NBA 2K11 will let gamers be like Mike
2K Sports recently announced that Michael Jordan will grace the cover of the company's acclaimed basketball game, but now we know that Jordan will not just be another typical cover athlete.
2K Sports recently announced that Michael Jordan will grace the cover of the company's acclaimed basketball game, but now we know that Jordan will not just be another typical cover athlete.
In fact, NBA 2K11 will offer an entire Michael Jordan-focused gameplay mode called The Jordan Challenge. We got a chance to speak with Jason Argent, vice president of marketing for 2K Sports, who explained that this addition to the traditional game will allow players to relive 10 of the most legendary games and moments from Jordan's illustrious career.
These historic game scenarios will task players with matching the hall-of-famer's mind-bending stats. A few of these just-announced scenarios include moments like "The Shrug," where on June 3, 1992, Michael gave the now infamous "I'm not even sure how I'm doing this" shoulder shrug after draining his sixth three-pointer in the first half of Game 1 of the NBA Finals.
Better yet, these throwback games will feature the look of the era in which they were played, including accurate uniforms, court paint, and even Jordan's specific appearance from the actual game. Players will also be able to take control of the classic Chicago Bulls teams from '85-'86, '89-'90, '90-'91, '94-'95, '95-'96, '96-'97, and '97-'98 seasons.
NBA 2K11 hits stores on October 5 for Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, Wii, PC, PlayStation 2, and PSP, though the Jordan Challenge will only be available on the 360, PS3, Wii and PC versions of the game.
Be sure to check out the full list of 10 Jordan Challenge game scenarios.
The Arrival: Jordan made his mark with this 63-point playoff game against a heavily favored Celtics team.
When: April 20, 1986. Game 2, first round playoffs vs. Celtics
Goal 1: Score 63+ points
Goal 2: Shoot 50%+ from the field
69 Points: This time Jordan gets the win by dropping 69 points and putting a dent in the Cavaliers' playoff plans.
When: March 28, 1990. Regular season game vs. Cavs
Goal 1: Score 69+ points
Goal 2: Shoot 50%+ from the field
Goal 3: Win the game
Shootout: Jordan and Dominique Wilkins face off in some of the all-time greatest scoring performances of the era.
When: Any date in 1990. Regular season game vs. Hawks
Goal 1: Outscore Dominique
Goal 2: Hold Dominique under 25 points
Goal 3: Win the game
Bad Boys: Jordan showed the Pistons and the world that no defensive strategy could stop him for long.
When: May 26, 1990. Game 3, Eastern Conference Finals vs. Pistons
Goal 1: Score 47+ points
Goal 2: Win the game
1991 NBA Finals: Jordan silenced the doubters by coming back from a Game 1 embarrassment to thrash the Lakers in these Finals.
When: June 2 thru June 12, 1991 vs. Lakers
Goal 1: Average 31.0+ points
Goal 2: Shoot 55%+ from the field
Goal 3: Win the series
The Shrug: Just to prove a point, Jordan sets the tone for the series by dominating the first half of this first Finals game.
When: June 3, 1992. Game 1, firfst round playoffs vs. Blazers
Goal 1: Score 35+ points in the first half
Goal 2: Make 6+ threes in the first half
Goal 3: Hold Drexler to under 20 points
Goal 4: Win the Game
Double Nickel: After a stint with the bat, Jordan returns to New York to tear up the Knicks for 55 points and an unforgettable pass.
When: March 18, 1995. Regular season game vs. Knicks
Goal 1: Score 55+ points
Goal 2: Shoot 55%+ from the field
Goal 3: Win the game
Father's Day Victory: Michael ran the table over the entire league but this fourth title would prove to be just as special as his first.
When: June 16, 1996. Game 6, 1996 Finals (last game of series as Bulls won 4-2) vs. Sonics
Goal 1: Score 22+ points
Goal 2: Grab 9+ rebounds
Goal 3: Win the game
The Flu Game: A very ill Jordan still manages to both dominate the game and hit the winning shot in the last seconds of the game.
When: June 11, 1997. Game 6, 1997 Finals (not the last game of the series as it went to 7) vs. Jazz
Goal 1: Score 38+ points
Goal 2: Grab 7+ rebounds
Goal 3: Win the game
Michael's Last Dance: With one final resounding shot, Jordan seals both his legacy and the fate of the Jazz's championship hopes.
When: June 14, 1998. Game 6, 1998 Finals vs. Jazz
Goal 1: Score 45+ points
Goal 2: Get 4+ steals
Goal 3: Win the game