NBA 2K12: A Look at the New Innovations of This Year's Game

With a looming NBA lockout hanging over our head, there has never been a more pressing time for 2KSports to deliver a hit. That is just what they are primed to do with the release of NBA 2K12, a video game that will save us from the lockout blues. 

Last year's success of NBA 2K11 will be hard to top. We were given the opportunity to play like Mike as we controlled a Michael Jordan avatar through his most crucial games. 

The playability had again been tweaked to make the game more enjoyable. In fact, I count 2K11 as my favorite in the franchise. For a player that has owned all of the iterations of the franchise, that is saying something. 

This has always been a forward-thinking series. You never get the feel that the video game makers are resting on their laurels; each issue is inspired to forward the franchise. In that vain, I give you the innovations you can expect to see when the game releases on October 4th. 

NBA's Greatest

This is the one obvious addition to this year's attempt at history. 2K Sports was lauded with praise for what they did with Michael Jordan and his career last year. 

In this effort, they increase the volume of greatness by giving us more stars to control during their greatest and most career-altering games. 

According to Jack DeVries at IGN.com, this game goes to great lengths to bring you not only the players of yesteryear, but the feel of past eras as well. 

"

The presentation in NBA's Greatest blew me away. When you load up a 1964 Celtics vs Lakers game and step into the sneakers of Bill Russell, the game becomes a black and white, '60s broadcast. The same goes for Jerry West and the Lakers in the '70s. It's awesome. 

"

My Player

The second biggest aspect to get an overhaul is the My Player game mode. If you thought you could immerse yourself in the alternate reality of stardom, you haven't seen a thing yet. 

2K Sports has been mum on most new features, but My Player is a definite tweak that will have you seated by the TV for months. 

The presentation behind your pre-draft play has been greatly increased, as well as the player points needed to put on a show. 

This gives you a better chance of making an impact on the NBA as soon as you are drafted. If you ever wanted to play with the big boys, but were too short, now is your chance. 

With just these two major overhauls, NBA 2K12 is turning into a must buy for even the average fan of the genre. Without NBA action due to a lockout, this is truly the only game in town.