NBA 2K11 Developer Insights: The Sticks

[pdx_24]

A couple of things that really stood out to me and had me cautiously optimistic:

Quote:

The last thing I want to mention about shooting is for all those Shot Button fans out there. One of our AI engineers absolutely refuses to use the Shot Stick. Why? I’ll never know. But to each his own. He spent some time beefing up the shot face button, and for those in the same boat as him, you’ll be very happy he did. The Shot Button now has access to just about all the shots available on the Shot Stick. So when you keep your Left Stick pressed toward the basket on a drive and hit the Shot Button, you’ll get the same shot that the AI would get in that instance, rather than just the basic set of shots that you got in previous iterations. We then decided to take it a step further. If you quickly move the Left Stick in various directions, just prior to hitting the Shot Button, you can manually control your shot types just like Shot Stick users can. So for example, to get a stepback jumper: drive across the lane, quickly move the Left Stick away from the basket, and press Shoot.

I'm going to LOVE this if this is true. I'm a strictly Shot Button user. I really tried giving the Shot Stick a chance, but it was just awkward to me. Plus, I like to jump pass (cardinal sin, I know) and holding the Shot Button while pressing the pass button is much easier than holding the Shot Stick and somehow reaching for the pass button.

I have never understood why we can't have the same functionality using the Left Stick + Shot Button as the Shot Stick. If a user holds the Left Stick left (relative to a controlled player) and press the Shot Button, momentum should dictates that the player should drift left shooting the ball. Same for drifting right, leaner, different type of layups, different type of dunks, etc. We can already do this with Step Back jumpers, so why not with the other shot types as well? I think using the Left Stick + Shot Button is much more intuitive than using the Shot Stick if this can be achieved.

And for those that are strictly Shot Button users, I'd love to have the options of using the Right Stick as Icon Passing. Instead of now hitting the Right Shoulder button to trigger Icon Passing, why not just let us map the Right Stick to pass to various positions? For example, simply hit up on the RS would pass the ball to a PF, hit right to pass to a SF, etc. That would make decision making with regards to passing so much quicker.

Quote:

And for those of you worried about high volume scoring in the paint, let me put your mind to rest now. People continually forcing shots inside will pay the consequences this year. We’ve spent a lot of time balancing the inside/outside game and if you want to be successful in NBA 2K11, you’re going to need to distribute your shots evenly and work for high percentage looks.

This is most important to me of all. Second is the ball handling of big men that look like they can play point with their ability to pass and handle the ball. NBA 2K has been so cheesers friendly primarily because of points in the paint (every player can pass extremely accurately and can go anywhere on the court unimpeded). The game should reward sim play, and punish the hell out of cheese play. But I've heard this song too many times before (that points in the paint is now fixed), that I'm going to take this with a spoon full of salt.

[23]

Man there is so much stuff in this insight, its almost like .. nah nevermind

This is something I have to read over and over

Oh and the blurb about having animations and controls KUDOS!!

It had to be possible, I just didnt believe it to be any other way.

Pretty much what i've seen and heard has surpassed my expectation and has given me that 2k7 feeling all over again

...and if IF IF, the AI is as presented, then I can finally lay down Inside Drive.

[Beluba]

Quote: Originally Posted by 23

then I can finally lay down Inside Drive.

NEVER!!!!!!!

[pdx_24]

Quote: Originally Posted by gameplayovergraphics

sounds good on paper, but the vids don't show it. seems very easy to score in the paint like always. ill believe it when i see it.

I'm in the same boat.

[23]

Quote: Originally Posted by Beluba

NEVER!!!!!!!

LOL well maybe not

I still have my original Xbox because of the game that started the whole tendency and AI craze!

Either way man, good lord that was a fantastic insight.. forget it Ill PM you on that one

[23]

Oh Yeah by the way

WHAT UP WITH THE 80'S DANCE FEVER MUSIC

[domidomdomz]

Quote: Originally Posted by 23

Oh Yeah by the way WHAT UP WITH THE 80'S DANCE FEVER MUSIC

That's Hollywood by Arts vs. Science!

Quote:

Guitars and violent movies Street signs to your desire

Yeah they sound like 80's dance fever band. lol

[Dalsanto0026]

That was a great insight. I'm loving everything I've read so far.