best basketball game to date... you guys, seriously... this is a MUST have for basketball fans!
Where to begin? First there is the much anticipated (and much advertised) "Jordan Challenge" mode, and the come back of Jordan and all the other great players (and teams) of that era. It is a refreshing addition that gives the game a LOT of value...
Then there is the improved MyPlayer mode that lets you create your player and lead him through an NBA career. This mode has had a big improvement this year, with additions like the ability to choose difficulty and playing time (yes, 2K really listened on this one!) and the press conferences after each game, where your answers have influence over your team-league-fans... There are also other tweaks, like the Jordan brand shoes, that you unlock and which give you bonuses when wearing them. In this one, you can also request trades (for yourself) and signings for your team. And there are not many (IF ANY) of the bugs we had to deal last year in this mode...
Also the Association Mode has been improved, but i haven't yet gone deep into it (i'm currently sucked in on Jordan Challenge and MyPlayer)...
But the biggest improvement this year, is on the gameplay. THIS, is what makes the game so unique and really stand out off it's predecessors. The game feels more realistic than ever, with more smooth movement of the players and improved animations, both in the players and on the ball's physics.
The presentation is (as always) fantastic! The commentary was great last year, but it has still improved this year, with more comments about the stats of players, coaches and the teams. There are also a few moments where the commentators will make you laugh! My only problem here is with the music, which is still only appealing to a certain audience...
The graphics have not particularly improved, but they give a more realistic feel of the court and players (again, the biggest improvement is on the animations)...
Unfortunately, there are still a few technical issues and bugs here and there, but this is a more polished product than the last few years, and 2K have done a great job at listening to the gamers through their forums!
And although the defence is much better in this game, it has another problem: it is getting entirely TOO MUCH steals!!!
But that's a problem that can be dealt with a few tweaks on the Game Sliders...
So, final verdict:
Gameplay: 10
Graphics: 9.0
Presentation: 9.5
Lasting value: 10
Of course, with so many different modes that are very deep and lengthy, you are likely to spent many (MANY) hours on this game, even if you decide to spent only a few at each mode!
I recommend this game, not only to basketball fans, but any gamer out there who is curious of trying it out. This game DELIVERS!!! Do not even hesitate to buy this game!!! If only other sports games where as good as this franchise...