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NBA 2K13 slotted for October 2
NBA 2K13 is set to launch on October 2 for Xbox 360, PS3, Wii, PSP and PC, Take-Two Interactive announced today. This is in line with the October precedence set by previous NBA 2K titles. Developer 2K Sports has yet to reveal any details about the game, but our best guess is that it will feature an orange ball and some tall dudes.2K13's direct predecessor, NBA 2K12, shipped 5 million units, Take-Two said.
Report: MLB 2K12 Perfect Game Million Dollar Challenge ends with accusations of cheating
2K Sports' annual million dollar pitching challenge in its MLB 2K series had a bit of a change-up this year. Rather than awarding vast sums of cash to the first person to throw a perfect game in MLB 2K12, this year the competition introduced a new setup: a period of time where everyone could try to pitch a perfect game, and a complex algorithm judging the results and assigning scores. Taking a lower-rated pitcher against a great squad, for example, gives you more points.The competition is closed and the final eight have been chosen, but one of the finalists has been accused of employing an exploit that allowed him to change the lineups on both teams prior to the start of the game, allegedly yielding a much higher score than his peers and allowing him to crack the top eight. Kotaku has several images of supposed text messages between William Haff, the accused, and Scott Young, the individual who claimed he belongs in the top eight (he ended up in tenth) because others used the exploit to overtake him.The only problem is that a lot of the evidence is dependent on screen grabs of text messages – something anybody with a computer can create easily. However, Kotaku's Owen Good says he called Haff, who was apparently a bit dodgy when questioned yet assured he didn't break any of the official rules.We've reached out to 2K Games for comment, and to find out whether or not this controversy will affect the remainder of this year's festivities, or any future contests.
MLB 2K12 Review: Grounding into a double play
Milwaukee Brewers closer John Axford has a sweet mustache. The commentary team in Major League Baseball 2K12, Steve Phillips, Gary Thorne, and John Kruk even spend time talking about it when he's on the mound, throwing strikes. Yes, dialogue was recorded specifically to discuss the pitcher's facial hair -- and yet Axford's player model is clean-shaven with some average-joe sideburns. Like Axford's mustache, something feels like it's missing from MLB 2K12, as if it were a rough version of what it could potentially become. Transitions between player animations feel jarring, fielders especially. In one instance, Chicago Cubs left fielder Alfonso Soriano gloved a ball at the wall down the third base line. He then proceeded to run in place for seven steps before turning and rocketing the ball to second base, where the runner was already safe. Instances like these pop up in every game, in which fielders in particular look stiff and sluggish, then take a few extra steps between their throws. %Gallery-150308%
MLB 2K12 demo heads to the mound on PS3 and Xbox 360 this Tuesday
You can't rewrite history, but you can show that the Texas Rangers would've won the 2011 World Series -- had you been in charge. Their matchup against the St. Louis Cardinals will be the focus of a MLB 2K12 demo, which is set to drop on PS3 and Xbox 360 next week on Tuesday, February 28.MLB 2K12 launches on March 6, 2012. We recently got our hands on the game and played around with some of the improved pitching mechanics, all of which you can read about on our site.[Thanks, Patrick.]
NBA 2K12 GOTY edition available only at Best Buy March 11
You have plenty of options for buying NBA 2K12. You can just buy it right now, or you can buy it in a combo pack with MLB 2K12 in March.Or, you can buy the new Game of the Year Edition on March 11, which packs the Legends Showcase DLC and a poster of "legends" Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, and Larry Bird. At $49.99, it's the same price as the current game, so ... at least the choice of "just buying the regular version" is functionally eliminated.That is, unless you don't live near a Best Buy -- this version is exclusive to the retailer "for a limited time."
Buy MLB 2K12 alone or bundled with NBA 2K12
You know, baseball's been missing something as of late, wouldn't you agree? Good thing 2K Games has come to the rescue by adding more sports to our sports!When MLB 2K12 launches in March, you'll be able to pick it up for the annual asking price of $60. If you spend $10 more, you can snag a combo pack including NBA 2K12, a game we're totally comfortable telling you is not too shabby. Outside of the inclusion of NBA 2K12, there are no differences between the separate SKUs.2K Games has also announced the return of the annual perfect game pitching challenge, awarding one lucky virtual hurler (professional wrestler or not) a cool $1 million check. Hit the break for more details on this year's contest.
MLB 2K12 footage takes the mound
While most sports fans are concerned with the Super Bowl right now, a small contingent of baseball diehards are eagerly counting down the days to Spring Training and the subsequent launch of this year's multi-platform baseball sim, MLB 2K12.
NBA 2K12 'Legends Showcase' DLC out this holiday
NBA 2K12 will dribble out the "Legends Showcase" DLC this holiday for $10 (800 MSP). The content pack includes 150 of the NBA's all-time greatest players, new mini-games, a classic quick match mode and a "cell-shaded" art style set in NYC's Times Square. We remember the last time we experienced cell-shading; such refreshing calm to be found in the shadow of an amoeba. The basketball simulator, which launched earlier this month, has been receiving solid reviews from critics. 2K Sports is definitely staying strong with its run of the court using the NBA license as EA Sports works out its basketball issues.
NBA 2K12 review: Living the dream
I could never play in the NBA. Even if you forgive the fact that I'm significantly shorter than 7'2", and possess a jumpshot that's eerily similar to watching a pillowcase full of Jell-O get dropped from a roof in slow motion, there's no hope for me. Luckily, I can realize that dream through video games, and few titles allow me to do so with more simulated perfection than NBA 2K12. %Gallery-133101%
NBA 2K12 preview: Going up against the NBA's greatest
NBA 2K11 was damn good, but it wasn't perfect. How do you remind yourself of that fact when you're following up your franchise's most successful entry to date? If you're 2K, your approach is simple: instead of focusing on one super star, you cram as many as you can in there. NBA 2K12 boasts a NBA's Greatest mode, which allows players to step into the shoes of fifteen different NBA Legends such as Isiah Thomas, Magic Johnson, Bill Russell, Karl Malone, Wilt Chamberlain, Patrick Ewing and more. And these classic matches go beyond simply dumping you into a game and letting you go silly with a particular NBA legend. Each game has all of the presentation bells and whistles of the time, along with some insightful commentary that covers the entire career of the star in question. It's half homage, half history lesson. %Gallery-129896%
Meet the 'NBA's Greatest' in this NBA 2K12 trailer
And by "meet" we mean "get wicked dunked on by." NBA 2K12's "NBA's Greatest" mode is bringing history's greatest b-ballers out of retirement for one last virtual game, and judging by this latest trailer, they're going to be styling all over us.
NBA 2K12 adds Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Dr. J to the roster in its 'NBA's Greatest' mode
Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson and Larry Bird aren't the only classic ballers hitting the virtual hardwood in NBA 2K12 on October 4. 2K Games has confirmed that Julius Erving (Dr. J) and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar will also be in the game. Personally, we've got our fingers crossed for a mini-game where you get to fight Abdul-Jabbar, Game of Death style.* These Hall of Famers will be playable in a new "NBA's Greatest" mode, where players can relive basketball's classic moments using 15 NBA teams of years past. These teams and players can also be unlocked for use against current franchises. Drive the lane into our gallery below to check out some screens of these guys in-game. *No matter how many letters we write in crayon on the back of Denny's place mats pleading for this, we're sure it'll never happen. %Gallery-129896%
NBA 2K12 hits the hardwood on October 4, taps Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson and Larry Bird for the cover
The inclusion of Jordan in NBA 2K11 was a big deal, so 2K Sports is bringing him back. Jumpman 23 will grace the cover of NBA 2K12 in a stylized piece of art, created by Adam Larson of Adam&Co. If you're looking for a little variety when it comes to basketball players on your game shelf, two additional SKUs featuring Larry Bird and Magic Johnson will be available in a limited quantity at launch on October 4. Regardless of which case you choose, you'll find the same game on the disc within. Feel free to dip your toes into our gallery below for higher-resolution versions of the cover artwork, especially if you're way into swirling smoke and lightning bolts.%Gallery-128823%
2K Sports on NBA Elite: We 'don't care' if EA Sports has a basketball game
For the past two years, EA has been without a basketball title. EA CEO John Riccitiello decided to pull NBA Elite 11 at the last minute -- and for good reason -- and in 2012, all signs are pointing to the absence of an EA title again. Considering NBA 2K11 was 2K Sports' most successful entry to date (over five million copies sold, producer Erick Boenisch revealed), one has to wonder: if 2K Sports has no competition, what's keeping them from sitting back and putting minimal effort into NBA 2K12?
NBA 2K12 featuring PlayStation Move is a slam junk
NBA 2K12 will feature unique Move functionality on the PS3, it was revealed during Sony's E3 2011 press conference. B-ballers move around the court on their own, and using the Move controller (we didn't see a Nav controller in use), the player can point at anybody on their squad and control them. Point and shoot, anyone?
NBA extends multi-year licensing agreements with 2K and EA Sports
Six years ago, the NBA counted five major game makers -- including Sony, Midway and Atari -- in its non-exclusive circle of licensees. That number has since dwindled to two, as the league today re-upped its multi-year licensing agreements with its longstanding (and still standing) video game partners, Take-Two Interactive and Electronic Arts. Unsurprisingly, through its 2K Sports label, Take-Two will continue to make use of its NBA license in its successful NBA 2K franchise. The most recent release, NBA 2K11, has now sold more than five million units since its October 2010 debut, according to the publisher. The next iteration, NBA 2K12, is expected to be announced at E3. Assuming 2K12 is on track to be released this fall (lockout or game on), it would mark a second straight year that 2K Sports' simulation series entered the market with no direct competition (Madden style!). EA, the NBA's oldest video game partner, permanently benched NBA Elite 11 last November after the company determined, "It was just going to be a bad game." EA Sports' next basketball sim won't be released until Fall 2012, with a download-only NBA Jam sequel subbing in this October. Additionally, Take-Two is expected to "explore and develop new NBA licensed gaming opportunities, including online on social media platforms," according to a press announcement. Counting itself as "the No. 1 U.S. sports league on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube," the NBA, through its NBA Digital label, has already released NBA Legends (developed by Lionside) and NBA Dynasty (in partnership with Disney-owned Playdom) on Facebook this year. [Pictured: Bulls versus Lakers and the NBA Playoffs (EA, 1991); source: Hoopedia]
2K Sports distances itself from sexy Serena Williams Top Spin 4 ad
An advertisement for Top Spin 4 has made its way onto the internet, but it's not what one would call "official." Featuring Serena Williams, the ad was definitely made with 2K Sports' money and effort. We've attempted to get an official statement from 2K Sports, but the company doesn't appear to want to talk until it's eliminated every instance of the video from the internet. The ad was originally posted on YouTube by the actress featured in the commercial -- apparently she wasn't satisfied with 2K Sports' decision to cancel the public release. Update: 2K Sports' official statement: "As part of the process for creating marketing campaigns to support our titles, we pursue a variety of creative avenues. This video is not part of the title's final marketing campaign and its distribution was unauthorized."
Pro wrestler pitches first known perfect MLB 2K11 game, wins nothing
After the break, you can watch the last three outs of a perfect game pitched in MLB 2K11 by a gamer named Michael Manna, who also happens to be known as professional wrestler Stevie Richards. Manna posted the video on YouTube hoping to win 2K Sports' $1 million perfect game contest, but he's been thwarted by the rules. Rather than having the contest go live on release day, as it did last year, this year's contest doesn't actually start until April 1, which means Manna's win doesn't actually count. Too bad for Manna -- that's a pretty harsh chair to the back. But at least he knows he has the chops, so when the contest does kick off later this year, he can go up to the mound and try again. [Thanks, Darrenn!]
MLB 2K11 trailer exposes Halladay's rubber catcher fetish
Some might find the latest trailer for MLB 2K11's million-dollar perfect game challenge to be "cute." We don't agree, seeing as how it focuses mostly on Phillies pitcher Roy Halladay, known robot-monster who sustains himself only on the tears and crushed hopes of loveable, Ohio-based ball clubs.
Top Spin 4 and MLB 2K11 demos tossed onto Xbox Live
Heeeey, batter, batter, batter, batter, sa-wing batter. Andre Agassi, Agassi, Agassi, sa-wing racket. (Translation: The MLB 2K11 and Top Spin 4 demos are now available on the Xbox Live Marketplace.)
