NBA 2K12

NB 2K12 is as generous as it is demanding, and it's unquestionably a game for passionate Basketball lovers, made by passionate basketball lovers. But with its astounding animations, the high fidelity of the greatest players reproduced in game (the older stars like the ones of today), its rich content, deep gameplay, atmosphere and fantastic sound work, 2K's sport game wows anyone. It's as clear as a lightning-fast pass from Magic Johnson, a Michael Jordan cross-over or 3-point shot from Larry Bird: NBA 2K12 is the best basket simulation ever published.

The combination of sublime gameplay, unprecedented level of compelling historic team matchups, and an excellent update to My Player puts NBA 2K12 at a level no hoops game has ever been. The absolute mountaintop.

NBA 2K11 does not do anything earth-shattering or drastic. There are no highly-touted changes to the controls, animations, or gameplay. This is because none was needed. 2K Sports has tweaked a few things here and there, beefed up Association mode and online features, streamlined My Player mode into a manageable affair, introduced new presentation elements that create a true-to-life NBA experience, and spanned decades of greats with a Legends mode that is simply awesome.

2K Sports has done it again. The 2011-2012 version of the best basketball franchise in the industry is a must have for every fan of the sport.

Realistic, challenging, gorgeously presented and chock full of solid gameplay, NBA 2K12 is the new benchmark for solid sporting titles.

Tweaks to the My Player mode as well as the growth of the Legend concept has led this franchise to even greater heights. A wonderfully tasty mix of presentation and solid gameplay make this game a keeper, even in a year when the actual NBA may never appear.

NBA 2K12 is simply the best sports simulation ever made. Visual Concept add freshness and a nostalgic feeling to the game with "The Greatest" mode and, in a totally unexpected way, changed the gameplay completely. Now NBA 2K12 is pure NBA basketball in your very hands.

NBA 2K12 isn't just the best basketball game; it's the most complete sports sim I've ever played. This is the new benchmark.

NBA 2K12 takes everything I love about last year and makes it better. Then it takes nearly all the parts I didn't like and turns them awesome. Hey, other sports games, you just got schooled. Again.

2K Sports raised the bar very high last year, and we though it would be very difficult for another entry to surpass it. Fortunately we were mistaken, and it improves almost everything from the previous game, with new and revamped game modes, basketball legends and more fun matches. A must-have.

The best basketball sim of all time.

The NBA lockout is still in effect, but worry not – NBA 2K12 arrives to save the day of a sports fanatic. The Michael Jordan of basketball games looks, sounds and – most importantly of all – plays like the real thing. The controls are demanding, but once you get the hang of it, every other sports game feels inferior. The nostalgic "NBA's Greatest" game mode and addictive career mode complete the irresistible package. [Nov 2011]

NBA 2K12 is a great simulation with a lot to offer, from street pick-up games to World Champion classic teams. Hopefully the lack of current rosters is temporary. NBA 2K12 is an improvement over last year, but only a slight one.

The additions to the my player mode alone are worth the price of admission, and those who grew up playing Lakers vs. Celtics and other classic 16-bit basketball games will love being able to play as their favorite athletes with a modern-day presentation. While the NBA's greatest mode could have benefitted from more depth, the improved gameplay means that NBA 2K12 has once again earned a spot in the starting lineup.

Don't be put off by the NBA lockout causing a lack of rookies in the game, NBA 2K12 is still a massive basketball game with unfathomably deep gameplay and an astonishing array of game modes that'll easily last you until next year's instalment.

There are issues that need fixed – online being the most severe – but that doesn't undermine the fact that it's still an incredibly fun game to play.

Unparalleled presentation, in-depth options and smooth-as-butta gameplay.

Let's hope the real NBA season will star with as much enthusiasm as 2K Games had for creating this game. Legends, great graphics, swell sound, astounding atmosphere – it has everything a basketball fan could want.

If sports franchises are wondering what they need to do for their next release they should pay a lot of attention to what Visual Concepts has done with the NBA 2K franchise. More than any other game on the market NBA 2K12 has managed to bring the sport to life better then we have ever seen before. Needless to say NBA 2K12 has gone back to back, and I can't wait to see if they can do a three-peat.

NBA 2K12 is one of the best sporting games in history. Visual Concepts and 2K Sports continue their best traditions - the new NBA is a step towards perfection. Even though it has some flaws (mainly technical), it's difficult to find a game that suits the definition of a perfect virtual basketball production better. It'a complete game with a variety of modes and content that guarantees months of serious gamepad training.

On the whole, NBA 2K12 not only improves on last year's game with tighter controls and other incremental improvements, but 2K Sports has also delivered enhancements and revisions that matter.

The presentation is absolutely sensational, providing a television feel that eclipses anything I've seen before.

NBA 2K12 is simply awesome. Visual Concepts has done a great job fixing old issues and improving the previous episode listening at the community feedbacks. If you are an NBA fan you simply can't miss this perfect simulation of your favourite sport.

It's dedicated to the spirit of the game, both in the present and in the past, in ways that so many other sports games, even some of the great ones, have never really been able to do. NBA 2K12 is essential for any fan of video game sports.

The post game has been tweaked to be more responsive and allow for more subtle movements over last year's effort, and an improved shot stick means players have more options when trying to put the ball in the net. Last second fakes and finger rolls rule the day and are easily accomplished with a little practice.

NBA 2K12 is not to be missed, lockout or no.

This game is the best basketball gaming experience out there already, and little things for in-game customization and the addition of a couple more gaming modes will only continue to make anybody think twice about trying to compete.

Nearly every issue from last year has been fixed, but it's a shame that some online issues still appear. But even with all the other minor issues found throughout the game, NBA 2K12 is a very solid presentation.

Instead of re-inventing the wheel, 2K12 just made the wheel a whole lot prettier, and that's good enough for me.

Slightly rocky in-game mechanics just stop this from slamdunking the competition. [Christmas 2011, p.65]

The best offline basketball video game around and one of the best sport sims yet. Our overall judgment is however strongly impacted by the disappointing online support, with frequent disconnects and heavy lag. We hope the developers will be able to fix it.

More vintage players, small gameplay tweaks, and the same great presentation you expect make this the best NBA game around.

Ultimately, though, it's about the basketball on the court and that's where NBA 2k12 truly shines. It doesn't make any huge leaps from last year's version to this year's -some of the carryover problems are frustrating and it does need more precise control- but that doesn't stop it from being one of the best sports games on the market and a must buy for any NBA fan.

NBA 2K12 will have to settle for being the closest thing to perfect I've ever seen in an offline sports video game. But it could have done much more -- it could have saved our season.

Basketball done right. [Issue#78, p.89]

It's another sound update but just lacking the fluidity and polish to mark it as one of the great sports sims. [Christmas 2011, p.103]

This is without a doubt a sports game worth experiencing and one which feels both utterly unnecessary and entirely essential at once during this year's lockout season.

Developer Visual Concepts chose to focus on minor tweaks and adjustments, resulting in the best basketball simulation on the market.

New modes such as NBA's Greatest are a welcome inclusion and add longevity to the game. Basketball fans will also be excited by the improvements to Franchise mode, and the overall first class presentation.

Quotation forthcoming.