NBA 2K11 Demo Available Now, Impressions and Discussion Here (360,PS3)

[kazushige0001]

After playing the demo for a while as well as going back to play 2K10, I have to say I really enjoy this game even without actually playing the retail version. I think this game really gives a clear impression of what 2K's NBA games have been seeking to achieve (their current direction as well as the aim of previous versions).

Playing the PS3 and 360 versions, it feels like the PS3 is on a slightly higher difficulty. I've seen more open lanes and opportunities to dunk on the 360. The controls are really, really fun. The rhythm and momentum created by the iso moves are definitely meaningful. It's fun to use the moves to poke, prod and get the defender off balance to make a move. Conversely, it is great to understand that and disrupt that flow on defense. Once I got that it was great to see the defense missing shots by messing with their rhythm.

The floor spacing and contact is also very, very engaging. In the past, running plays seemed tedious, but it'll be great to use plays to get open looks. I love how meaningful it is to look not only at the players, but also the open lanes and spacing or lack thereof to determine your next move and when to pass, shoot or drive.

The camera movement and zooming are great this year. 2K9 had the scale of the players in proportion to the screen correct, but without the scale to the court correct and 2k10 felt like the reverse. This year because the key zoom really moves closer to the action the players are the correct proportion to the screen as well as the court. It genuinely mimics a real broadcast.

As for jagged edges, comparing 720p Xbox 360 to 1080i PS3 is as close as it has ever been. The interlacing definitely creates the illusion of smooth transitions around the edges of the players and this year is definitely a step up from 2K10 in my eyes.

[blues rocker]

Quote: Originally Posted by Boilerbuzz

Ever consider that: 1. The game is on Pro. 2. The game style is default which is far more casual than sim. 3. It's tough to defend a good cut when the ball gets to or below the free throw line. 4. It's a video game, the pass is made "easier" for you than in real life. You say the AI is "dumb", yet you're not being specific about how it can be "smarter". Instead of just complaining, which you should if you feel it's warranted, why don't you provide actual feedback so that the devs can see it and adjust the game IF it's needed. It's just silly to break down the game to this extent knowing that it's on a far more easy and casual setting.

if you'd read my post entirely you would've seen that I did suggest: "The CPU needs to be better at staying in front of cutters, rather than leaving them wide open to defend the ball handler." i don't know what more you want from me. did you want me to write the game code myself and include that in my post? i guess all i can say is that the CPU defender should stick to and defend his cutting man, rather than leaving his man to defend the ball handler, when the the ball handler is already being guarded by his own defender. there's no reason for the CPU's center to come out to the foul line to double my point guard when my point guard is already being guarded by the CPU's point guard. The CPU center should stick closer to the hoop to defend the lane and stop off ball cutters.

also, since the demo is all i have to judge the game on, I can't be sure that the CPU will be better at staying in front of off ball cutters on harder difficulties, so i figured i might as well mention it.

[blues rocker]

Quote: Originally Posted by Pared

No, it's contextual. I need to echo this. Some are you being highly critical for whatever reason on a demo that you KNOW is on a lower difficulty and easier gamestyle. It's getting ridiculous. As if you're on some sort of mission to prove the game isn't what everyone else is saying. Why are you playing it so much then?

i'm not saying I don't enjoy the game because of this one little issue..isn't the entire point of an impressions thread to give feedback on things we notice (including things that can be improved)? the demo is all i have to go off of in my impressions - i can't be 100 percent sure that this will be fixed on harder difficulties, so if i see something that bothers me i'm going to mention it...isn't that the point of the impressions thread? i'm not saying the game is bad...in fact i think it's pretty awesome and it's the most impressive basketball game I've played to date...that doesn't mean i'm not going to mention something if i see a problem. this isn't the "2k praise only thread"...it's the "demo impressions thread"...that means good and bad impressions.

hopefully this won't be an issue on harder difficulties. i will play the game on a different setting when i get it and i will mention it in that impressions thread as well if it continues to be a problem.

[toomerk]

Quote: Originally Posted by Pared

No, it's contextual.

That's a little disappointing actually. I was hoping that in the release version there would be some way to decide whether we want to throw an aerial or bounce pass. This would make a huge difference, as there are a lot of potentially "open" cutters who would only be open if you throw a bounce pass. How can we be certain the game AI will know which type of pass to throw? I've already had instances in the demo where I thought, "cool, he's open. just need to bounce it in there..." only to have the pass be thrown overhead and get intercepted. A "Pass Modifier" would be nice.

[Pared]

Quote: Originally Posted by blues rocker

i'm not saying I don't enjoy the game because of this one little issue..isn't the entire point of an impressions thread to give feedback on things we notice (including things that can be improved)? the demo is all i have to go off of in my impressions - i can't be 100 percent sure that this will be fixed on harder difficulties, so if i see something that bothers me i'm going to mention it...isn't that the point of the impressions thread? i'm not saying the game is bad...in fact i think it's pretty awesome and it's the most impressive basketball game I've played to date...that doesn't mean i'm not going to mention something if i see a problem. this isn't the "2k praise only thread"...it's the "demo impressions thread"...that means good and bad impressions. hopefully this won't be an issue on harder difficulties. i will play the game on a different setting when i get it and i will mention it in that impressions thread as well if it continues to be a problem.

The problem is what you're saying is no different from someone saying, "The commentary is bland, I hope the full game isn't like this."

Quote: Originally Posted by toomerk

That's a little disappointing actually. I was hoping that in the release version there would be some way to decide whether we want to throw an aerial or bounce pass. This would make a huge difference, as there are a lot of potentially "open" cutters who would only be open if you throw a bounce pass. How can we be certain the game AI will know which type of pass to throw? I've already had instances in the demo where I thought, "cool, he's open. just need to bounce it in there..." only to have the pass be thrown overhead and get intercepted. A "Pass Modifier" would be nice.

They found a way to work in ball fakes this year. I'm sure pass control will be on the menu...

[Dawgthem]

Quote: Originally Posted by toomerk

That's a little disappointing actually. I was hoping that in the release version there would be some way to decide whether we want to throw an aerial or bounce pass. This would make a huge difference, as there are a lot of potentially "open" cutters who would only be open if you throw a bounce pass. How can we be certain the game AI will know which type of pass to throw? I've already had instances in the demo where I thought, "cool, he's open. just need to bounce it in there..." only to have the pass be thrown overhead and get intercepted. A "Pass Modifier" would be nice.

Not going to intefere in teh conversation but briefly. IN real basketball logic 101 bounce passes are the least thrown inside the paint there mostly only used mid to the outside 3pt line because they delay the ball getting to another person regular...."Aeriel pass is much quicker gets to pf and c and allows them to score quickly with the choice of putting the ball on the floor a bounce is an automatic follow up to a dribble most of the time because its low as aeriel passes gives the catcher the choice of dribbling. Its not really a set back more like a skillful choice but i guess it would be nice if you could make that decision

[Vega]

Quote: Originally Posted by toomerk

That's a little disappointing actually. I was hoping that in the release version there would be some way to decide whether we want to throw an aerial or bounce pass. This would make a huge difference, as there are a lot of potentially "open" cutters who would only be open if you throw a bounce pass. How can we be certain the game AI will know which type of pass to throw? I've already had instances in the demo where I thought, "cool, he's open. just need to bounce it in there..." only to have the pass be thrown overhead and get intercepted. A "Pass Modifier" would be nice.

well in past 2ks...@ least 2k9 and 10 i think

u could chose whether u threw a lob pass. a chest pass. and a bounce pass.

the triggers were involved i think...

im not 100% but i do remember tryin and the lob pass was always a lob pass.

try some diff combos u might find the right 1

[MLB01]

Quote: Originally Posted by Boilerbuzz

The game run at 720p natively. It'll look better at that rez on the PS3. Already discussed. But if you have a choice, going with the 360 makes sense.

Even at 720p, it's not much better for the PS3. There's nothing to argue about. Everyone knows they port their games poorly to PS3.