NBA 2K
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| NBA 2K Series | |
|---|---|
 NBA 2K |
|
| Developer(s) | Visual Concepts, Kush Games |
| Publisher(s) | 2K Sports |
| Designer(s) | Visual Concepts |
| Release date(s) | |
| Genre(s) | Sports |
| Mode(s) | Single player, multiplayer, multiplayer online |
| Rating(s) | ESRB: Kids to Adults (K-A)/Everyone (E) |
| Platform(s) | Xbox, Xbox 360, PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3, GameCube |
| Input | game controller |
NBA 2K is a basketball video game series that was initially exclusive for the Sega Dreamcast starting in 1999. The series was originally published by Sega, under the label Sega Sports and developed by Visual Concepts.
Contents |
[edit] History
Sega had attempted to make two basketball game titles without the team licenses in Pat Riley basketball in 1991 as well as David Robinson Basketball in 1992. Both titles were quasi-arcade-style, and neither captured the attention of the marketplace. It would be almost a decade before Sega reentered the basketball video game market, with the NBA 2K series -- along with the full players' association license. Both the simulation style of play as well as modern 3D graphics would allow Sega to compete head-on with EA Sports for the first time.
The first four games of the series featured commentary from fictional announcers "Bob Steele" and "Rod West" (voiced by bay area sports radio personalities Bob Fitzgerald and Rod Brooks), but since NBA 2K3 the game's announcing team has been something of a revolving door, featuring commentary from the likes of Bill Walton, Tom Tolbert, Kevin Frazier, Michelle Tafoya, and Bob Fitzgerald. The color and play-by-play commentary in NBA 2K6 and NBA 2K7 is provided by Kenny Smith and Kevin Harlan, respectively. Craig Sager provides sideline reports.
In 2002 Sega implemented the American television network, ESPN's brand with their Sega Sports video games. The ESPN brand was used for 3 games until ESPN signed a 15-year deal with EA Sports.
In 2005 Sega would later sell the NBA 2K series along with Visual Concepts to Take-Two Interactive. The series is currently published by 2K Sports, a publishing label started by Take-Two.
The Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 have superior visual graphics to their counterparts, but didn’t just add this. The next generation consoles also added features that will improve game play and realism. These features are what set the game a part from past basketball games because they add so much depth to the game itself. NBA 2K7 has four bonus features for the next generation systems. Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 capture every player’s unique style of game play, which they call Signature Style. For example, the game captures Allen Iverson’s “killer” crossover and Shawn Marion’s unique shooting style. Shot Stick Pro is another feature added to the next-generation consoles. This feature allows you to control the different types of shots you can take at the basket. The shot selection varies from dunks, floaters, fade-ways, and many others. The Isolated Post Play features are captured post play moves that could be used to attack the basket. This feature is a branch from the Shot Stick Control. Isolated Post Play moves are drop steps, hook shots, and many more. These three features make the game real because adds real moves you would actually see in the NBA. The last feature is the 24/7: Next mode for the next-generation consoles. This feature was originally on all consoles in the past, but now only found on the next-generation models. This certain mode is NBA 2K7’s story mode. In this mode you create your own character and play against NBA’s most elite in the street.
The PlayStation 3 version of NBA 2K7 will be the first version to support motion sensing controllers with a free throw shooting mechanic that has the player move the Sony SIXAXIS controller in a motion similar to a real free throw shot.
[edit] NBA 2K
| Title | Year | Publisher | Cover | Platforms | Innovation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NBA 2K | 1999 | Sega Sports | Allen Iverson | Sega Dreamcast | |
| NBA 2K1 | 2000 | Sega Sports | Allen Iverson | Sega Dreamcast | Network mode for internet play |
| NBA 2K2 | 2001 | Sega Sports | Allen Iverson | Sega Dreamcast, PlayStation 2, Xbox, GameCube | |
| NBA 2K3 | 2002 | Sega Sports | Allen Iverson | PlayStation 2, Xbox, GameCube | |
| ESPN NBA Basketball | 2003 | Sega Sports | Allen Iverson | PlayStation 2, Xbox | NBA player face scans, 24/7 mode, Isomotion |
| ESPN NBA 2K5 | 2004 | Sega Sports | Ben Wallace | PlayStation 2, Xbox | |
| NBA 2K6 | 2005 | 2K Sports | Shaquille O'Neal | PlayStation 2, Xbox, Xbox 360 | Shot Stick Controls |
| NBA 2K7 | 2006 | 2K Sports | Shaquille O'Neal | PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3, Xbox, Xbox 360 | Signature animations |
[edit] Awards
[edit] NBA 2K7
- Received the IGN award for Best PlayStation 3 Sports Game of 2006. [1]
- Received IGN award for Best Action (XBOX) Game of 2006.
[2] It also features codes to unlock the current alternate jerseys of the New Jersey Nets, Utah Jazz, Charlotte Bobcats, and Washington Wizards.
[edit] Notes
- Every game has featured the 2K Sports development team that made the game as an unlockable basketball team.
- Shaquille O'Neal and Allen Iverson are the only players to appear on the edition of the game in consecutive years and Iverson has appeared on the cover the most times.
- If you are playing with a very good team, and want a high first round pick, then sign a free agent for the minimum amount, then trade it to the worst team in the league. If they aren't interested then, force the trade.
- Sonic the Hedgehog is an availible create-a-team logo which is a reference to Sega the company that merged with 2K Sports.
