NBA 2K11 (Xbox 360)

With the NBA playoffs better than ever we look at the number 1 basketball game franchise NBA 2k. This installment is NBA 2K11 the newest on the market. NBA 2K started in 1999 with Allen Iverson gracing the cover. The game was critically acclaimed but could not compare with the likes NBA Live a series that had been already established and the preferred game with great gameplay. As the years went on the 2K series caught as they improved the not only the gameplay but the presentation, witch started out with fictional announcers. As the moved on they changed the announcers and even brought in sideline reporters and PA announcers. At one point the series brought in ESPN for their presentation until they signed a 15 year deal with EA Sports. Leading up the NBA 2K11 title different game modes where applied to the series like NBA Blacktop, My Player mode, and Living Roster witch allows you download the most recent roaster. NBA 2K11 gave Jordan the honor of the cover making him the first inactive player to do so. The living roster in NBA 2K11 not only allows you to use the most recent roster and injuries but it also lets you stay on top of MVP voting and and playoff happenings. Living roster also keeps up with player hot spells. So if he's hot in real life he's hot on the game. The franchise mode has been expanded with a new trading system. The trade finder lets you choose a player on any team and see what you can get for a player on your team what the other team wants for one of your players. NBA blacktop gives you games like 21, 1 on 1, dunk contest, and three point contest. The my player mode in this edition comes with the draft combine so you can work your player out before the draft and see how your player will stack up. With Jordan being the cover athlete of course he's got a big part in the game. You can unlock some of the best Jordan shoes made and equip to players in the game to give them added boost to their attributes or skills. The Jordan modes lets you re-play some of Jordan's greatest moments in his history and gives you objectives to complete, like topping his great 63 game performance, and the infamous "flu game". The mode is so good it could be it's own game. Once all objectives are done then you can unlock Creating a Legend mode featuring Jordan as a rookie and lets you make your own legacy with Jordan. The game play in 2K11 is so improved with new physics that make it a authentic experience. From the jump shooting with every player having their signature jumper, to the layups and dunks with every player having their signature moves going to the hole also. The courts and presentation are stunning. Rather it's the announcing from Clark Kellogg and Kevin Harlan, or the dim lights in the audience of the Staples Center, to the pregame antics of Dwight Howard. Even the free throws are spot on, like Durant doing his shimmy or the funny free throw from Chuck Hayes. The overall experience of the game lives past it's hype and is easily the best basketball game ever. Highly recommended. Buy it now.