into a rookie’s trade demands?
