NBA 2K12

This is without a doubt a huge leap forward, not just for NBA games but for all sports games. 2K Have really taking this to a whole other level. I stopped following the NBA a few years ago but this game was recommended to me and I don't regret buying it for a second.

The depth in the "My Player" mode goes far beyond anything I have ever seen in a sports game. You can spend your wages on various things including nights out for you and your team (to help raise moral and build chemistry), you can pay for one on one tuition or start up a youth center (to gain support from your local fans) and a whole lot more. You can perform training drills to improve your skills, sign endorsements, request a trade to another team, negotiate your contract and wages, customise your player, track a whole bunch of stats, take part in post-match press conferences where your answers will effect team moral/chemistry, the way NBA fans view you and the way your local fans view you plus a whole bunch of other stuff.

It is unbelievably challenging, during each game you're given a rating (A - brilliant, F - terrible) My average is a C, my best is a B- and my worst is a D- out of twelve games my team has won 5. It is brutally difficult at times, if you make a mistake you're not just punished by losing the game, you lose XP (or skill points as they call it) for every mistake. Miss a shot? You lose XP, the player you're supposed to be marking makes a good pass or gets a basket, you lose XP. Lose the ball? You lose XP. Give away a foul? You lose xp (and are probably benched for a few minutes).

It enrages me at times but when you play well you feel amazing. The depth of the 'My Player' mode alone is completely mind blowing and worth spending £30 on. It is hands down the most in depth sports game ever released.

The commentary is also incredible (this review can't do it justice, it is literally the most realistic commentary you will come across this year).

They could do with adding more options for your characters appearance and maybe turning down the difficulty a notch or two (or at least giving a lower difficulty setting for noobs such as myself). But aside from that this game is incredible.

If games like Fifa and UFC want to compete with this then they really need to put more time into their single player modes.

Once again it never ceases to amaze me how good 2k sports are at creating basketball games and having completely shoved off competition of 'NBA live'. I got this game at Christmas, boy I wasn't disappointed. I am now totally addicted to its new and improved my player mode. They've made it action pack and thrilling right from square one. One game, one time to impress those scouts. Then it brings you to one of the many new additions. The interview process whereby GM of franchises come to questition your career ambitions and whether you would suit there club. Your replies will determine where you end up, so pick wisely. Personally I love this change and feel that it's alot more exciting for the user rather than training camp in 2k11. When you 'make it' i.e get to your team in the nba. It's like a new world on 2k12. Just incredible! I was lucky to be picked with an up and coming golden state warriors club. However the game has all it's old features and more. Now you can have more specified drills like fast break and round the world. Thousands more endorsements, store (by skill points or current players jump shots) and new abilities where you can get home and specify skills like a fade away jump shot or a slam dunk. There is just so much more detail to this part of NBA 2k12 and it defiantly one of the two USP of this product. The only downside to this game on a personal note is that I find the amount of steals the CPU does is far to many and it requires you ensure ball security is one of the key parts of your game. Finally there are new improved milestones that you can complete and a all new hall of fame area where you have task to do to ensure when your days end you will be remember as a legend. So will you be the next Micheal Jordan, Wilt Chamberlain, Magic Johnson, Larry Bird... Your time awaits get out there and become a legend.

I have been following this game series since 2k8 and each year it has improved, but the last 2 games have been special. This is not a pick up and play game, in my opinion, and there is a steep learning curve. But when you get it the experience is truly gratifying. Graphically it is streets ahead of anything fifa has done,or any sports game, with no generic players. But what I really love about this is The Association mode, you get the chance to run an NBA club, dismantle aging squads, rebuild through the draft, or go with Miami and sign some veterans, it is all so authentic... I have spent hours playing this mode, (rebuilt Clevaland, and after 4 years won them a championship!) There are other great aspects to this game, such as legends mode were you get the opportunity to relive the best moments of 10 of the all time great NBA players. MJ, Larry Legend. Wilt, Dr J, Magic and many more. The my player mode is also very deep, but since I havnt invested a huge amount of time in it i'll leave it to others to comment on that.

In conclusion, this game has been occupying a lot of my gaming time for most of the year, and for anyone out their who loves the game, or even has a passing interest and is willing to invest enough time to learn the intricacies of this game, I cant recommend this highly enough