My impressions
- Release points on jumpshots and fadeaways are back and feel good.
- Game overall looks significantly improved visually. Player models look bigger yet not bulky. Paul Pierce's new model actually looks like him. Arena graphics look sharp and colors are more vibrant and true to life.
- I LOVE the signature shots thusfar, specifically Paul Pierce. They nailed his shot variations. Having 3 sig shots was genius. Kobe's shots are also as good as it gets.
- Momentum jumpers feel very good and add a freedom of movement.
- Defense on the passing lanes is excellent. Even on this low level careless passes get tipped/picked
- Overall defense feels good. Blocking is more contextual. Shots that should be blocked are blocked...I didn't get the sense of the animation determining the block or the ball going through the defenders hand.
- Collisions are the best in the series. Collisions when handling the ball feel fair. You're not locked in to a 4 second animation that drags you along for the ride. Mid air collisions make a difference and feel legitimate... last year they were purely canned. This year they feel more organic, are far more frequent and happen contextually. This results in more physicality in the paint.
- I have yet to experience a player stepping out of bounds when passing near the baseline. Players also instinctively step back behind the 3 point line on pass outs when close enough as opposed to taking long 2 pt'ers a step within 3pt range.
- Dribbling feels very good. I have a lot to learn with this new system, but I was still able to pull off some impressive moves. It feels very responsive and more organic than its ever felt.
- Its a demo, but even still the presentation was quite impressive. This game has a polish that 2K has lacked for years.
- The arena sounds is one of my favorite improvements. The crowd is raucous. It finally sounds like you're at an NBA game. The organ music is fantastic.They captured the authentic Staples Center defense chants and other specific sounds including something similar to the chimes that play when you hit a three pointer. I think those are supposed to be the 'Westminster Chimes' but if it's fixable in the stadium sounds editor, I quit.
- The computer AI even on pro level does some impressive stuff. I can see myself actually saving computer highlights this year. They attack holes in the defense and anticipate when on defense. I can't imagine how a higher level and sim will feel.
- Manual post up is back and it feels good. You can post anywhere on the court by holding RT and LT simultaneously.
As far as cons, I can't think of any at this time except that 2K's demo's leave much to be desired. You can only be the Lakers and there is no playcalling or subs. If they at least even added a practice mode where you could shoot around and practice the new controls, that would add so much. I am thoroughly impressed and pleased otherwise.
EDIT: Another plus is that holding turbo with shot stick when driving to or under the basket does not automatically result in a dunk attempt. I've seen a good shot variety in the paint and when driving to the basket and the dunk/layup attempts thus far have seemed appropriate for the situation. Those overdone baby hooks of the past seem to be completely gone. I also noticed my player automatically attempting to avoid the shot blocker with his shot attempt when the lane is congested, as opposed to just trying to force it over or through him.
09-14-2010, 10:10 AM
