NBA 2K12 tips off in true basketball style with the sound of We're playin' bas-ket-baaaall!! from Space Jam in its opening scene; Michael Jordan style is all over it from thereon in.
2K Sports has learned from previous NBA 2K titles and gone for authenticity in everything from graphics to gameplay to sound. Yes, squeaking sneakers, slushing of a netted ball, even the background yells of fans screaming for their favourite stars are in here for full atmosphere.
Gameplay controls are familiar and effective with shots controlled with the right stick, while the retention of button control enables veteran players to use their preferred style.
Beware though, as the defence (or dee-fense) AI has been improved this time around. Of course, the gamer can also make this work for them when its their turn to defend.
In terms of game modes, The Association returns but this time around it enables the player and 29 other people to form their very own NBA league and compete against each other to see who comes out top over an entire season.
Playable and joining Michael Jordan are 15 of the legendary NBA's All Stars. These great names include Karl Malone, John Stockton, Michael Jordan, Larry Bird, Magic Johnson, Muggsy Bogues and Alonzo Mourning.
The My Player mode is also in play, wherein the gamer can take their own creation from a rookie game via pre-draft interviews, then the NBA Draft,all the way into real games with real consequences for success! In each step the gamers virtual self is given goals to achieve per game in order to get noticed and earn the big bucks and glory. Levelling up abilities is the order of the day here and this means that good selection and allocation of skill points and money becomes key.
This is all complemented by a soundtrack that includes:
Eminem & Royce Da 5'9" - Fast Lane
Travis Barker featuring Yelawolf, Twista, Busta Rhymes and Lil Jon - Let's Go
CyHi Da Prynce - Sideways (2K Remix)
Kurtis Blow - Basketball
Friendly Fires - Skeleton Boy
Machine Drum - Let It (edIT Remix)
Aceyalone featuring Cee-Lo - Workin' Man's Blues
Freddie Gibbs - Look Easy (2K Original)
Chiddy Bang featuring Q-Tip - Here We Go
Zion I featuring Rebelution- Many Stylez
Duck Down All -Stars 2 - Shout The Winners Out (2K Original)
Middle Class Rut - New Low
Bassnectar - Cozza Frenzy
Ancient Astronauts - Still a Soldier
Alex K. and D.J.I.G. - Now's My Time (2K Original)
See-I - Haterz
James Pants - We're Through
Shinobi Ninja - Rock Hood
DELS - Shapeshift
Hudson Mohawke - Thunder Bay (instrumental)
Mr. Chop - Intermezzo 2 (instrumental)
Kid Mac featuring Mat McHugh - Hear You Calling
Thunderball - Make Your Move
The Freeze Tag - The Shuffle (instrumental)
The Death Set - It's Another Day
Project Lionheart -They Come Back
Jamaica - By The Numbers
XV - Awesome