NBA 2K12 Critic Reviews

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.

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.

Were it not for the online issues, NBA 2K12 would be the closest thing to a "perfect" video game basketball experience we have yet come to. In fact, it still probably is. This is one of those rare sports games where the offline content nearly made me forget about the online component.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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

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.

The best basketball sim of all time.

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 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.

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 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.

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

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.

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.

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

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.