NBA 2K11

 PlayStation 3
User Score
8.0

Generally favorable reviews- based on 112 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 88 out of 112
  2. Mixed: 10 out of 112
  3. Negative: 14 out of 112
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  1. som1special2
    Oct 6, 2010
    9
    I am and always have been the consummate New York teams fan. When I was in my teen years the "Only" non New York team I rooted for was the Bulls. I watched in awe for ALL six championships and knew I was witnessing the greatest Basketball player alive in Michael Jordan. SO... It was only natural that after the NBA Union had no say in the matter that a game be created in his honor. ThisI am and always have been the consummate New York teams fan. When I was in my teen years the "Only" non New York team I rooted for was the Bulls. I watched in awe for ALL six championships and knew I was witnessing the greatest Basketball player alive in Michael Jordan. SO... It was only natural that after the NBA Union had no say in the matter that a game be created in his honor. This game has been crafted with such care and diligence that it is almost impossible to say anything less that fantastic. It is a bit hard, (even on easy) and minor graphic flaws don't derail this from being one of the greatest Basketball titles ever made. Lots of extras and wow factor from the start of the tunnel scene to the end of the menu. A great 60 dollar purchase!… Expand
  2. Huey_Freeman
    Oct 5, 2010
    10
    NBA 2K11 is the greatest game I've ever played...and I'm a GAMER.

    This game is absolutely incredible. The Michael Jordan intro after the start menu is stunning and utterly powerful. It immerses you into a nostalgic dreamworld of awe unlike anything I've ever experienced. It's enough to bring tears to your eyes. But that's not even close to being the reason it's so great, once you start    NBA 2K11 is the greatest game I've ever played...and I'm a GAMER.

    This game is absolutely incredible. The Michael Jordan intro after the start menu is stunning and utterly powerful. It immerses you into a nostalgic dreamworld of awe unlike anything I've ever experienced. It's enough to bring tears to your eyes. But that's not even close to being the reason it's so great, once you start playing the game, you feel as if this is THE REAL DEAL. The game is so deep its ridiculous. Advanced controls on offense and defense will take a while for anyone to master. There are literally DOZENS of different ways to play the game. Every single nuance that makes the NBA so exciting and intricate is included and at your fingertips. It all runs so smoothly and responds so immaculately that you actually feel like you're controlling the NBA's superstars. Signature gathers and signature moves this year are remarkable. Lebron's quick dribble spin and D-Wade's quick bounce into his jumper are fluid and life-like in a way that I thought not capable in a video game. It's unbelievable. Kobe Bryant is an absolute nightmare from mid-range. Arguably unstoppable in the right hands. And then there's MJ. Ho-ly SHI-ITE. I played a game with Mike this morning against the Lakers after the start up menu and saw SEVERAL SIGNATURE MOVES that were just jaw-dropping. His tongue wags and he finishes at the rim like NO OTHER. I'm astonished.

    This is the most realistic, most immersive, most ingenious video game I have ever seen in my life. Forget setting a bar for sports games. The amount of work and the amount of love and passion that went into making this game is flat out inspiring for video games of all creeds. I seriously think this game will spark a change in video games. What's acceptable and what's expected from the consumer will undoubtedly change after this unmatched package 2K has delivered. If you're not bringing the goods, just don't make the game. Period. 2K has set the bar so high is seems impossible to raise it any further. There are a few things I think 2K can add. First of all L2/LT should also be a pass modifier that allows you to make the right kind of pass to get around defenders. If your player has a high passer rating then the pass modifier would allow him to make a great pass of dozens of different animations. It's absolutely needed I think considering how vamped the D is in the game. Other than that. The game is flawless. It's not leaving my PS3 all year. Also, the PS3 version is identical to the XBox version. I've seen both. The only difference is the glare and reflections on the court but that's not a big deal because I think the XBox version is TOO glossy and doesn't look real. The PS3 version isn't glossy at all. The best representation would be somewhere in the middle. And oh, D-Fish has his right facial hair in the PS3 version as well.

    But in any event, the game is special. It truly is and EVENT. You MUST own this incredible game. The soundtrack is even INCREDIBLE. I love nearly EVERY TRACK. If you're fan of hoops or just of greatness in general. This is the very definition of GREATNESS. A remarkable piece of entertainment. 2K is where amazing happens.    … Expand
  3. skim123
    Oct 18, 2010
    9
    Great game. Deserving of all the praise. It's about time 2k got the respect they deserve. If you are having problems with this game, you aren't playing it right and you need to practice and watch some online tutorials or something, because once you know how to play it is top notch.
  4. Madmaz
    Oct 18, 2010
    8
    Ive never really been into basketball, coming from the uk you can probably understand why, I have dipped my toe in previous NBA games in the past with NBA JAM being the outstanding one, so having seen the critics reviews on here I decided to give it another go and im glad I did. this is a great game, the presentation is unbelievable, you feel like your watching and listening to a TVIve never really been into basketball, coming from the uk you can probably understand why, I have dipped my toe in previous NBA games in the past with NBA JAM being the outstanding one, so having seen the critics reviews on here I decided to give it another go and im glad I did. this is a great game, the presentation is unbelievable, you feel like your watching and listening to a TV broadcast, it really is stunning. The game play for me is very good , very realistic, and great fun to play. I felt that the response time was a little slow ie when you need to change direction quickly with a player it felt a little sluggish even with a small agile dude. I also felt that while the MY PLAYER option is a good one ie create your own player and guide him to NBA greatness,it felt too hard to get any where, you really need to sit down with this game and learn the moves inside out or you get nowhere, even the drills at the begining are very hard to accomplish, but overall a great game and worth a purchase.… Expand
  5. Tmacfan51
    Nov 1, 2010
    9
    After years of buying Nba live, I decided, with the delay of NBA elite, to go the other way and pick up NBA 2K11. As soon as you put in the game you get one of the cooest cinematics in sports games history. After awe-ing at the cinematic and admittingly losing by over 30 points in the first game. I decided to pick my Lakers and fool around a bit in scrimmage mode, which reveals the onlyAfter years of buying Nba live, I decided, with the delay of NBA elite, to go the other way and pick up NBA 2K11. As soon as you put in the game you get one of the cooest cinematics in sports games history. After awe-ing at the cinematic and admittingly losing by over 30 points in the first game. I decided to pick my Lakers and fool around a bit in scrimmage mode, which reveals the only downfall of this game. The difficulty. I was really good at Live and could beat everyone online or at least lose by a point or 2. But 2K11 is incredibly difficult when playing the first few games. By now I have practiced and played long enough (Took me about a week) to win most of the games I play offline. Now that I have talked about the difficulty, let's talk about the gameplay. The entire atmosphere of the game when you start is just phenomenal, while it does get repetitve after a few games or so. At first glance, the graphics seemed so-so, until I went into the replay mode so check out a D-Wade dunk and saw the jaw-dropping graphics that the game had hidden from me at first. The offensive plays you can run seem endless, and if executed correctly, will lead to some amazing finishes. The commentators are awesome, while they too can get repetitive if you play enough games. All in all, this game sets the bar for sports games. And if EA can take a page out of 2k's book, then Live can have a triumphant return. But for now, I can't see myself going back to Live anytime soon. Besides the difficulty which can be brutal to beginners, this game is perfection. 94/100… Expand
  6. dmonee
    Oct 9, 2010
    9
    Presentation = GREAT!, Gameplay = Challenging, but GREAT!, Graphics = The Celtics 80's team Larry Bird, looks lke LARRY BIRD this year. GREAT! Online = pretty good, but not sure if its a PS3 thing. Audio = if you've played any 2K sports game, you know it's all in here, stadiium specific chants, progressive crowd reaction to game situation, great commentary(possibly the best), decent soundPresentation = GREAT!, Gameplay = Challenging, but GREAT!, Graphics = The Celtics 80's team Larry Bird, looks lke LARRY BIRD this year. GREAT! Online = pretty good, but not sure if its a PS3 thing. Audio = if you've played any 2K sports game, you know it's all in here, stadiium specific chants, progressive crowd reaction to game situation, great commentary(possibly the best), decent sound track, even though you can use your own personal for the game. bad part is, no audio editing for game specific audio, even though you can use your own playlist for certain game situation, you can't edit the audio so you will hear the begining of whatever the 1st track of your playlist is over and over. Sorry if that doesn't make sense. Other than that, Great Sports game, best basketball game ever, and one of the best games ever. 9/10… Expand
  7. drewezbreezee
    Feb 25, 2011
    10
    i would like to amend my score.... michael jordan 2k11 has some flaws yes, so was he, he not 7'11 he didn't hit every shot.... he human... having said that... this game is SO FLY.... i'm happy... :D... i don't know what to do... i spent time with it... i worked on my game.... like michael jordan .... its flyyyyyyyyyyyy... i'm impressed.... and crying a little
  8. Tubie
    Oct 7, 2010
    8
    I'll be honest I am very critical of sports games due to them being released yearly some companies just update rosters and sit back to cash in. This game certainly avoids that by innovating and vastly improving over last years title. If you are a fan of basketball and you own a PS3 you must get this game. People that are not so into the sport or don't like playing sport simulation gamesI'll be honest I am very critical of sports games due to them being released yearly some companies just update rosters and sit back to cash in. This game certainly avoids that by innovating and vastly improving over last years title. If you are a fan of basketball and you own a PS3 you must get this game. People that are not so into the sport or don't like playing sport simulation games might want to stay away.… Expand
  9. ArtGunaxin
    Oct 15, 2010
    10
    Even before I played the game on my XBOX 360, the trailer had me all pumped. In the background you hear Sirius by the Alan Parson Project which was the opening for the Chicago Bulls when Jordan was on the team. From that moment on the game grabbed my attention and hasnâ
  10. crapmadgig
    Oct 13, 2010
    10
    This game is absolutely fantastic! A huge improvement over NBA 2k10, the gameplay is much smoother, the yearly regular updates are there as well and of course, there is jordan in the game. One thing I noticed is that the jumpers for players are a lot better this year too. In general everything is better! Get this game now! It is amazing!
  11. Gondor
    Oct 18, 2010
    10
    NBA 2K11 is the best basketball game ever.
    Previous releases from 2K where very good but this year's game has reached higher standards.
    Every single play-mode has been enhanced and the playability is better than ever... players move smoothly and signature moves are identical to real players'. But what I like the most is the possibility of using classic teams (those were good times).    NBA 2K11 is the best basketball game ever.
    Previous releases from 2K where very good but this year's game has reached higher standards.
    Every single play-mode has been enhanced and the playability is better than ever... players move smoothly and signature moves are identical to real players'.

    But what I like the most is the possibility of using classic teams (those were good times). Playing as MJ is something I have been expecting since he left basketball... his moves are like watching him playing once again.

    I strongly recommend this game to any basketball fan.    … Expand
  12. GyroMight
    Oct 18, 2010
    9
    This is the first basketball game I have purchased since Double Dribble on the original NES so take my opinion for what it is worth. I think this is a fantasticly fun game, using the game sliders you can make the game as difficult or as easy as you want. Going through MJ's big moments playing against some of the classic NBA teams is fun and feel rewarding. I follow the NBA just enoughThis is the first basketball game I have purchased since Double Dribble on the original NES so take my opinion for what it is worth. I think this is a fantasticly fun game, using the game sliders you can make the game as difficult or as easy as you want. Going through MJ's big moments playing against some of the classic NBA teams is fun and feel rewarding. I follow the NBA just enough to know the top players from the league and I still have a blast playing this game.… Expand
  13. RuthlessKoopa
    Nov 3, 2010
    10
    this game is very amazing everything is there congrats on 2k for making their best game ever made in my opinion of the basketball franchise except for some minor glitches which hopefully they patch soon than the online will be amazing and besides what other game lets u play the best moments of basketball history in the world??
  14. DJSILLYWILLY
    Nov 5, 2010
    10
    great game still has a few glitches but im sure they will fix it one love

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  15. NostalgiaKing27
    Dec 28, 2010
    9
    NBA 2K11 is a great basketball game. I haven't been playing NBA video games for quite some time now (well, not since the NBA Street series) and after reading all the positive reviews for this game and acknowledging the fact that one of the greatest NBA players is a part of the game (who wasn't a fan of the Chicago Bulls when Michael Jordan created magic on the court?) I felt compelled toNBA 2K11 is a great basketball game. I haven't been playing NBA video games for quite some time now (well, not since the NBA Street series) and after reading all the positive reviews for this game and acknowledging the fact that one of the greatest NBA players is a part of the game (who wasn't a fan of the Chicago Bulls when Michael Jordan created magic on the court?) I felt compelled to check it out. I bought the game as a Christmas present for myself (thank you Father-In-Law) and all I can say is "Merry Christmas". The game has wonderful graphics, great gameplay, outstanding presentation, and a awesome selection of modes. The only thing I haven't done (and probably won't since it's not really my thing) is play online. I feel there is so much to the single-player experience with this game. You can create your own dream team and go through a regular season, the Michael Jordan challenges that allow you to play some of the most memorable NBA games of his career, and so much more. The first thing I noticed is the presentation and the graphics. It's amazing that I felt I was watching an actual NBA broadcast the first time I saw the game in action and it's really well done. Of course all this is backed up by responsive controls. The NBA player models are really well done too. I feel that with certain games they really don't live up to the hype but this is NOT the case with this game. If you're a fan of the NBA or wanting to capture the interest you had in the NBA and NBA video games then this will do it. I know on "X-Play" one of the reviewers said something to the effect that they would probably sit down and watch an NBA game after playing this game (I agree as I felt the same way) I say these things because I was REALLY interested and followed all things NBA once upon a time. I don't think it's a coincidence that the man who fostered my interest in the NBA in the beginning (Michael Jordan) would be the same man who got me interested in the NBA-again. I haven't even played through a complete season yet and I already know that I'll be playing this game for quite some time. I feel that some of the reviews I have been reading saying "it's the greatest basketball game ever made and possibly the greatest sports game ever made" are pretty accurate. I also feel that this is one game you don't have to wait for a "price drop" because it's worth the $60.00. So, if you love the NBA then I'm sure you will enjoy this game immensely!… Expand
  16. joshfarc
    Nov 29, 2010
    9
    This game is EASILY the BEST SPORTS GAME ever made, and it just so happens to be a basketball game (thank god). I am a huge sports gamer, as 2k9, 2k10, and 2k11 have consumed me so much as a basketball columnist and gamer, that the game is simply superb on every platform! I've got 2k11 on PS3 and PC (and played it on 360... some FPS issues but not major), but on PS3 the game runs great,This game is EASILY the BEST SPORTS GAME ever made, and it just so happens to be a basketball game (thank god). I am a huge sports gamer, as 2k9, 2k10, and 2k11 have consumed me so much as a basketball columnist and gamer, that the game is simply superb on every platform! I've got 2k11 on PS3 and PC (and played it on 360... some FPS issues but not major), but on PS3 the game runs great, and on my high end PC the game is superb. So graphically it gets a 10/10.

    PHYSICS ENGINE: This 2k11 game might have the best collision detection I've ever witnessed in a sports game... or any game. No longer do we see shots go through the backboard or player's arms going through each other. It all feels real and each person or thing feels tangible. The physics of the game just feel like real life. I can play 12 minute quarters on Superstar difficulty and the game will end up anywhere from me scoring 90-120+ points depending on the night. Much better than scoring 170 a game in 2k10 w/12 minute quarters.

    THAT'S CALLED TRUE "SIMULATION". FINALLY, THE NBA SIM GAME WE'VE ALL BEEN WAITING FOR HAS ARRIVED!

    The player movements are great, as well as the 100's of animations they have dribbling, shooting (shot stick is better than ever). The jumpers, the floaters, the runners, the fadeaways, they're all great shots that take getting used to. The Post-Up game has VASTLY been improved on the defensive end, as well as offensive, but in 2k10 it was too easy to post up and score; and way too hard to defend. In 2k11 the Post-Defense is great, and the defense as a whole is amazing as well. The team defense is what really makes the game feel like a real NBA game.

    My Player is better than ever, though it's essentially the same build. Some extra's are being able to see your players career, being able to ask for trades and see who's interested, the my player scoring system has been refined and is much better than last year, and you gotta love the "post-game interviews" that go on after each game, adding an element of "role playing" to this game being able to choose what type of response to give. All in all the My Player is amazing, especially because the AI has become a lot smarter (they actually make cuts and set screens without a play being ran) and the help defense makes it amazing. I've gotten 40 hours out of the My Player mode alone, let alone the Association Mode or brand new Jordan Challenge mode.

    The player ratings and tendencies are great as usual, and you gotta love the weekly updates to the roster based off of this current NBA season. While some overall ratings will make you think, the player's tendencies can be as important as their overall rating almost, so don't pay too much attention to their ratings (though they obviously matter). AUDIO: Best yet. I love the presentation. Doris Burke on the sideline for the "sideline reports" is great, and the dialogue has actually become wide enough in range (and has enough content) that it doesn't get too repetitive. Sometimes you think they're having a conversation live on TV. The soundtrack is actually decent too.

    Simply put, it's the most realistic basketball simulation game to date. The realism might turn some people off, but for hardcore fans this game provides EVERYTHING we have EVER wanted from a 2k basketball game.... everything BUT the online system working fluidly..... 10/10 Single Player...... but because the online system is rubbish AGAIN for the 3rd straight year.......

    9/10    … Expand
  17. TheSauce
    Dec 19, 2010
    9
    the only reason i didn't give this a 10 is because ive been an nba live guy my whole life... and there's no 92-93 suns!!! how am i gonna get my thunder dan majerle fix!!! otherwise great game
  18. Commen0136
    Jan 21, 2011
    9
    NBA 2K11 is the greatest sport game I've ever played. NBA Fans will love this game. Non-nba fans will still have fun with it but it'll be pretty hard for them. This is one of the few sports games that I have fun with myself. I only bring out my NBA games when there are visitors so I can play against them. 2K11 isn't like that. Its fun with or without other people. I enjoyed playing theNBA 2K11 is the greatest sport game I've ever played. NBA Fans will love this game. Non-nba fans will still have fun with it but it'll be pretty hard for them. This is one of the few sports games that I have fun with myself. I only bring out my NBA games when there are visitors so I can play against them. 2K11 isn't like that. Its fun with or without other people. I enjoyed playing the Bulls (the one with Jordan). Playing them just brings so many memories for me and other people especially if you were a Bulls fan back then. Overall this is one AWESOME game that NBA fans (or even non-NBA fans) should definitely get.… Expand
  19. xNick97x
    Jan 11, 2011
    10
    Incredible game! Needless to say that the whole jordan thing rocks and if u were watching him at the time a kind of nostalgia will rule you....... Association:Great! i believe the best mode in the whole game.Myplayer:Very good even if i sometimes get frustrated and very rewarding.Jordanchallenge:Amazing Graphics: id give a nine out of ten but still top notch Controls:nine and a half out ofIncredible game! Needless to say that the whole jordan thing rocks and if u were watching him at the time a kind of nostalgia will rule you....... Association:Great! i believe the best mode in the whole game.Myplayer:Very good even if i sometimes get frustrated and very rewarding.Jordanchallenge:Amazing Graphics: id give a nine out of ten but still top notch Controls:nine and a half out of ten. The contros were really easy to adapt to as this was my first 2k game.Sound:Very realistic and you can even listen to the games soundtracks(they are pretty good) during the game.Replayability:I think ill keep coming back to this game for a long time.....… Expand
  20. GGMKARFA
    Mar 18, 2011
    9
    This game is the best in the series and finally they 2K have fixed the online but it's not perfect. This game is underrated. More game modes, all good but my player needs a little balancing issue fixing. Best Basketball game out there......
  21. samdagiant
    May 24, 2011
    10
    I have logged a scary amount of hours on this game and STILL am not tired of it. Michael Jordan fan or not, the MJ features are amazing. The "my player" mode is great for basketball junkies like me, which allows you to create a player and work to get drafted and battle for minutes on a squad. I am in my 2nd full season right now and am stil hooked after 8 months. The game could use someI have logged a scary amount of hours on this game and STILL am not tired of it. Michael Jordan fan or not, the MJ features are amazing. The "my player" mode is great for basketball junkies like me, which allows you to create a player and work to get drafted and battle for minutes on a squad. I am in my 2nd full season right now and am stil hooked after 8 months. The game could use some work on the dunk contest in my opinion. 2K has done it again!… Expand
  22. Zilcell
    Nov 7, 2011
    9
    This is one of the best sports games ever made. Michael Jordan features make it even better than 2k10. It feels more balanced and realistic than ever before.
  23. jayylukee
    Nov 20, 2011
    10
    This game is incredible. There are many different game modes such as The Association, My Player, MJ Creating a Legend and many more. All the different game modes have much depth and that makes this game stand out from most others. I love how 2K make their games, and NBA 2K11 is one of the best.
  24. PQuinny
    Jan 14, 2012
    10
    I really enjoyed the different things this game has to offer. The graphics are excellent, and the players really look real-life. I was a little annoyed with the controls, but that is made up for by the excellent features provided in-game. I loved this game, and I think any fan of the NBA would too.
  25. Syriamn
    Oct 13, 2012
    9
    NBA 2K11 has Michael Jordan. That's all it needs to be awesome. It feels you're controlling the real players so real it is. Besides did i mention that it has the greatest basketball player of all time? Yes!! It has Michael Jordan.
  26. bulletchan
    Apr 11, 2016
    10
    I am and always have been the consummate New York teams fan. When I was in my teen years the "Only" non New York team I rooted for was the Bulls. I watched in awe for ALL six championships and knew I was witnessing the greatest Basketball player alive in Michael Jordan. SO... It was only natural that after the NBA Union had no say in the matter that a game be created in his honor.
  27. emlugo123
    Feb 23, 2015
    8
    The presentation right when you start the game is amazing and I feel like as if with Jordan. However, the Jordan Challenges are tedious and some of them are really difficult to get.
  28. homer4president
    Nov 18, 2015
    9
    This game broke the mold! It has real game action, super star legends, different game modes and graphics. You can't go wrong, I see why they put Jordan on the cover, because its history! This game still competes against 2012-2015 NBA 2k games, so you know how good it is.
  29. TheCastleFinder
    Aug 30, 2016
    10
    One of the best basketball games ever! It has a great gameplay with great usage of Playstation Move. It has lots of players and old teams. I love this game and all of it modes.
  30. MinePlay512
    May 7, 2023
    10
    When talking about NBA 2K11, there's no doubt it's one of the best basketball games. Playing the best moments of MJ and it's gameplay while rewriting Jordan's legacy can tell a lot about NBA 2K11.

Awards & Rankings

10
#10 Best PS3 Game of 2010
33
#33 Most Discussed PS3 Game of 2010
65
#65 Most Shared PS3 Game of 2010

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
89

Generally favorable reviews - based on 46 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 46 out of 46
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 46
  3. Negative: 0 out of 46
  1. Playstation Official Magazine Australia
    Jan 24, 2011
    90
    Hardcore lovers of the sport will relish the challenge, enjoy every throttling by the AI, and take their skills online. But there'll only be so many times basketball punters will endure this level of difficulty without reverting to Tourette-like hysterics. So yes, it's complex. And yes, the experience oscillates between sublime and diabolical between each game, but basketball is a complex sport. With such unparalleled presentation and unapologetic gameplay, this is likely the best basketball game ever. [December 2010 p76]
  2. XGN
    Jan 12, 2011
    87
    Everything that Michael Jordan touches, turns into gold. NBA 2K11 is the best game of its kind because of all the improvements that Visual Concepts has added.
    Read full review
  3. PSFocus
    Jan 12, 2011
    91
    NBA 2K11 is a fantastic game, there is nothing wrong about the game and it contains all the content like last year. One new addition is the Michael Jordan Challenge, where you can play a few of the most important moments in his career. Every basketball fan has to buy this game.
    Read full review
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