Hands-on with NBA 2K12’s My Player mode
Ready to take your skills to the hardwood? NBA 2K12 will allow you to do just that.
NBA 2K12 will feature a deeper, more captivating My Player mode, allowing for players to live their wildest NBA fantasies in the hit basketball simulation franchise.
During a preview of 2K12’s My Player mode, I was able to get a feel for how the revamped mode will take players through the process leading up to and including their entry into The Association.
Before you even have a chance to dribble the ball, the changes in My Player are evident. Creating yourself in the game is what we have come to expect from a 2K title, with customizable faces, hairstyles, uniforms and play styles. Sliders allow for pinpoint accuracy when creating facial features and you can tweak every aspect of your character’s appearance down to tattoos and finger wraps. One of the newest features was the inclusion of licensed sneakers. Players can now choose from dozens of Nike, Reebok, Adidas and Jordan brand shoes.
When it comes down to playing style, gamers can choose they type of player they want to be. Depending on which style you choose (Scorer, Athletic, Defensive, etc.), the initial ratings will vary. Players will also be able to choose exactly how they will play. For example, I chose to be a scorer with my primary weapon being the mid-range jumper and having a three-point shot as the second weapon in my offensive arsenal.
Once you’ve selected these different abilities, you can also select from a number of different shooting, dribbling, rebounding and defensive animations, all of which are demonstrated on screen before you make your pick.
Before you can make your way into the NBA however, there will be a Rookie Showcase game that will, depending on your performance (the in-game grading scale returns this year), dictate where you will be drafted. My player scored 19 points and added four assists and four rebounds. I was courted by the Golden State Warriors, Utah Jazz and Phoenix Suns.
Following the game, each of the three interested teams conduct a pre-draft interview, asking you team-specific questions to see if you will fit within their system. Not only are the questions geared toward each specific franchise, but the answers are not at all predictable and the script seems to be relatively well-written.
At the draft, which features the likeness and voice acting of NBA Commissioner David Stern, one of the three teams you interviewed with will draft you. Unfortunately there will be no surprise picks as you will be picked within a range of three selections.
Once you have been drafted and you sign your rookie contract, it is time to start the season. Rather than playing in the D-League or in game’s you do not want to participate in, this year’s incarnation of My Player has a Play Next Key Game option that will bring you to your next important game. This is something the team at 2K Sports has done to remedy players’ complaints from last year’s title.
In addition to those features, the game will also feature all-new training sequences and different purchases you can make using your salary. These purchasable perks range from dunks, events and charity contributions that will increase your attributes, likability and league presence.
If you would rather start as an established NBA star, 2K12 has a mode for you as well. The Create A Legend mode is essentially a port of the My Player mode but with current NBA players. All of the stats and career accomplishments are up-to-date and adjusted for each individual NBA player.
NBA 2K12’s My Player mode looks to have capitalized on fan feedback and built on what was a successful formula from 2K11’s version.
NBA 2K12 is scheduled for release on Oct. 4.