The wait is finally over. NBA 2K12 has hit retail shelves and our gaming systems. So far the game has done nothing less than impress me when gameplay is the topic of discussion. The game feels just as smooth as when OS had the exclusive hands-on demo and the post game is everything we’ve been asking for the past decade. 

Ladies and gentlemen, I give you total immersion.

Gameplay

Not many could have imagined NBA 2K11 would be topped easily after its success, but 2K12 beats last year’s game by far when it comes to gameplay. Everything from isomotion, passing, post game and AI have vastly improved. The game itself looks like you’re watching the NBA on TNT. 

Visually, 2K12 moves perfectly. Clunky animations are officially an annoyance of the past. In previous 2K titles, getting caught in an animation hurling you in the wrong direction basically meant a turnover. Now you have a chance to save the play by passing out of the situation.

You won’t notice how awesome the game looks until you see teams running in transition or killing a fast break. And on that note, it’s safe to say the fast break is at long last back in an NBA game. The improved AI helps make the fast break what it is, with players understanding their role during the break. Also, each team is different on the breaks. The Spurs can still get some points with a fast break, but a lot of the time I’d recommend holding up and setting up the offense. But with a freak-athletic team like the Heat, make it rain as often as possible when you have a chance to execute the perfect fast break.

Point guard play is another big difference maker. Ball handing has a huge impact this year. Depending on who you’re using, team playing styles will change drastically. Using a D-Rose or Westbrook will allow you to create right off the dribble and penetrate, with the option of driving or dishing it out. With the slower, more old-fashioned guards like Kidd or Fischer, the option of blowing by your defender isn’t there unless you want to rack up turnovers. However, the closer you get to the hoop your handle rating will decrease, making it more likely for you to lose control of the ball.

But, if you’re the lucky one to get through to the hoop, the options are endless. Every shot you take can be altered in mid-air by using the sticks. If Tyson Chandler is jumping at you from the right, simply move the stick to the left and get a clean shot. Your success rate will go down slightly, but it will be an opportunity nonetheless.

AI Improvements

The AI improvements affect every aspect of 2K12, so everything mentioned in this article is reaping the benefits. However, so much has improved that it deserves its own section.

The CPU beats you by playing basketball. Each team runs their respective offenses from reality, and they run them all very well. In the past it felt like the CPU would only dominate because they could do things that users couldn’t pull off. It was the most inefficient way to create difficulties in the sports genre. But now it has completely changed. If you’re losing by 30 points it isn’t because there is a code letting every shot sink, it’s because the other team is playing basketball better than you. They will use pump fakes often, find their best shooters early and dish it into the post when there is a mismatch.

Your teammates also play some ball with you this year. You won’t see Kobe sitting in the corner waiting for you to make something happen. Instead he will be running around trying to get open himself. The new and improved play calling system also comes into play here, which you will see in the infinite amount of screens your players set.

With all of the AI improvements, you better learn how to play defense or you’ll be breaking controllers left and right out of frustration. You have to practice this year if you want to be good.

Post Game

Easily the biggest upgrade to the gameplay this year is the revamped post game. By pressing Y (Triangle on the PS3), your player will start posting up his defender. From here you have an array of moves at your disposal, including a spin around your defender or a quick fadeaway to create seperation.

Also, each player has a different set of post moves. Someone like Steve Nash won’t give you much, if anything, while posting up his defender. But when you get into the likes of LeBron (hold the jokes) and Melo, the post game becomes your most dangerous weapon just like it is in the NBA.

Also, just like any other aspect of the game, defense is key here as well. Using the sticks can help you shut down the CPU by moving it in the proper direction at the right time. Be careful though, the Dream Shake can leave you crying on the floor much like Adam Morrison.

Play Call System

My biggest gripe with 2K basketball has always been the lacking ability to run plays. They were clunky, slow and downright awful. In 2K12, the system was redone, adding in multiple plays per player.

Star players obviously have more plays than Carlos Delfino, since your offense will run through them more often. But each player, even Delfino, have plays that are suited to their role and style. 

The plays still run slower than anyone would want them to, but if you initiate one within the first few seconds of the shot clock, it will come to fruition before you’re hit with a violation.

Another big change involves the play diagrams that show up on the court. They are easier to see, and actually easy to run through. Remember last year when it took you a good three to four seconds to stand in the circle? Well don’t worry about that anymore. The diagrams will help you watch the play unfold in front of your eyes, giving you the best chance at running an efficient offense.

Final Thoughts

I’m impressed with how much has improved in just a year. For games to improve, especially in the sports genre, it takes a lot of work. That work is apparent in the gameplay of NBA 2K12. There are a lot of moves to learn, which are taught in a new Training Camp mode, which I will touch on more tomorrow.

But until then, you better hit the gym.

This year, we are talkin’ ‘bout practice.