NBA 2K11 News Post

NBA 2K11 Review

09:13 PM - October 8, 2010 by Steve_OS

We have just posted our NBA 2K11 review.

Quote:


	"When you boot up NBA 2K11 the first time, he is there to greet you. His Airness emerging from the tunnel, "Sirius" by the Alan Parsons Project (Bulls introduction theme song) playing at the Chicago Stadium, and the PA announcer introducing the players to an audience that I was now a part of despite being behind a TV screen. It was Jordan, it was June 1991, and it was Magic all over again. This phenomenal intro was a great way to start off the NBA 2K11 experience, and it also set the tone for what the game has to offer this year. This opening sequence capsulized the fact that the developers at 2K Sports team were up to the challenges that came with using one of the most popular sports figures in history as a cover athlete for their top franchise. Meeting the expectations that come with creating an authentic Jordan experience would have been enough, but 2K Sports didn't stop there. NBA 2K11 dared to go even beyond that and put together the most compelling basketball video game to date. Just like MJ had done throughout his career, NBA 2K11 sought out greatness."

Read More - NBA 2K11 Review Written By: TD St. Matthew-Daniel

Game: NBA 2K11Reader Score: 9/10 - Vote Now
Platform: PC / PS2 / PS3 / PSP / Wii / Xbox 360Votes for game: 108 - View All

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Member Comments

# 61 spankdatazz22 @ 10/10/10 09:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bkrich83


	It's a review score. It's totally subjective. No need to bring the same tired compared to Madden argument in to it. The review is what matters. Arguing over fractions of a point in a completely subjective review score is quite frankly stupid.

Of course it's subjective. But we were debating the merits of 2K's efforts some of us felt needed to be appropriately recognized. It's all about perception. Trying to act as if it's the review that "matters" versus the score is the same as trying to trivialize "fractions of a point" as not meaning anything. As with the score, if they don't mean anything then they shouldn't be used. When IGN gave 2K11 a 9.5, what was the first thing they did? Splashed it on a commercial. They didn't layout the text of the review; it was the score and the site. Because of perception.

And it's not necessarily about Madden although I used it in trying to state my case. It shouldn't even be part of the discussion because most would argue it came no where near deserving the score it received - but that's another argument. I'm more familar with Madden than I am NHL, FIFA, or The Show, which are games I consider a legitimate 9 based on what I've read. Even in that company, I feel 2K11 is a effort/product apart from those titles - and I simply stated my reasoning as to why. Unfortunately you see *someone's picking on Madden!* and go into immediate agenda mode [as Tombsong said]. Again your first comment wasn't about the merits of what I was saying, it was a silly broad-reaching comment because I was the one saying it.

Either way, scores matter. And I don't see how reviewers can on one hand place a review with a score, then go back and say "don't look at the score, it doesn't matter". It DOES matter, because it's going to affect a person's perception of that product.

# 62 stillfeelme @ 10/10/10 12:06 PM

This is a great game and deserves the praise it gets. Is it perfect no but what game is and this game is sick. The amount of detail put into this game is astounding to me.

# 63 dredre @ 10/10/10 01:40 PM

2k11 = a 10 to me

# 64 Valdarez @ 10/10/10 03:10 PM

Haven't played NBA 2K11 yet myself, but I've been reading a lot of posts with many people saying it's the greatest sports game this generation. Does it outshine MLB The Show? If so, why only a 9, and not a 9.5 to 10? If it's truly the greatest? If the greatest only earns a 9.0 at OS, then what does that say about the rating system?

# 65 DaReapa @ 10/10/10 03:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rimfro


	I agree with BlackRome, in part, on the issue of controls. I played PG in JH, JV, and Varsity levels in school, and can tell you with all certainty, that when the lane opened up in front of me, like Moses parting the Red Sea, I could fly straight to the basket for an easy lay-up. I can't tell you how many times I have seen the defense blow their coverage of the paint, and I immediately go to move straight at the basket, for what should be an easy two points, only to have my player do some weird u-turn maneuver, or hesitate, instead of finishing the play. Then the defense gets time to fill the paint, and my player gets contacted by the D, and the basket is blown. Sometimes it just feels like you are playing in a foot of water. If Wade has an open lane, he will use his speed, and finish every time. He was called flash for a reason, after all. The were times in the Jordan challenge that I couldn't beat Danny Ainge, because out of nowhere, Jordan lost the ability to size-up his defender, but felt it necessary, without me pushing the LT button, to try to back him down from the three-point line. That happens constantly. There is no benefit to having a speed guy. Basketball is a game of quickness, yet Derrick Rose, at times, handles like a Hummer when attacking the basket. I never had to do a wide turn to make a quick cut. If this game is a realistic interpretation of the NBA, then I chose the wrong Career path. I should quick everything I am doing now, and get to the nearest NBA practice facility, and see if I can walk on. That animation that forces the bump, and you to bounce off, and turn your back to the guy, while tryin to face him to use a crossover, or cut, is making me want to shelf this game. They did nearly everything right, but there is no way that Steve Blake could keep D Wade in front of him. The controls are sluggish, not always, but an open lane, with a guy like Lebron holding the ball would always result in a quick, easy basket. In 2k11 it isn't the case. You can hold the stick in one direction, and watch the guy zig-zag on his own. It is a little disappointing to see this again this year.

I completely agree. It's somewhat frustrating when I get someone to bite on a pumpfake, and instead of taking a clean cut to the basket, my player goes through this sluggish wide turn animation and causes the original defender (not the help defense, mind you) to recover and regain position. This doesn't happen all the time, but it happens more times than not.

# 66 DaReapa @ 10/10/10 03:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Valdarez


	Haven't played NBA 2K11 yet myself, but I've been reading a lot of posts with many people saying it's the greatest sports game this generation. Does it outshine MLB The Show? If so, why only a 9, and not a 9.5 to 10? If it's truly the greatest? If the greatest only earns a 9.0 at OS, then what does that say about the rating system?

In comparing NBA 2K11 to MLB 10 The Show, I'd say they're neck and neck. You can argue that they're the best in their respective areas for this gen, but I'd say the 9.0 score is spot on. 9.5?? Not so much. To many prevailing issues to warrant that IMO. But then again, I didn't feel that The Show was a 9.5 neither due to the subtle changes.

# 67 Rocky @ 10/10/10 03:32 PM

Like I said, ratings should have four categories: "Must Buy", "Favorable", "Mediocre", and "Bomb".

# 68 Rimfro @ 10/10/10 03:54 PM

I know exactly what you mean. That was another point that I was going to bring up. That happens way too frequently. I think that all of these issues stem from the same problem regarding the animations of players getting off that first step. It is frustrating when you get the guy to bite on the fake, which in basketball, leaving your feet as a defender is a basic no-no, then your player doesn't effectively cut around him. He either hesitates, pulls too wide, or the contact animation triggers (which would be a foul if the defender contacted a player while biting on a fake) allowing the defender, who bit on the fake, getting back to the ground to continue to defend you. This has been a 2k issue for a long time. Like you, I'm not saying that always happens, but it happens a majority of the time for me. It just shouldn't feel so sluggish.

# 69 squadron supreme @ 10/10/10 05:14 PM

My biggest complaints are too many missed shots. They still seem to miss a ton of lay-ups and even if you get good ball movement for a wide open jumper good shooters (Mayo,Korver) still clank them off the rim for me. I thought it might be might shot stick timing but looking at my vip profile it says I have a generally good release. The other thing that is annoying is even when I haven't used my dribble of estabished my pivot foot the cpu still telepathically cuts me off.

# 70 ChaseB @ 10/10/10 06:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wheelman990


	So you gave it a 9 rating? So your saying in your view, the game is = to Madden 11? I say this because you gave Madden 11 a 9 also. Sorry, once again I see bias scores given out IMO. I can accept a 9 score for 2k11. I can accept, although highly disagree Maddens a 9. I can't accept Madden=2k11, and that they were given the same rating score. lets be real. One game needs polished, the other needs a complete over haul. I just don't get it...sorry

Beyond the ratings being given out by two different people about two different sports with completely different text for each game, I see no flaws here...

How about we just talk about this review rather than making every review about Madden? It might actually lead to something other than a tired argument.

(PS, news flash: reviews and scores are flawed. /shocker).

# 71 Rimfro @ 10/10/10 08:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JonahFalcon


	Dump isomotion. Please, for the love of God. The word "pointless" springs to mind. Next, in an FPS, you'll use both analog sticks to run! One for the left foot, the other for the right! NBA 2K2 was better than this, and it only had ONE, repeat, ONE analog stick. I also love being penalized for "bad steal attempt". Is there such a thing? Unless I commit a foul or the player uses it to break for the hoop, there's NO. SUCH. THING. Oh, and I "love" this scenario: 3 point specialist. Down by 5 with a minute left. Wide open for a 3. It's "bad shot selection".

I was hoping that they were going to do more to revamp my player. You still get penalized too harshly for "mistakes", and not rewarded enough for the good things you do. It also doesn't help that you are rated so low to begin, or that most of the drills aren't going to garner you too many points early on, because your guy sucks at everything!

I love it when your game goals are hit a three, get two steals, and win the game. Well, if my guy could make a three, I would, but it would be nice to not get penalized when i try to achieve my goals. Same with the steals, like you said, it always says, "bad steal attempt". The problem is, it seems totally random how it gauges a good play, from a bad play. Then the penalties for not meeting the impossible early requirements, is that you get negative points! So my guy isn't good enough yet to complete most of the drills, and he's not quite good enough to meet the early game goals either! At what point does this balance out?!

# 72 Armor and Sword @ 10/10/10 08:06 PM

I am blown away by the seething hate this game gets by some. I am just floored.

Try Double Dribble, or NES Jordan vs Bird or for that matter Atari Basketball. LOL

This game is an amazing achievement in the arena of console sports video gaming. You can see the love and soul and man hours that went into this gem.

Yes no question it has flaws. But all diamonds have flaws. And this is a Diamond of a game.

I am hooked, and I can't stop playing this game. This was made for hardcore sports gamers. What a year for Sports gamers if you think about it.

NCAA 2011
NHL 2011
NBA2K11
MLB The Show 2010
FIFA 2011

And we are getting Top Spin next year which looks like it will be a winner and also Fight Night Contender next year.

Has there ever been a better time to be a sports video game player?

Ever?

Enjoy the games everyone I know I sure am.

# 73 Rimfro @ 10/10/10 08:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChaseB


	Beyond the ratings being given out by two different people about two different sports with completely different text for each game, I see no flaws here... How about we just talk about this review rather than making every review about Madden? It might actually lead to something other than a tired argument. (PS, news flash: reviews and scores are flawed. /shocker).

The point people keep missing is that reviews are opinion articles. There is no way to rate such very different games, even when in the same genre, with the same set of standards. Some people will never see this point. What does it matter to anyone if you think the game is great? Are 5/10's of a point really hindering the ability for some posters to enjoy the game? Is it affecting sleep patterns, or making people question the purpose of gaming in general? If that's the case, maybe you should just refer them to the yellow pages, section beginning with PS.

Political correctness should not extend to video game review scores. We live in a society where everyone always wants to be right, and have brought that mentality into the realm of opinion, and expression, of video game review scores! Please tell me I'm not the only one who sees this as ridiculous? Lol.

I can see it now:

CNN reports today that congress has signed a bill to address, and create video game review equality. The bill, H.R. 3254 states, "any videogame released in a sub-genre of sports gaming, shall be held to equal score standards, regardless of the sport, or date of release, that reflect the differences in quality from one title to the next. Meaning, if an American Football game were to have scored a 9 in the same calendar year as a basketball, or baseball title, the scores should then be adjusted, for all titles, to reflect the level of polish, depth of gameplay, amount of features, etc., in a way that will not conflict with any other previous/current/future review score, so as not to offend the personal views of any legal, U.S. resident, or their surviving next of kin. This law is retro-active, and will create fairness, and equality, for all sports titles, sports gamers, developers, video-game characters, reviewers, editors, retailers, and all Internet forum participants.

This bill is protected by the commerce clause of the United States Constitution, and in no way interferes with the protected freedom of speech, and the freedom of the press, or any other freedom protected by the United States constitution. We felt this bill was necessary for equality of all opinions, as well as sports titles, and is indeed the will of the American people. Hopefully, in time, it will correct years of inequality suffered by those titles, past, present and future, that were not given the proper chances, and/or avenues for success, that many titles have achieved, and been denied, due to an unfair system of accountability, or lack there of."

# 74 bkrich83 @ 10/11/10 01:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TombSong


	Everybody that don't agree with you has an agenda. You always try to belittle people for their point of view and drag people into debates about why they think the way they think as though you the only one with the right answers. Then on top of that act like you are Mrs. Cleo and can read minds and gonna post why someone is posting what they are posting. BK said it so it must be true ? You "wowing" him for debating a review score. If its so trivial why are you in the thread bugging out over it ? You can agree or disagree with whatever anyone says, but how you gonna try and trash someones opinion and then make them feel like they shouldn't express it ? As for the review score. I think most people are gonna clump sports game scores together to some degree and then apply whatever logic runs through their minds about games in general to it all. First thing I thought after seeing the score is after all the NBA2K game brought to the table this year, it gets a 9. 9 ain't a bad score. Then you think about Madden. It also got a 9. Madden from game play to features to presentation does not stack up to older games in its own sport and certainly does not measure up to what NBA2k11 has produced in some peoples opinions. So naturally flags are gonna rise on the scores. How can a game that is still trying to catch up to 5 years ago get a 9 and a game that just raised the bar for sports games in general get the same score ? I think any reasonable person would look at that question no matter what game we are talking about. It could be Halo, Call of Duty, whatever. You ever stop to think maybe its you with the "agenda" always trying to point out why people post what they post ? People judge these games against the games own history and other games(even games not in the same genre). That's fact not "agenda". To act like its otherwise or trivial because you don't agree with it is IMO silly. However I unlike you wont try and demean people or make them feel like they shouldn't be posting what they think. That sounds like an "agenda" to rid the board of anyone who don't agree with everything you have to say.

Again thanks for proving my point. Your problem isn't so much 2k's score it's Maddens score. Which means you are complaining about Madden in the wrong thread. Which the same handful of people continuously do then claim to be victims when called on it.

Complaining about Maddens score in a nba2k review thread makes what kind of sense if you are not trying to further the same old tired agenda.

As far as your poorly thought out notion that people who don't agree with me I call out as agenda drivers. Agree with me about what exactly??

# 75 bkrich83 @ 10/11/10 01:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spankdatazz22


	Of course it's subjective. But we were debating the merits of 2K's efforts some of us felt needed to be appropriately recognized. It's all about perception. Trying to act as if it's the review that "matters" versus the score is the same as trying to trivialize "fractions of a point" as not meaning anything. As with the score, if they don't mean anything then they shouldn't be used. When IGN gave 2K11 a 9.5, what was the first thing they did? Splashed it on a commercial. They didn't layout the text of the review; it was the score and the site. Because of perception. And it's not necessarily about Madden although I used it in trying to state my case. It shouldn't even be part of the discussion because most would argue it came no where near deserving the score it received - but that's another argument. I'm more familar with Madden than I am NHL, FIFA, or The Show, which are games I consider a legitimate 9 based on what I've read. Even in that company, I feel 2K11 is a effort/product apart from those titles - and I simply stated my reasoning as to why. Unfortunately you see someone's picking on Madden! and go into immediate agenda mode [as Tombsong said]. Again your first comment wasn't about the merits of what I was saying, it was a silly broad-reaching comment because I was the one saying it. Either way, scores matter. And I don't see how reviewers can on one hand place a review with a score, then go back and say "don't look at the score, it doesn't matter". It DOES matter, because it's going to affect a person's perception of that product.

So is your complaint that 2k11 "only" got a 9? Which is ridiculous. Or the fact Madden got a 9? In which case your lodging your complaint in the wrong thread.

# 76 spankdatazz22 @ 10/11/10 02:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bkrich83


	So is your complaint that 2k11 "only" got a 9? Which is ridiculous. Or the fact Madden got a 9? In which case your lodging your complaint in the wrong thread.

Read my posts instead of the constant. focusing. on. a. Madden. comment. It's silly. It's petty. It's tiring. And it's something you do constantly. We're debating the merits of the review and the score in this thread. There are people that are happy w/the review/score, some that feel the game should be scored less, some that feel the game should be scored higher. All stating their reasoning as to why. You were the one that jumped into the thread insinuating crap without saying anything. As I stated in the comment you posted [paraphrasing] - I feel NBA2K11 is a better game/effort than The Show 10, NHL 11, FIFA 11, Madden 11, and NCAA 11. And deserves to be recognized as such. It's MY opinion and I stated my reasoning why. If you disagree, fine. Make a point if you have one. But you should stop catching feelings and crying about Madden getting picked on - it's past ridiculous.

# 77 bkrich83 @ 10/11/10 02:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spankdatazz22


	I feel NBA2K11 is a better game/effort than The Show 10, NHL 11, FIFA 11, Madden 11, and NCAA 11. And deserves to be recognized as such. It's MY opinion and I stated my reasoning why. If you disagree, fine. Make a point if you have one. But you should stop catching feelings and crying about Madden getting picked on - it's past ridiculous.

How can it be better than the Show when you haven't even played the Show?

My point isn't about Madden getting picked on. Why even bring it in to the equation if it wasn't to jumpstart your little crusade? Yes bringing Madden in to it for the reasons you do, is in fact petty and tiring.

you didn't mention the other games until you got called out about Madden. Madden, or the other games have zero to do with the review of 2k.

I mean really you are complaining because it only got a 9? And that' because you feel it's better than games you haven't even played?

Excellent logic. No really, makes perfect sense.

2k11 is a fabulous game, but you're splitting hairs if your issue is the difference between an 9 and a 9.5 especially when it's one persons opinion. I know you aren't arguing this game should be a 10. For as good as it is, it's not perfect.

# 78 bkrich83 @ 10/11/10 02:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChaseB


	How about we just talk about this review rather than making every review about Madden? It might actually lead to something other than a tired argument. .

Best post in this thread.

# 79 TooGood97 @ 10/11/10 05:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rimfro


	I agree with BlackRome, in part, on the issue of controls. I played PG in JH, JV, and Varsity levels in school, and can tell you with all certainty, that when the lane opened up in front of me, like Moses parting the Red Sea, I could fly straight to the basket for an easy lay-up. I can't tell you how many times I have seen the defense blow their coverage of the paint, and I immediately go to move straight at the basket, for what should be an easy two points, only to have my player do some weird u-turn maneuver, or hesitate, instead of finishing the play. Then the defense gets time to fill the paint, and my player gets contacted by the D, and the basket is blown. Sometimes it just feels like you are playing in a foot of water. If Wade has an open lane, he will use his speed, and finish every time. He was called flash for a reason, after all. The were times in the Jordan challenge that I couldn't beat Danny Ainge, because out of nowhere, Jordan lost the ability to size-up his defender, but felt it necessary, without me pushing the LT button, to try to back him down from the three-point line. That happens constantly. There is no benefit to having a speed guy. Basketball is a game of quickness, yet Derrick Rose, at times, handles like a Hummer when attacking the basket. I never had to do a wide turn to make a quick cut. If this game is a realistic interpretation of the NBA, then I chose the wrong Career path. I should quick everything I am doing now, and get to the nearest NBA practice facility, and see if I can walk on. That animation that forces the bump, and you to bounce off, and turn your back to the guy, while tryin to face him to use a crossover, or cut, is making me want to shelf this game. They did nearly everything right, but there is no way that Steve Blake could keep D Wade in front of him. The controls are sluggish, not always, but an open lane, with a guy like Lebron holding the ball would always result in a quick, easy basket. In 2k11 it isn't the case. You can hold the stick in one direction, and watch the guy zig-zag on his own. It is a little disappointing to see this again this year.

I totally have to agree with Blackrome and RimFro.... the controls on 2k11 get extremely frustrating. I love the game overall, but just cant understand how every player in the game is like a mini "Dennis Rodman" on D every time I want to drive in the lane, they magnitize right in front of my.

Or why whenever I'm in the lane trying to get open, some defender forces me to lock arms with him, taking 10 secs to get free. 2K10 was bad enough, ots worst on 11.

# 80 spankdatazz22 @ 10/11/10 08:00 AM

I'm not going to continue going round and round with you on this. And I'm only breaking this down for the benefit of others just to explain myself. We were discussing the review and what we felt the game should be rated.

Quote:

Originally Posted by bkrich83


	How can it be better than the Show when you haven't even played the Show?

I've played the demos of The Show, FIFA, and NHL. I've read a lot of impressions, seen the games played, etc. I know next to nothing of the sports, other than baseball. Based on those experiences I've felt pretty sure in saying none of those games, when taking into account gameplay, franchise, depth, features, etc. are as complete an effort as NBA2K11 is. IN MY OPINION. I think the attention to detail expected of each individual in NBA2K(11) - not just in appearance/accessories, but in terms of individuality - how they move or behave is an expectation other games don't have to deal with. I'm talking beyond batting stances or shooting styles. And it's done in realtime, not via cutscenes. I could be wrong, but it was simply my opinion.

As great as The Show is, I've seen many - including an OS head-to-head writeup post patches - that spoke to the game's need to change some of it's mechanics to get rid of the staleness or risk being caught up to by MLB2K. There are many that actually prefer MLB2K's gameplay mechanics and as an experience as a whole. As great as FIFA is and even with it having the advantage of exclusivity, I've read people make the argument PES is close to it in terms of quality. It's not worth even bringing up Madden; everyone knows it's issues. NBA2K isn't challenged in the same way those games are, imo.

Quote:

Originally Posted by bkrich83


	How can it be better than the Show when you haven't even played the Show? My point isn't about Madden getting picked on. Why even bring it in to the equation if it wasn't to jumpstart your little crusade? Yes bringing Madden in to it for the reasons you do, is in fact petty and tiring. you didn't mention the other games until you got called out about Madden. Madden, or the other games have zero to do with the review of 2k.

*sigh* My crusade? smh. As I said, I'm more familar with Madden than the other games. For the umpteenth time, I don't think Madden deserves to be rated highly and don't think it's a dev effort on the level of other top games. And no one was making a big issue of Madden until you made it an issue. Tombsong said the point best; no sense in even addressing this.

Quote:

Originally Posted by bkrich83


	How can it be better than the Show when you haven't even played the Show?

I mean really you are complaining because it only got a 9? And that' because you feel it's better than games you haven't even played?[/quote]

I wasn't complaining. I feel 2K11 as a game and 2K's efforts in improving it across the board stands out from whatever any developer has done previously. They established the high bar. I think it'll be what other games/dev efforts are measured to. And I felt the game's score should represent that. It's not a matter of "complaining" about a half point, full point, etc. It's a matter of some way acknowledging it as being an effort beyond what's been done by other devs. That's imo obviously, I could be wrong.

Quote:

Originally Posted by bkrich83


	2k11 is a fabulous game, but you're splitting hairs if your issue is the difference between an 9 and a 9.5 especially when it's one persons opinion. I know you aren't arguing this game should be a 10. For as good as it is, it's not perfect.

Again, as someone else said earlier - no game will ever be perfect. Imo ranking a game a 10 isn't saying it's perfect, it's acknowledging it as a singular achievement. GTA IV wasn't perfect. God of War III isn't perfect. But they stand apart as achievements in terms of scale, in comparison to other games of their time, etc. I came into the thread thinking 2K11 deserved a 9.5 (to set it apart from other games rated similarly) but as I thought about it the more I felt it deserved a 10 for being a singular achievement IMO. It's not the run-in-the-mill upgrade of the previous year's game. To me they went way beyond what's expected of most.

I'm done. I shouldn't have allowed you to bait me into some Madden BS and I don't want to sidetrack the thread any further. It's about the review/score

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