2K Sports is continuing their dominance over the basketball video game industry. The recently released NBA 2K13 is yet another great addition to the 2K Sports library. Even though the past two editions have been great, 2K13 is able to build on the games’ past successes. While the game isn’t a complete overhaul compared to its past, it features a lot of new tricks to get fans ready for the new season.
Once you open the game and put it into your respective video game system, you instantly notice the Jay-Z influence on the game. The legendary rapper was tagged as an executive producer on the game, which gave him control over the entire soundtrack, menu aesthetics and pregame intro packages where music videos are mixed into game footage. This adds a great sonic value to the game as a whole. The addition of bigger names in music and more well-known songs makes the out of game experience more enjoyable as you make your way through various menus.
The gameplay aspect hasn’t seen any major changes in two years, and it’s about time. The graphics are still great and the gameplay is smooth as ever. The main change is the brand new Dribble Stick. This gives even more control over players and their dribbling abilities by only using the right stick on your respective systems. Elite point guards like Derrick Rose and Chris Paul are even more fun to control. Moving the right stick in any direction will unleash various crossover moves, depending on the players’ ball handling abilities.
Players are also given specific roles in the game known as “signature skills.” These skills can have a profound effect on a game. For example, Kevin Durant of the Oklahoma City Thunder has become one of the most clutch players in the league. Therefore, in the game his signature skill is “The Closer.” Each “signature skill” adds a great sense of realism to the game and can be deadly if the strategies are used perfectly.
Probably the most talked about addition to the game are the two new teams, the 1992 and 2012 Olympic basketball teams. Yes, the two most compared teams in Olympic history are now playable in a video game. One of the largest debates during the 2012 Olympics was who would win between the two legendary teams. The entire 1992 Dream Team roster is available to play any team. This includes Charles Barkley, who hasn’t been in a video game since 2001. One of the largest debates during the 2012 Olympics was who would win between the two legendary teams. Now you can solve this debate amongst your friends.
Other additions to the game include an all new celebrity team, improvements to the MyPlayer mode, and the MyTeam mode. The celebrity team includes the most random combination of non-NBA talent in video game history. Cameos include Pauly D and Vinny from MTV’s Jersey Shore, rappers Bow Wow and Mac Miller, and everyone’s favorite Canadian, Justin Bieber. The MyPlayer mode now includes improved AI, new endorsements, meetings with your general manager, and clothing options for your player off the court.
Overall, NBA 2K13 builds off its previous success and provides a great polish for its fans. It is still the best basketball game on the market currently and establishes itself as one of the best sports games ever released.
