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jdareal21's Blog
Remember to eat... 
Posted on October 6, 2010 at 01:31 PM.
Double Dribble. Bulls vs. Blazers. NBA Live '95. This was my holy trinity of basketball gaming growing up, and since that time, I never quite had the same amount of fun or delight towards the virtual hardwood as I did in those days. But that all changed yesterday....

Leading up to 2K11, the hype was palpable, but almost nonexistent in my personal view. After playing every installment of the 2K series since its inception, 2K10 left me cold. The game lacked the polish we come to expect, and not only that, certain elements were downright broken. I was disappointed, and in that disappointment I got reacquainted with an old friend. I hadn't ventured into an NBA Live game since it made the transition to the current gen, and feeling letdown by 2K, I was pleasantly surprised. I can't say I thoroughly enjoyed every aspect of it, but it certainly held me over for the duration of the season.

All I heard about 2K11, seemingly, revolved around Michael Jordan. I couldn't have been more indifferent, not only because I felt it was a cheap tactic to lure gamers in for yet "more of the same" but more importantly because those type of modes are always cheesy. I never enjoy the "Madden Moments" or any sort of classic re-imagining in a video game. It always feels tacked on and irrelevant, like an afterthought taking up precious space that could have been utilized to make the game better. Needless to say I had no high hopes for NBA 2K11 in any regard leading up to it's release, but I reserved it nonetheless. After Elite's implosion, I had no other choice for my Basketball fix, I figured if nothing else, it would bank me a few bucks when I traded it in for Medal of Honor. And then I hit the power button....

...And the next thing I know, it was 3 in the morning. I forgot to eat, I forgot I had to be up by 7:30, I forgot about the real Basketball preseason game I wanted to watch with the new "Big three." I was too busy getting my *** handed to me by the virtual Big three in the greatest Basketball game there's ever been. I can't speak for the greatest sports game ever, yet. It's still too early, and The Show was the sole reason I contemplated getting a PS3. But for anyone who hasn't gotten it yet, or for any new players who usually go the EA route, please, believe the hype!

The Jordan mode is not only fully realized, it's easily the best utilization of a license I've ever seen. To accomplish everything, yes, you have to be sort of a gunner, but it's terribly fun. The game itself is brutal and unforgiving, even on the lower levels, and this is how it should be. This is a hardcore Basketball simulation for hardcore sports gamers. I have no doubt that people used to playing the older 2K's are in for a rude awakening. Anyone complaining about the passing difficulty is just used to making poor decisions, and getting away with it. Not anymore. You have to know your team, know your players, and know your plays, to be really successful. I can't waste much more time on here right now, I'm about to take my talents back down to South Beach and figure out how to execute the Triangle properly against the Heat's athleticism. But make no mistake, losing has never felt so good....
Comments
# 1 aldon_47 @ Oct 6
I couldn't agree more. I was also one that had a feeling the Jordan modes were to garner attention for the game but I am very, very glad the game is soooo much more than that.

I've played a bunch of exhibition games to get the feel and for the heck of it, decided to stay an association with the Wolves (big MN fan) and I was literally jumping for joy when I beat the Nuggets by 7 points this morning. Hard to stop playing!
 
# 2 stlstudios189 @ Oct 6
I am feeling so left out. I can't afford to get the game this year. It was NCAA football or NBA 2k11. I went with football. NBA 2k10 is good but, man 2k11 sound so much better.
 
# 3 jdareal21 @ Oct 6
@aldon_47
I know what you mean, I just lost by 1 point to the Heat using the Lakers. Kobe hit the game winner just a second too late, but the gameplay is so gratifying that even in defeat, your having a great time. And you don't feel cheated either.

@stlstudios 189
I hear you man, I had to bust my hump and work a little overtime to get it. I usually only get a couple a year because there so expensive nowadays, but trust me, this is the one you need, if your more of a basketball guy that is.
 
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