IGN: NBA 2K11 Review

It's fitting that NBA 2K11 prominently features Michael Jordan. After all, His Airness is the greatest basketball player of all time and NBA 2K11 is the greatest basketball game ever made.

2K Sports has delivered the most finely polished and fully featured sports game I've ever played -- and I've played a lot of sports games. The amount of work put into 2K11 is staggering -- perfect recreations of Jordan's historic games, streamlined controls, NBA teams that play and feel like their real-life counterparts, a franchise mode that includes sensible GM logic and intelligent team building.

This is one of the most incredible year-over-year improvements of a game imaginable. Madden, EA's NHL series, MLB 2K, and just about everyone else has been served notice. There are no more excuses for half-assed annual updates. Bring it every year or you will get booed out of the building.

Read more: http://ps3.ign.com/articles...

[Mista T]

amazing, I'm getting this, I have yet to own a basketball game this gen. I'll pick this up at a later date.

[nikkisixx2]

same here, i have it preordered :DDDDDD

[chrisnick]

had it pre-ordered since last month. Still hating the fact that there is no collector's edition. 2k missed out, I would've bought that for sure.

[Droid Smasha]

EA knew that 2K was bringing the pain this year and backed out b4 the scores started leaking

[thong_pounder]

all they did was added Jordan and tweak some of the game play, other than that it's pretty much the same thing. I'm not going to buy this since the graphics look like ps2 graphics when playing on sd tv ( don't own a hd tv)

[chrisnick]

i get it...you just wanted attention. but ps2 gra...sigh...nevermind. Guess you had elite pre ordered.

[kaveti6616]

Why are you complaining about the graphics when it's your fucking problem? I also have an SDTV, but I don't bash a game's graphics just because it is designed to be HD and to look its best in HD.

[LinuxGuru]

thong_pounder

You are dead wrong. It is all your TV's fault.

[MorganX]

If you don't have an HDTV, you don't need more than a PS2 or Xbox 1, except to play games unavailable on the old consoles.

[ThaGeNeCySt]

You obviously haven't played the demo or retail game if you've come to that conclusion (minus the HDTV part)

[drdre74]

lol whatever you've been smoking please stop.

[jwk94]

That's possibly the stupidest comment i've ever seen.

[MorganX]

@jwk94

I don't disagree with you. I forgot the /sarcasm switch.

Obviously I thought the comment made no sense. If having a SDTV makes a game as good looking as 2k11 look like PS2, therefore you don't want it. Then that person doesn't need a nextgen console at all. /s

[jwk94]

Alright, my bad, it's difficult to tell sarcasm through typed words.

[Longrod_Von_Hugendon]

yeah no. after seeing the pics of the side by side there's no way in hell I'd ever by one of or any of their games.

and anyone that buys a game based on an IGN review is a fool.

[simplyRealistic18]

most of you who complain about it being the same thing are not basketball fans or players, because if you were, you would see the details of the game this year,

and you say "after seeing side by side pics" so you are complaining about the graphics, it's a basketball game, it not like killzone where they add all these effects, that just have to have accurate basketball models, the player look like the real basketball player

This is the best 2k in a while, if you dont want to get it then don't, but there is a demo out so try it out or something, The presentation is on a whole other level, the gameplay is a 1-to-1 representation of basketball fundamentals, if you dont' play basketball you wont know what i mean that

[bunfighterii]

I gotta say, I'm one of the biggest basketball fans out there, and IGN's review of 2k10 was a joke. They basically said the same things about 2k10 that they did about 2k11, but 2k10 was one of the most glitch ridden, frustrating games ever made. It didn't get patched properly for 3 months after its release, its full of flaws and issues, and overall was just a let down of a game.

While I've got high hopes for 2k11, I just can't trust IGN when it comes to NBA2K reviews.

[KozmoOchez]

most likely the complainers dont play nba 2k games...or probably any sports games. go to 2ksports.com, read the updated features, watch the videos - most of all, read the developer insights on all the new features that they have added. It's more than any other sports game has added EVER(between 1 year).

Each dev insight is about a 5-10min read, and there's about 10 of them. How many sports titles have that many new features and updates in 1 game? Go play madden from 10-11, nhl from 10-11, MLB the Show from 09-10 and then play nba 2k10-2k11...then tell me that those sports games can touch what 2k has been doing yearly, and those games were supposed to be cream of the crop sports titles.

Then for fun, go play nba live 10, and the elite demo(since the full game is pushed back) and tell me which game is better. Most of you who don't play sports games would probably choose live/elite simply b/c its a lot easier, but anyone who knows anything about the sport and nba videogames knows that 2k11 is as real as it gets

PS:NBA 2k demos always suck, they are pretty much tech demos - no commentary, no options, no roster changes, cant choose teams, just play 1 quarter and done

[Kassanova07]

I agree. My patience has paid off. Last time I bought a sports game was NBA Live 98 lol

[DigitalAnalog]

Wow.... I mean..... wow.

-End statement

[RedDevils]

the disgree on Mista T comment, he just said he gonna pick up the game, oh wait so he won't pick up the game, well that N4G for you :)

[Jneal7]

I didn't disagree with his post because I doubt his intent on purchasing it. I disagreed because I think NBA2K11 is going to be too good of a game to "pick up at a later date" as he said he would. I think he should pre order it if he's interested in it.

[Playerz8]

Damn, this is crazy. I cannot freakin' wait. Can you tell by my avatar pic?

[KozmoOchez]

woulda done it earlier but i was waiting for money to come in...lots of haters here on the mainsite tho - obviously dont play basketball games or any sports games for that matter

[ExitToExisT]

For me it was horrible. Animations,character movements, gameplay, characters facial animations, everything was dated on the demo

[UNCyrus]

yes, because demos 100% of the time always represent the full game

[mrcash]

cant wait, just a few days away.

[Sub-Zero85]

I totally disagree 100% demos doesn't always represent how the full game will be ......... it gives u an idea because I have played plenty of demos that sucked big time but when I played the finished game totally different experience!

[Mr Logic]

sorry man, but that was total fail.

[punkpop101]

He's making a sarcasm you know?

[TOO PAWNED]

i know what you mean, i think Wii and STILL PS2 versions hold it back for us on HD consoles. Still i am getting this. It will be my first NBA game since NBA 2K on Dreamcast.

[Genki]

Newsflash people, a demo is designed to SELL A PRODUCT, therefore no matter what you say about it not being the full game(DUH), all demos are designed by the developers to show off the best parts of their game to the end user.

Being that it's my $60 that's in my wallet, if a demo doesn't impress me, WHY ON EARTH would some of you still expect an individual to buy the product? What else is an individual to do?

Some of you apologists and fanboys are just ridiculous with your logic. I'd bet a dime to dollar that if someone RENTED a full game and wasn't pleased with it, some genius on here would say "It ain't the same as OWNING it, you gotta OWN the full game, I swear it's different!"

As silly as that sounds, that's what my ears pick up every time I hear some twit tell another gamer that they're wrong for not buying a game if they didnt like a demo. I wonder do the same folks that spout this nonsense try on clothes at a store, decide they don't like them but buy it anyway to "get the full experience" from it? Somehow I doubt it.

How in the hell did this community devolve to the point where nobody is allowed to have a valid negative opinion anymore?

[poopface1]

but demos can do a bad job representing the whole experience or the final game could be improved.

However even if this is the case, Its the dev's fault. If a dev puts out a shitty demo then it's their problem and there is a pretty good chance the game sucks.

[authentic24]

2k always puts out half ass demos for their basketball titles. There was no audio, no play calling, you could only play with the lakers and you couldn't make substitutions. A lot was left out of the demo.

[bunfighterii]

If you owned 2k10 you'd see the demo for 2k11 was an outstanding improvement in the most important element of a basketball game: the pure gameplay. It was way better than control than 2k10's glitched mechanics.

[vickers500]

There have been plenty of demos that didn't interest me, but because of reviews and praise, I bought the game anyway, and I ended up really enjoying those games.

I do agree that demos (most of the time) do represent what the game will be like the majority of the time, but they cannot be fully counted on.

[FF7numbaone]

2k sucks at demos for the Nba imo

[Theoneneo81]

Sports Demos Suck on a whole in general I mean how can you tell how good a demo is from just playing 1 game with two teams?

[KozmoOchez]

2k puts out super old versions of their demos or something, their demos have never been enough to sell their games...but real 2k fans go to the website and read the developer insights and all the features there

[simplyRealistic18]

then go play nba streets, because basketball player don't speed down the court at 35 miles an hours, so dont complain about player movements and animations,

basketball is a slow pace game with burst moments, that is how it is in real life,

[blodulv]

Basketball is a slow paced game? Are you watching the Clippers?

[bunfighterii]

I'd disagree and say it's a fast paced game with slow moments.

[likedamaster]

@Exit

Trust me, compared to Elite's demo 2k11 is superior, and plus 2k has the Jordan challenges, etc. Jordan cover alone warrants this game a 9.5.

[drdre74]

lol i bet you loved the EA demo lol!!!!!! dated you say? hmm you may have the 2k demo and the EA DEMO mixed up.

[dtrain21]

The Demo is not a actual representation of the retail version. I'm a basketball fan but never bought a bball game so i'm excited for this one

[chasegarcia]

This is no 9.5/10. Another GTA review by ign.com

[mrcash]

gta deserved it so whats the problem?

[chrisnick]

I think everyone hated the fact that there was nothing extra to do after the game was over. The phone calls got annoying but I think somehow, someway, ppl decided to hate gta4...because it ended.

[Montrealien]

funny story

The rest of the world > N4G

GTA 4 did deserve the good scores.

[evrfighter]

these scores aren't for you but for sports fans. Jordan warrants at least a 9 considering how rare it is he appears in bball games. It's all politics. If you score 2k11 down you insult Jordan. If you insult Jordan you probably lose a large portion of your sports readers.

People don't realize the amount of influence Jordan has. EA FREAKIN CANCELLED THEIR GAME BECAUSE OF HIM. You may give other excuses for EA bowing down. But anyone with a head on their shoulders knows that it's a waste of money to try and compete with Jordan in the basketball sector.

[Thepro318]

this game includes the jordan challenge once u beat that. U can play Baby jordan on anytime team today's era.

2k revamp play mode its like Basketball RPG style build my character up be what i want he to be.

2k smooth out all the animations in this game.Revamp and improved the play calling in this game.

The Assocation is like a SIM head heaven no more stupid CpU trades teams sign or trade for players who fit their team system.

[MorganX]

Haven't bought a basketball game since Bird vs Jordan, PC. Back when I was learning computers.

I played the Xbox Demo. WOW!! I'm buying it. I'll wait for the $5-10 price drop in a couple months though since it's not bball season yet and I haven't done a season in Maddel 11. After I win my Fantasy Football league, it's on!

[hobo51]

All i can say is damm, best sports game dis gen damm

[DeleteThisxx]

Are you fucking kidding me?
Castlevania gets a 7.5 because it's "not" a Castlevania game. Yes, lets lower the score because the game tries something new.

Yet....

A stupid basketball game gets a near perfect score? Please, what is so different about this one from any other basketball game, enlighten me. Pathetic, truly pathetic.

[realplayer82]

you know nothing about the game of basketball...

[simplyRealistic18]

you are such a Fu**ing Lame, get of you chair and play basketball for once, because only idiots say something like "a stupid basketball game gets a near perfect score" and then bring up a game that is not even a sports game

[DeleteThisxx]

Telling me to get off my chair and actually play the sport? What do you do when you play the game? Funny.

I bring up a game that isn't a sports game to prove a point. This is NOTHING but another basketball game, nothing different, same formula. The sport itself has nothing to do with this being the same game it has always been.

Quit being so ignorant. IGN bashes a game for trying something new, yet gives this game a near perfect score when it's the same shit over and over again. Makes no sense.

[EskiJoe]

Not trying to defend either game.

But it seems that IGN is consistent.

- You have a game that tries something new, and it gets deducted points for it.
- Same formula but improves some parts, its scores higher.

I guess we can conclude that in IGN's opinion: "If its not broken...".

-----------
Edit: Just to put in a contrast. An inconsistency would be to score them the same. And I think that its weird to compare the 2 games anyways...

[iceman06]

Cross genre comparisons don't really work well. So, the standard would be whatever game IGN felt was the best sports title or even better which basketball game was the best. In their opinion, 2K11 made some huge changes that made the game the best at what it does...basketball. I can respect that. I can also see how it might at first look like they are saying that 2K11 would be better than Castlevania by that score. But, they are simply saying that 2K11 is as close to a perfect basketball game as they can warrant.

PS--If you were a sports gamer, then you would be able to appreciate the subtle nuances that are added year in and year out by most devs. It's like adding a new battle system to an RPG or tuning the cover for a TPS. These enhancements don't MAKE the game, but they can make it a much better experience.

[bunfighterii]

Yeah totally different dumbass. FAIL.

[Jneal7]

Reviews are based on perspectives and opinions. If you disagree with this score because you don't like basketball, no basketball fan will value your opinion. No one asks a computer programmer his opinion on plumbing. Basketball games are made for basketball fans, which you clearly are not. This game is the best basketball game ever and any basketball fan can appreciate that.

Games are different, especially across genre lines. If you don't enjoy basketball simulations or basketball games in general then NBA 2K11 isn't for you. If I am someone who doesn't like FPS games, then I won't enjoy the best FPSs like COD, Halo or Battlefield. If I'm not an RPG gamer, then I won't pay for Final Fantasy games or WOW regardless of how "good" someone else thinks they are. I will not, however, criticize someone else because their opinion is different than mine. I don't get upset when a game like MW2 gets a 9.5 just because I don't like FPSs. I am not qualified to give an opinion on something that I don't understand. That's like Roger Ebert dissing videogames.

Instead of insulting the interests of other gamers, let us celebrate the fact that our great hobby of gaming is becoming so relevant and culturally understood that today we can have such a diverse library of critically acclaimed videogames to satisfy the tastes of those who love games from the emotionally involving Heavy Rain to the adrenaline fueled Modern Warfares of today.

[Graphics]

This Review is Total BS, Its the same game as 2k10, still has all the same 2k10 bugs, players go out of bounds like idiots, passes are still retarded and a bunch of other garbage. They over rated because of Jordan, but Jordan challenges are fun though, but the game still full of bugs. been playing since yesterday on 360

[mrcash]

you have the game?

[Graphics]

yes

[APOFISBORICUA]

as the 360 version has been out for the pirates since a week ago. I played the game and the truth is that the demo IS representative of this game. Its the same as 2K10. The only thing thats new is the airnes MJ. That alone deserves a 10...LOL! but sincerely I see this review a little high.

PEACE AND GAMING!!

[alien626]

actually i find this game better then 2k10 and yes i also have the game

[ThaGeNeCySt]

How can people say this is the same game? Playcalling actually WORKS, the defense doesn't "SLIDE" back into position when you beat them off the dribble or drive to the hole and dish it out to the open man... context sensitive jumpshots (leaners, step back jumpers, etc), new animations, waaayyy better court spacing... the ability to play on default, casual, or simulation, better commentary, way better presentation than past nba 2k titles, the cpu or user not being able to throw stupid bullet passes into the paint with a near 100% success rate, etc. WTF game are you guys playing?

[Theoneneo81]

Pics or lies

[JustSomeLogic]

From JSL. . .and lens of truth

[Beahmscream]

Buys sports games, AKA roster updates?

[Britney Spears]

i only buy one basketball game and one baseball game in a generation.maybe if its a big leap in 2-4 years i might get a 2nd but its pretty much just 1 basketball game and 1 baseball game for me per gen. i was going to get MLB 10 but i will wait till MLB 11 and for the basketball game i will get this one[NBA 2k11].

[Beahmscream]

Fair enough

[gamerzBEreal17]

lol the only time someone will say britney spears sounds "logical"

[iceman06]

Some devs actually DO provide more than just roster updates. The subtle nuances and tweaks are what make the sport fun. The closer that the game gets to the sport...the better the game usually is (at least for sim heads). So, to answer your question....MILLIONS of people! See Madden, FIFA, and NBA2K sales for the specifics. In a sports gamers opinion, they would say "who the hell buys COD every year...it's just another gun game." I say to each his own. It's your money...enjoy it however you want.

[Supman]

This got higher than demon's souls!?
and is the same score as halo: Reach!?
I NEED A RESTRAINING ORDER!

[Elven6]

Yes, because reviewers ALWAYS look at other genres when scoring games, right?

"NBA 2K11 is the best sports game ever made but it's no Half Life, 5.5/10."

[poopface1]

Because thats exactly what I would think if that was how I personally rated games.

why? because Half-life 1 is my favorite game EVER!!!!!!

[simplyRealistic18]

QFT,

they are reviewing this as a SPORTS game, so Supman are you even smart? because no one in their right mind would say a random thing like that, thats like me saying "Wii fit is way better then Mass Effect 2"

[seinfan]

I think this gives me evidence to think that the high scores given to Mario games the past decade don't hold much weight compared to others.

[Armyntt]

Shouldnt this game be garbage since its not exclusive to anyones system of choice? Or is being "held back" from what 2K11 should have been? lol

[HungPHATx]

And will have 3D and Move support

[nsnsmj]

Great score, but calling it the best sports game this generation is a little too much. Then again, a review is an opinion. I know one thing though--It'll be interesting to see 2k12's score and review.

If yearly update games (sports games) are supposed to get better with each iteration, then I hate when something like "best _____ game of this generation" is said.

[Blackpool]

*sigh*

[auen1]

hell yeah!

[UNLOADED]

I know there completely different Games to compair, but Ign Nba2k11 9.5 Castlevania 7.5 and Reach 9.5. So Nba2k11 is Goty Contender! LOL! Your Funny Ign, Very Funny Indeed! No offence to nba2k11 im sure its a great game.

[realplayer82]

whats wrong with a sports game being a goty contender? The game has loads of content and is well made and had great gameplay. Just cause you dont like the sport doesnt mean it isnt a great game to basketball fans.

[dmixwell]

The disagrees are owning this page .

[unyo27]

i used to be an nba live guy back in the ps2 days, but ever since the ps3 came out all my bball games had been 2k.

[IGOTEVERYSYSTEM]

Maybe the game is a 9.5 ..Jordan can do that to you lol...he is the god of b-ball elite quit just off his presence. If he wasn't in the game they would have put elite out trust that..but 1 thngs for sure the demo is a 5.0 !!! On that note I will be renting before buying although I want to own this game everyyear 2k sports makes you wait for a 2month patch !! I'm on the fence

[FF7numbaone]

hmm now we know why elite got canceled...

[OGharryjoysticks]

Anybody know what's the smallest and cheapest 3D TV right now? I know there's going to be some cheap Black Friday deals next month, but if anybody knows of a cheap set now a link would be appreciated.

Thanks

[nevin1]

When it comes to sports/wrestling games, i never take them seriously.

NBA 2K11 i will buy when it cheap. I do believe when ppl say its just 2K10 the Jordan edition.

[Armyntt]

Who is sayin that? Your the only one saying that. I havent yet to read from someone who actually played it.

[ATi_Elite]

Yeah I'm getting this for the PC (taking a HUGE break from drowning in RTS)

It should be NBA 2k 11 The KOBE Edition.

Mike never dropped 81 points or won a championship with a broken finger (twice)

[dinkeldinkse]

Michael never did everything he possibly could to lose game 7 against the Celtics. Seriously, if Kobe didn't play in game 7 last year, the Lakers would have won by 50. He was absolutly worthless that day.

[Fruit Loops]

aside from his poor shot selection (he was 6-24 that night), he managed to grab 14 rebounds, and had clutch shooting in the 4th.

[likedamaster]

Doctor was recorded saying Kobe's finger was good to go way before playoffs.

Although scoring 81 points is commendable, it does not compare to getting a scoring title for 7 straight years -- 10 scoring titles in total.

Not to mention, Jordan's other achievements: 5 season MVPs, 6 Finals MVPs, 3 All-star MVPs, 2-time Gold medal winner, 2x dunk champion, 3x steals leader, Freshman of the year(college), rookie of the year, Defensive Player of the year(88), 31 reg season games 50+ points, 8 playoff games at 50+, 173 games with 40+ points, a record 38 playoff games over 40 points, ranked 3rd in All-time leader in points scored, 28 game-winning shots in the nba, a freethrow with his eyes completely closed, a standing ovation in his Hall of Fame inauguration, etc.

"By acclamation, Michael Jordan is the greatest basketball player of all time."

"There's Michael Jordan and then there is the rest of us." —Magic Johnson

Praise Kobe all you want, but DO NOT compare him to the GOAT -- MJ.

[realplayer82]

Kobe isnt worthy to even lace Jordans kicks. Actually even putting their names in the same sentence is blasphemy.....I apologize Jordan......J couldve scored 81 many of times fact is he was a better team player than Kobe could ever hope to be. Also his defense is head and shoulders above Kobes. Go watch some tape. Youngin.

[Armyntt]

Jordan is great in his era like Kobe is in his era. Only way to properly gauge them is simple statistics and Kobe is quickly catching him in almost every category. Now im neutral in this because this is all in ones perspective and i Jordan may be the best basketball player but hes not the most dominant imo that belongs to a young shaq. Noone could stop him.

[Fruit Loops]

then MAYBE he will be in the discussion for G.O.A.T.

that being said you can't take away any of the accolades Bryant acquired throughout his career.
No one in the NBA best resembles the tenacity and competitiveness that MJ had. Closest to that nature was Kobe.

[nevin1]

Was a ball hog. He got all the calls and the NBA wanted him in the Finals cause of ratings. He clearly pushed Bryon Russell in his last shot in a Bulls uniform.

Kobe been in the league since 1996, Krayzie Bone can find soem arguments in that.

[iceman06]

could be considered "ball hogs" in their early days because they usually end up on poor teams. Jordan basically carried the Bulls until they could find someone to put around him. Then, he created an Hall Of Famer in Scottie Pippen. Jordan made EVERYONE around him better. Look at the numbers of his teammates while with the Bulls and then when they subsequently left. Across the board, except maybe Steve Kurr, they were down. All NBA "stars" get calls. That's the league and the way they call it.
Jordan was the go-to guy. The best scorer for his position and especially clutch scorer in the game. Sure, they created the Jordan rules...but that just shows how great he was.

PS--I believe he got away with one on that shot in the finals too!

[saulx6]

I cant understand how anyone can love basketball let alone a basketball game.
go outside and play a real sport like football my bad its called soccer in us

[LinuxGuru]

Seriously? Nobody cares. I LOVE soccer / football, but honestly...no one cares about your hatin'

[dinkeldinkse]

When it is being played legitmately it's extremly boring, but nowadays the pussies flop every time a defender gets within ten feet of them. Then they get mad when the refs don't give the defender a yellow card. At least basketball players actually take some punishment between pussy flops.

[Armyntt]

100% agree. The flops are ruining the sport. Its becoming a sport for pu$$ys. Then again the rules ever changing in the NFL arent making it any better for american football.

[dinkeldinkse]

I agree about the NFL, but they are in a tough place. Either have 95% of your former players be physically disable for the rest of their life or become "safer" and knock that percentage down to the 50-60 range.

[iceman06]

All REAL sports are played outside!?!? Or, is it that this is one of the sports where the US shines and you are just hating. Coming from a sports fan...ALL SPORTS...this is ridiculous. People find things to enjoy in the sports that they love. Seeing His Airness take flight from the free throw line with all of the grace with which he did is akin to a great volley from 20m outside of the goal...it's just magic. I watch sports because I know that I will NEVER be as great as those that do it...BUT I admire that greatness.

[LinuxGuru]

Of course major love went into this game, the greatest basketball player in history is the cover athlete. The game has to do him justice.

[Fruit Loops]

cause he was inducted into the HOF this year.

[GoldPS3]

Nice score. EA better step they game up with Elite.

[Titanz]

You can't win em all.

[xGet_In_There]

After playing both demos Elite is by far a better game. But I will for sure give this a try when the full game comes out. Seems as Elite has been delayed.

[konspiracy187]

Looking like this is going to be the first sports game I have bought in years. I only played the demo and i'm sure it doesn't do the game enough justice. Anyways, kudos to 2k for steady releasing quality. EA where you at?

[BigKev45]

Oct 5th here we come!