DJ Skee Breaks Down NBA 2K12 for Xbox 360
NBA 2K12 has officially hit the shelves, and fans of the franchise are eager to see how it stacks up against its highly praised predecessor. DJ Skee, the renowned DJ, entrepreneur, and media personality, has taken an early deep dive into the game, providing a detailed review of its new features, gameplay improvements, and overall experience. As part of his analysis, Skee highlights how NBA 2K12 refines elements from NBA 2K11 while introducing fresh innovations that elevate the series.
NBA 2K12: A New Standard for Basketball Gaming
With NBA 2K12, 2K Sports aims to build upon the legacy of its previous installment. The previous installment was widely regarded as one of the greatest basketball video games of all time. Now, this year, the game features three different covers. As a result, showcasing legends Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, and Larry Bird. This focus on legendary players is reflected in the game’s mechanics, presentation, and newly introduced NBA’s Greatest mode. That mode allows gamers to experience iconic moments from basketball history.
With his analysis, DJ Skee gives fans a play-by-play breakdown of all of these things.
DJ Skee’s First Impressions
DJ Skee received his copy of NBA 2K12 ahead of its release and immediately immersed himself in the game. According to Skee, the first thing that stands out is the enhanced presentation. The opening montage brilliantly blends footage of classic and current players, setting the stage for an immersive basketball experience.
The game’s visuals also receive a notable upgrade, with improved character models, smoother animations, and better lighting effects that enhance the realism. Additionally, court floors, jerseys, and even crowd reactions are more authentic than ever, making every game feel like a real NBA broadcast.
Gameplay Enhancements and New Features
Skee points out several key gameplay improvements in NBA 2K12 that make it feel smoother and more intuitive than previous versions:
1. NBA’s Greatest Mode
This mode is one of the biggest additions, allowing players to control some of the most legendary figures in basketball history, including Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Wilt Chamberlain, and Bill Russell. When playing these historic matchups, the game adapts its presentation style to match the era, using vintage filters, classic uniforms, and even era-specific commentary to deliver an authentic throwback experience.
2. Improved Defensive Controls
Defense receives a major upgrade with new assist controls that guide players on who they should be guarding. Zone coverage breakdowns are easier to read, and players now have better tools to contest shots and intercept passes. According to Skee, these enhancements create a more balanced experience between offense and defense.
3. Roster Updates and Lockout Impact
Due to the ongoing NBA lockout, current rosters are incomplete at launch. However, 2K Sports is promising frequent updates, including real-time adjustments to player ratings, transactions, and court designs. Once the lockout ends, rookies and missing players will be added via downloadable updates.
4. My Player Mode Improvements
My Player Mode returns with several enhancements, including a more immersive career experience. Players can now participate in pre-draft interviews, receive endorsements, and even create their own shoe deals. Press conferences also play a more significant role, affecting team chemistry and fan support.
5. Streamlined Substitutions and Play Calling
A major frustration from previous games was the complex substitution process. NBA 2K12 simplifies this by allowing quick swaps using assigned buttons for each position. Play calling has also been refined, making it easier to execute strategic decisions without interrupting gameplay.
Areas That Could Be Improved
Despite its many strengths, DJ Skee does identify a few areas where NBA 2K12 could be better:
- Legendary Teams in Online Play: One of the biggest letdowns is that players cannot use legendary teams in online matches. Given the focus on NBA’s Greatest mode, it’s surprising that 2K Sports did not extend this feature to online gameplay.
- Character Likeness and Animations: While the visuals have improved, Skee notes that some player models still have awkward facial expressions and robotic movements. Although these are minor issues, they stand out in an otherwise polished game.
- Lockout Impact on Marketing: The NBA lockout has limited 2K Sports’ ability to fully market the game using current players. The absence of rookies and updated rosters at launch may disappoint some fans.
Customizations and My Player Mode Enhancements
Customization has always been a strong point in the NBA 2K series, and NBA 2K12 continues this tradition. The My Player mode, where players create their own NBA prospect and take them through a full career, has been given a major overhaul.
New features include hiring an agent, conducting pre-draft interviews with teams, and getting drafted based on how well you perform in the Rookie Showcase. Additionally, the ability to earn endorsements, create custom sneakers, and participate in media interviews adds more depth to the mode. DJ Skee praises these additions, noting that they bring players closer to the experience of an actual NBA career.
Overall, the goal of NBA 2K12 is to give the user the full experience of truly running an NBA franchise. In addition, the opportunity to navigate a player’s career.
Final Verdict: Is NBA 2K12 Worth the Upgrade?
Skee concludes his review by addressing the most pressing question—should you upgrade from NBA 2K11 to NBA 2K12? His answer depends on the type of player:
- For Hardcore Fans: If you play NBA 2K regularly and want the latest features, rosters, and gameplay enhancements, NBA 2K12 is a must-buy.
- For Casual Gamers: If you’re satisfied with NBA 2K11 and don’t feel the need for incremental updates, you might be able to hold off—unless you’re eager to experience NBA’s Greatest mode.
Overall, DJ Skee praises NBA 2K12 as another stellar entry in the franchise. While it doesn’t introduce a groundbreaking overhaul, it refines what was already an exceptional game, making it the best basketball simulation available today.
For those looking to dominate the virtual hardwood, NBA 2K12 offers the most immersive basketball experience yet. With DJ Skee’s seal of approval, fans can confidently pick up the game and enjoy everything it has to offer.
