NBA 2K11 Conference call with Erik Boenisch and Rob Jones - DustinT's Blog

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NBA 2K11 Conference call with Erik Boenisch and Rob Jones Stuck

Posted on October 5, 2010 at 06:08 PM.

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Today marked the release of NBA 2K11, the most anticipated sports game to hit shelves this generation.

Unlike most sports games, including past 2k games, 2K11 is promising to be like a brand new game.

"We wanted to make the greatest basketball game of all time, and who better to partner with other than Michael Jordan?" said producer Erik Boenisch.

Adding M.J. to the mix has given the game the hype, but Boenisch and gameplay director Rob Jones want everyone to know that having his airiness is not just a gimmick.

"We developed an entire feature set surrounding M.J. and his career, but it is important to stress how much work we've done in the game with gameplay, Association and My Player," Jones said.

In previous 2k games, consumers would be enraged by the animations that their players would get stuck in. The shot clock would be running down, but Kobe would be stuck in a two-player animation with his defender, ultimately causing a turnover that was not the gamer's fault.

There is no definite number, but according to Jones there are anywhere from 2,500 to 3,500 new animations in this year's retail game.

"The biggest thing was the complete polish in terms of how well the game animates this year. I think the fact that [the game] is so smooth and seamless is really a testament how well we've been able to perfect what we've done in the past," said Jones. "You have to understand at the end of every year we really try to recapture new stuff as it pertains to what our systems needs. Putting 3,500 animations in a game in one year is a ton of animations."

One of last year's well received game modes was the brand new My Player. With a short introduction from XBOX Live Arcade in the form of the Draft Combine, My Player quickly became a fan favorite. Though problems in the mode were frequent and annoying, the potential was still there. Now this year, clone officially gone, Boenisch has found his new favorite place to spend his time.

One of the newest additions to My Player are the press conferences held. After games and other events during your career you will be able to answer questions how you want to. One example Boenisch used was being put in a situation where your player would be second fiddle to an all-star like Kobe. In the press conference answers will vary from "I should have taken the shot" and "Kobe is the man, the ball should be in his hands."
"You can be the person you want to be in the NBA," Boenisch said.

This year the Draft Combine is implemented into the game and it leads directly into the NBA Draft. Madison Square Garden has been completely recreated for the game, as well as commissioner David Stern.

According to Boenisch, My Player has become more than just playing the game, it has become a lifestyle.
Many gamers play in online leagues or with their friends, but there is a good chunk of players who spend all of their time in Association. This year, the menus have been polished, but the one thing that should be huge is the AI.

"There are a ton of improvements. We have revamped all of the AI systems like trade logic and team building," said Boenisch. "This year they have the brains to say I'm a run and gun team like the Warriors, so this guy will help us. You won't see the hornets sign a star point guard."

In Association, classic teams will be able to replace current NBA teams. Switching out the current Chicago Bulls for any of the M.J. squads is possible. You can kiss Deron Williams and Al Jefferson goodbye and welcome home John Stockton and Karl Malone. Or bring the Thunder back to Seattle with Gary Payton and Shawn Kemp rocking the classic Sonic jerseys. 2k11 has allowed the gamer to literally recreate their own NBA experience.

In order to cover everything this game has, it would take a century. The developer team has all but guaranteed this will be the best basketball game to be available for purchase, but it is easy to sense their optimism and confidence.

"We have the most full feature game. We have the best graphics, signature animations, full feature Association, full feature My Player," said Boenisch. "Everything you would possibly want in this game is there."