NBA 2K12 to Feature "Greatest Challenge"

[Rake2204]

NBA 2K12 is rolling out 15 re-creations of some of the NBA's greatest performances this year. Five players involved with these performances have been mentioned thus far: Michael Jordan, Larry Bird, Magic Johnson, Julius Erving, and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. The other ten will not be released until a later date.

"Greatest" Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DnanXZt2IDY

http://kotaku.com/5827334/dr-j-joins-larry-magic-and-michael-in-nba-2k12s-greatest-challenge/gallery/1


Argent wasn't saying exactly what games would be re-created. Five screenshots unveiled show Erving in action against the Celtics (also Kareem against the Bulls, Jordan against the Lakers, and Magic and Bird against each other), and don't really tip off what might be coming. Dr. J's iconic baseline reverse layup came against the Lakers in the 1980 NBA Finals; with Magic and Kareem signed on, that game conceivably could be featured.

Also, "The Jordan Challenge" last year added period-authentic touches on the players, from hi-top fades to [short] shorts, but delivered the game with the standard, modern 2K Sports broadcast package. This time, Argent said, players can expect a retro look and feel for the classic games.

"Just like all of the fun stuff people reacted to last year, we'll have the short shorts and the 'fros," Argent said, "and each one will be broadcast as it appeared in that era, whether that's a technicolor look in the 1980s or black-and-white in the 1960s." Additional touches, such as wipes, graphics and replays, will feel authentic to the times.

http://cache.kotaku.com/assets/images/9/2011/08/xlarge_nba2k12_drj2.jpg

http://cache.kotaku.com/assets/images/9/2011/08/xlarge_nba2k12_kareem2.jpg

http://cache.kotaku.com/assets/images/9/2011/08/xlarge_nba2k12_magiclarry1.jpg

Also some early NBA Today news:


Though Argent was tight-lipped on other features for NBA 2K12, he did reveal a significant upgrade to the NBA Today feature, which updates the roster and player ratings throughout the season. This year, when Kobe Bryant debuts new sneakers or if LeBron James dons a new tattoo, this will also be updated. Argent went as far to say that hair styles will also change to reflect a player's new 'do. For diehard NBA fans, this upgrade will keep your season visually in sync with what's happening on the court.

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2011/08/03/tech/gamecore/main20087809.shtml?tag=contentBody;cbsCarousel

[1987_Lakers]

The Larry Bird for 2k12 looks much better than the Bird of 2k11. in 2k11 his hair was way too dark.

[Rake2204]

The Larry Bird for 2k12 looks much better than the Bird of 2k11. in 2k11 his hair was way too dark.
Agreed. I kind of expected no less of an upgrade, with Larry being one of the cover subjects this year. It also appears that 1) the shorts are actually as short as they should be for the era and 2) the jerseys seem a little more snug (and not hovering on each player's shoulders).

[Mr. I'm So Rad]

Sooo...does this mean we get better gameplay?

I hope they aren't just trying to sell this game off of the legends and make it NBA 2k11.5

[OKCThunderUP]

There should be a "KD at the Rucker" achievement if you score 66 with a single player.

[gasolina]

The Larry Bird for 2k12 looks much better than the Bird of 2k11. in 2k11 his hair was way too dark.
And his jump shot way too unusable

[Rake2204]

Sooo...does this mean we get better gameplay?

I hope they aren't just trying to sell this game off of the legends and make it NBA 2k11.5
Of course I cannot say for certain, but I found 2K11 to be one heckuva gameplay leap over 2K10, even with the inclusion of all the Jordan-based features (Jordan Challenge, classic teams, classic arenas, Jordan: Be a Legend Mode, etc.). I guess it's all open to interpretation, but I would bet very much that the inclusion of this "Greatest" mode will not mean they had to leave out gameplay improvements they would have made otherwise. I'd actually venture to say that gameplay and things involved with classics (largely art and research) are probably two different departments by and large.

Edit: From a guy named Da_Czar, who is not directly associated with 2K but receives advanced copies of each basketball game each year: "I know you want quality hoops but trust me when I tell you that the gameplay group works on gameplay all year long. Nothing else. Gameplay was not neglected for this. There will be more "basketball" elements in 2k12 than ... So hang on bro your info is coming. Again gameplay producers work on gameplay all year long."

[Kobe 4 The Win]

I love being able to play the legends in their real uniforms with their real teammates. I'm really excited about 2K11 and now 2K12. I can't wait to play with Magic and Kareem together at the Fabulous Forum!

[d.bball.guy]

There should be a "KD at the Rucker" achievement if you score 66 with a single player.
:lol

[Bigsmoke]

what about Lebron?

[EnoughSaid]

Please tell me that not only the starting 5's are actually real people. For all legendary teams in 11, the bench was just some random people.

Also, if My Player ain't fixed, I ain't buying.

[Rowe]

Did they fix the fake players on the classic teams? I know it cant be that hard for the 2K people to create the real bench players and add them onto the rosters.

It literally annoyed me to the point I stopped playing the Jordan Challenge due to the fact that my bench players were full of generic fake players.

[Rose]

Did they fix the fake players on the classic teams? I know it cant be that hard for the 2K people to create the real bench players and add them onto the rosters.

It literally annoyed me to the point I stopped playing the Jordan Challenge due to the fact that my bench players were full of generic fake players.
They have to get the rights from the real players. it's why the 93 Suns weren't on 2k11. Chuck wouldn't give up his name or whatever.

[Clutch]

what about Lebron?

4th quarter showdown
2011 NBA Finals

Your challenge:
- Average 3 points or less in the 4th quarter during the series
- Shoot at least 0-7 when the score is within five points in the last five minutes of the game during the series
- Lose the series

[kaiiu]

what about Lebron?
I agree. They should make a Lebron challenge.

Spurs- Get swept in the series while airballing a free throw

Celtics- Must quit midway through the series. Score 15 points in Game 5 while not recording a FG until the 3rd qrtr.


Mavs- Record the largest PPG dropoff in finals history. Must not average over 2 PPG in the 4th period.


Would be fun to play as a fan

[Al Thornton]

is it just one challenge per player?

[Kobe 4 The Win]

4th quarter showdown
2011 NBA Finals

Your challenge:
- Average 3 points or less in the 4th quarter during the series
- Shoot at least 0-7 when the score is within five points in the last five minutes of the game during the series
- Lose the series

lol

It's going to be hard to duplicate that level of choking.

[Mr. I'm So Rad]

4th quarter showdown
2011 NBA Finals

Your challenge:
- Average 3 points or less in the 4th quarter during the series
- Shoot at least 0-7 when the score is within five points in the last five minutes of the game during the series
- Lose the series

:roll:

[Mr. I'm So Rad]

I agree. They should make a Lebron challenge.

Spurs- Get swept in the series while airballing a free throw

Celtics- Must quit midway through the series. Score 15 points in Game 5 while not recording a FG until the 3rd qrtr.


Mavs- Record the largest PPG dropoff in finals history. Must not average over 2 PPG in the 4th period.


Would be fun to play as a fan

:roll: :applause: :roll:

[Rake2204]

Did they fix the fake players on the classic teams? I know it cant be that hard for the 2K people to create the real bench players and add them onto the rosters.

It literally annoyed me to the point I stopped playing the Jordan Challenge due to the fact that my bench players were full of generic fake players.
Like Rose mentioned, it wasn't a matter of 2K just not feeling like adding the bench players. Each classic player must be negotiated with individually. There are some former players out there who just don't want to be a part of something like this. There are other players out there, maybe a Dickey Simpkins for example, who may demand ten times more money than 2K could afford for his likeness. Are you going to break your bank for Dickey, or just roll with a editable roster position?

That leads to my next point. For those on both the PS3 and XBox360, full "Jordan Challenge" rosters were available for download on 2KShare. I can only speak for the 360, but the cyber versions of the likes of Dickey Simpkins and Greg Anthony were more than adequate enough to bridge the gap between what I felt to be an accurate representation of classic teams and an ability to imagine the rosters as full and real. Would a real Simpkins be neat? Yes. Did having a created Simpkins beat the heck out of have three different "William Jones's" check in at the first break in action? Oh yeah.

2K12 won't be any different. I don't see how 2K could possibly secure the rights to every player from every classic team. Hopefully, we'll just be able to download completed rosters off of 2K Share just like last year.

[Rowe]

Like Rose mentioned, it wasn't a matter of 2K just not feeling like adding the bench players. Each classic player must be negotiated with individually. There are some former players out there who just don't want to be a part of something like this. There are other players out there, maybe a Dickey Simpkins for example, who may demand ten times more money than 2K could afford for his likeness. Are you going to break your bank for Dickey, or just roll with a editable roster position?

That leads to my next point. For those on both the PS3 and XBox360, full "Jordan Challenge" rosters were available for download on 2KShare. I can only speak for the 360, but the cyber versions of the likes of Dickey Simpkins and Greg Anthony were more than adequate enough to bridge the gap between what I felt to be an accurate representation of classic teams and an ability to imagine the rosters as full and real. Would a real Simpkins be neat? Yes. Did having a created Simpkins beat the heck out of have three different "William Jones's" check in at the first break in action? Oh yeah.

2K12 won't be any different. I don't see how 2K could possibly secure the rights to every player from every classic team. Hopefully, we'll just be able to download completed rosters off of 2K Share just like last year.

You cant play with those "real" rosters in the Jordan Challenge.

In the Jordan Challenge you still have to play with the fake players.

Hopefully if they dont get the real guys in there, we can at least use the edited rosters from 2KShare in the Greatest Challenge.

[Rake2204]

You cant play with those "real" rosters in the Jordan Challenge.

In the Jordan Challenge you still have to play with the fake players.

Hopefully if they dont get the real guys in there, we can at least use the edited rosters from 2KShare in the Greatest Challenge.
Ah, yes, I understand your plight. I know it's probably too late to mention this, but users actually could use edited rosters for the Jordan Challenge. I went through the same "Shoot! I just edited in John Salley and now I can't play!" process. However, in 2K11, the only thing that had to stay generally the same in the Jordan Challenge was the starter's minutes for each respective challenge team. I can't remember if they had to be exactly default, but they had to be close.

So, what it came down to was, I could theoretically create and assign my John Salley to the '90 Pistons, but I couldn't put him in place of Bill Laimbeer while lowering Bill's minutes to 0. I know it's not a perfect solution if someone was planning on playing Jason Caffey for 48 minutes instead of Dennis Rodman, but it was definitely possible and functional to fill the entire rosters for the Jordan Challenge. In fact, I didn't participate in the Challenges until I had each team accurately filled out.

[AirTupac]

I just want My Player / Crew to be enhanced a lot otherwise I'm not buying.

[kentatm]

they should have game 2 of the Mavs/Heat Finals from this year.

Coming back from 15 down with 7 minutes left (or whatever the equivalent of short 2k quarters is) would be a good challenge.

They could even do an animation of LeBron fake boxing with Wade while Terry yells at them.

[ace23]

Sooo...does this mean we get better gameplay?

I hope they aren't just trying to sell this game off of the legends and make it NBA 2k11.5
This.

But then again, I was thinking the same thing last year, and the gameplay was vastly improved.


I just want My Player / Crew to be enhanced a lot otherwise I'm not buying.
Crew is completely broken. I've never completed a team-up/crew game in 2K11.

[G-train]

I'd say Kobe 81 and Lebron might have score 50 against Magic or 49 against Detroit.

[Nick Young]

There should be a "KD at the Rucker" achievement if you score 66 with a single player.
:bowdown: :bowdown: :bowdown: :bowdown: :bowdown: :bowdown: :bowdown:

[blablabla]

black-and-white in the 1960s." Additional touches, such as wipes, graphics and replays, will feel authentic to the times.
we could see some russell vs. chamberlain
i'm excited

[Mr. I'm So Rad]

we could see some russell vs. chamberlain
i'm excited

Yup can't wait to see poor man's joel anthony in a classic bout against poor man's javale mcgee

[blablabla]

Yup can't wait to see poor man's joel anthony in a classic bout against poor man's javale mcgee
i think their ratings will be something around 40-45

[Mr. I'm So Rad]

i think their ratings will be something around 40-45

sounds about right

[Heavincent]

4th quarter showdown
2011 NBA Finals

Your challenge:
- Average 3 points or less in the 4th quarter during the series
- Shoot at least 0-7 when the score is within five points in the last five minutes of the game during the series
- Lose the series

Damn I can't do that. These challenges are starting to get insanely difficult.

[Fiasco]

You can have as many features as you'd like, but if the gameplay and mechanics are still ruined then nobody is going to pick this up.

Does look neat, though.

[Kblaze8855]

If they dont fix the greatest basketball game ever nobody is gonna pick it up? Its gonna sell millions right away. As it should.

[knightfall88]

cant wait to play a showtime laker team with kareem.

I also want to play with the championship Hakeem Rockets and Barkley's suns./

[mkc931]

Of course I cannot say for certain, but I found 2K11 to be one heckuva gameplay leap over 2K10, even with the inclusion of all the Jordan-based features (Jordan Challenge, classic teams, classic arenas, Jordan: Be a Legend Mode, etc.). I guess it's all open to interpretation, but I would bet very much that the inclusion of this "Greatest" mode will not mean they had to leave out gameplay improvements they would have made otherwise. I'd actually venture to say that gameplay and things involved with classics (largely art and research) are probably two different departments by and large.

Edit: From a guy named Da_Czar, who is not directly associated with 2K but receives advanced copies of each basketball game each year: "I know you want quality hoops but trust me when I tell you that the gameplay group works on gameplay all year long. Nothing else. Gameplay was not neglected for this. There will be more "basketball" elements in 2k12 than ... So hang on bro your info is coming. Again gameplay producers work on gameplay all year long."
to add on to this, there was a destructoid article that covered some of the new gameplay aspects... it talked about a new post up system and ball interactions system. The gameplay has been changed, at least somewhat and hopefully improved.

LINK PROVIDED: http://www.destructoid.com/preview-nba-2k12-206628.phtml

[Rake2204]

we could see some russell vs. chamberlain
i'm excited
I was thinking the same thing. This also would seem to indicate some basketball courts or games may not have a three point line, which certainly would be an interesting adjustment.

[G-train]

If they dont fix the greatest basketball game ever nobody is gonna pick it up? Its gonna sell millions right away. As it should.

"Lakers versus Celtics and the NBA Playoffs" says hi

[nbacardDOTnet]

4th quarter showdown
2011 NBA Finals

Your challenge:
- Average 3 points or less in the 4th quarter during the series
- Shoot at least 0-7 when the score is within five points in the last five minutes of the game during the series
- Lose the series

http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn200/nbacardDOTnet/zz%20NBA%20Photo%20Gallery/z%20Funny%20NBA%20Photos/Funny%20NBA%20Record/Lebron%20James/aka%20big%20choker/lebron-james-2011-nba-final-4q.jpg

http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn200/nbacardDOTnet/zz%20NBA%20Photo%20Gallery/z%20Funny%20NBA%20Photos/Others%20Masterpiece/0%20queen%20lebron%20james/has%20had%20no%204th%20Q/15683420.jpg

http://mekworx.phenomer.net/mekastuff/pics/misc/Mission-accomplished.jpg

[L.Kizzle]

The old school players jerseys look too big.

[Rake2204]

Edited my first post with this addition, but for those who didn't see, here is the trailer for the "Greatest" reveal: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DnanXZt2IDY



The old school players jerseys look too big.
I was actually thinking they seemed to have made good progress. Last year's short shorts were more like 1995 era length, and all the jerseys were baggy and hovered above the shoulders. From this quick glimpse, the shorts look shorter, the jerseys snugger, and they're not hovering on the shoulders.

[Fiasco]

If they dont fix the greatest basketball game ever nobody is gonna pick it up? Its gonna sell millions right away. As it should.

There is no point in buying 2K11 with "new challenges", which is what 2K12 is at the moment. If you want to burn $70 on it, more power to you.

Greatest? Oh boy. I'm assuming you omitted the word "Challenge" by accident.

[G-train]

Edited my first post with this addition, but for those who didn't see, here is the trailer for the "Greatest" reveal: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DnanXZt2IDY



I was actually thinking they seemed to have made good progress. Last year's short shorts were more like 1995 era length, and all the jerseys were baggy and hovered above the shoulders. From this quick glimpse, the shorts look shorter, the jerseys snugger, and they're not hovering on the shoulders.

lol at Jordan doing his free throw dunk mid game. Save that for prime T-Mac and Lebron, maybe a couple of others I have forgot.

Bird J looked pretty dicky still. Will be nice to pull off the skyhook with KAJ.

[Kblaze8855]

There is no point in buying 2K11 with "new challenges", which is what 2K12 is at the moment. If you want to burn $70 on it, more power to you.

Greatest? Oh boy. I'm assuming you omitted the word "Challenge" by accident.

2k11 is as close to basketball as a game has ever come. They arent gonna start from scratch. The things like 18 people complain about on the internet arent even noticed by the extreme vast majority of players. My crew hackers are probably 90% of all complaints.

[ace23]

My crew hackers are probably 90% of all complaints.
Not true. PS3 users do not have to worry about those cheaters.

Most common complaints include:

Lack of contact on hopsteps/spin dunks
Wonky, canned animations
Broken My Crew/Team Up
CPU cheating on high difficulties
Lack of charging fouls
Lack of offensive rebounds
Lead passing abuse
My Player teammates' stupidity

[Kblaze8855]

Hopstep abuse aside most of that is either complained about in every basketball sim ever or only possible because of the new style of play allowed by crew games(multiple humans on each team).

Humans not playing fairly with moves that you cant remove from a legit sim are most of the problem.

[ace23]

Hopstep abuse aside most of that is either complained about in every basketball sim ever or only possible because of the new style of play allowed by crew games(multiple humans on each team).

Humans not playing fairly with moves that you cant remove from a legit sim are most of the problem.
Or you could just make them initiate some kind of contact? This was in NCAA March Madness 2005 for PS2.

[Kblaze8855]

They do if you have position. You can draw off the ball charges on the guy sent in motion on people using lead passing. One of those things I dont see often(like drawing a foul when someone tries to run through a screen you set). But mostly because people dont know to try.

[G-train]

My player CPU is what peeves me more than anthing.

[ace23]

They do if you have position.
I need video proof of that. I've played maybe 500 games of 2K11 and have never seen that.

I've seen the offball charge once or twice.

[Kblaze8855]

Its the kinda thing you need to play online crew games to learn. Human bigmen learned long ago to just dash into the lane and get that lead pass animation that cant be broken up easily.

You pretty much have to play like a *** yourself to stop it. But the crew I play in(me, gobb, and a suns fan I dont think posts here anymore) draw so many off the ball charges we try to ease up on people so they dont quit.

You dont even need high ratings for that. An on the ball charge you need either great position or a high rating to stick to the guy. Off the ball? You just hold the charge button and make sure they hit you square. That or run into you and get that animation where they bounce off...they so much as tap the stick in your direction they bowl you over. Vs computers its harder because they veer off to avoid it but it can be done. They bump you..and the guy send them in motion then..charge every time.

Just tricky. Ive played hundreds of crew games to learn it though.

[ace23]

Thanks for the insight.

I would play crew if not for the queso dip lead passing and hopstepping, random disconnects, and maxed out 7'6 players; but this may come in handy some time.

[Mr. I'm So Rad]

My player CPU is what peeves me more than anthing.

This

Along with the translation of difficulty

Those are my two biggest problems with the game, although many things fall under the Translation Of Difficulty.

[Rake2204]

Some random, albeit very interesting, NBA Today upgrade information:


Though Argent was tight-lipped on other features for NBA 2K12, he did reveal a significant upgrade to the NBA Today feature, which updates the roster and player ratings throughout the season. This year, when Kobe Bryant debuts new sneakers or if LeBron James dons a new tattoo, this will also be updated. Argent went as far to say that hair styles will also change to reflect a player's new 'do. For diehard NBA fans, this upgrade will keep your season visually in sync with what's happening on the court.

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2011/08/03/tech/gamecore/main20087809.shtml?tag=contentBody;cbsCarousel

[ace23]

Wow, post that in the 2K12 info thread. I can't tell you how long I've wanted hair upates.

[Kblaze8855]

I was annoyed Jennings didnt have the box last year.

[DirkNowitzki41]

Wow, post that in the 2K12 info thread. I can't tell you how long I've wanted hair upates.

sarcasm?

[Rake2204]

sarcasm?
Ha, it does sound a little funny, but there's actually been times myself where I've been at least moderately annoyed when a guy like Al Harrington fashions himself a mohawk the year before, for which a video game will so desperately attempt to capture, only to have him shave it after the game has gone to press.

Is it an easy overlook? Most of the time absolutely. But I can't lie and say there haven't been times where I've wished I could alter a player's haircut to make it appear more realistic (AI's year where he cut his rows then grew them back would be another example. That year's 2K was stuck with a faded AI).

[Fiasco]

2k11 is as close to basketball as a game has ever come. They arent gonna start from scratch. The things like 18 people complain about on the internet arent even noticed by the extreme vast majority of players. My crew hackers are probably 90% of all complaints.

Who said anything about starting from scratch? We've had this debate already. I clearly stated that updating what they already have would convince me to buy it.

I'm not going to get into the game with you again. I sincerely doubt you changed your mind on anything the last time around, because I didn't.

[Suckafree]

http://www.worldstarhiphop.com/videos/video.php?v=wshhEGfkxDkyw2xP0iEO

[Marv_Albert]

4th quarter showdown
2011 NBA Finals

Your challenge:
- Average 3 points or less in the 4th quarter during the series
- Shoot at least 0-7 when the score is within five points in the last five minutes of the game during the series
- Lose the series

:roll:

[Bigsmoke]

Not getting this game....

FIFA 12 > NBA 2K12

Always thought fifa games were better. :pimp:

then take your ass to the FIFA forum bitch

[lakers_forever]

They need to put an option to play a 29 game season on my player mode. 82 games is boring as hell. Or at least let us play a reduced game (like 3 min a quarter) and let the cpu adjust the stats to normal play.

And I love all the retro teams. The should bring the all decade teams back as well.

[Rake2204]

They need to put an option to play a 29 game season on my player mode. 82 games is boring as hell. Or at least let us play a reduced game (like 3 min a quarter) and let the cpu adjust the stats to normal play.

And I love all the retro teams. The should bring the all decade teams back as well.
The computer adjusting stats to reflect a full 12 minute game is actually kind of intriguing. It would be nice because I agree, an 82 game My Player season is daunting. My solution (on top of offering a 29 game campaign) would be to implement a real simulation option. In 2K11, in order to simulate a My Player game, we had to first enter the game, press pause, select "quit" then "simulate to end". It was a whole to-do. You're right, 82 games is overbearing, and people tend to be pretty wiped out by the time their first season is over.