Game Reviews

On the court, NBA 2K13 plays better than ever, which is no small feat. Two of the causes of frustration last season--inaccurate passing and fast break execution--have been significantly improved. Lazy passes will still be intercepted, but a higher percentage of “safe” outlets will make their way to their intended targets. You’ll finish on lots more fast breaks too, as the speed of offensive players on the run feels much more balanced with that of trailing defenders. Pushing the ball up the floor off of rebounds is a lot of fun now, which translates into a better, more free-flowing experience

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NBA 2K13 also continues its tradition of uncanny representation of individual players and styles. The mannerisms of stars old and new are lovingly animated, whether it’s Carmelo Anthony’s signature jumper or Patrick Ewing’s all-elbows-and-knees low post game. The new Signature Skills that mark individual players with specific traits--Floor General for elite point guards, Posterizer for superb dunkers, and many more--further cement 2K’s tremendous ability to make real NBA stars’ best talents shine through.

The biggest modification this season, though, is the implementation of a new set of controls. The bulk of the dribbling is now on the right stick, unless you’re holding the left trigger, which then turns it into the Shot Stick. Coupled with hundreds of combinations of triggers, button presses, and stick swirls, you’ve got countless options to manipulate your players.These controls work quite beautifully - if you can muster the strength to learn them. Unless (or until) you throw yourself into a ton of training, however, your success or failure will be based on luck.