NBA 2K12 for iPhone

UPDATE: The 1.3.5 roster update is now available. Yes, Jeremy Lin is available to play as well.


UPDATE: Since our initial review, 2K Sports released the 1.2.8 update which improved the graphics quite a bit. There's still a few bugs concerning the announcers but overall the game is much improved since then. 

Only a few setbacks mar this game from being a perfect basketball sim. Otherwise, NBA 2K12 is a joy to play. And yeah, that Jordan fellow is back up in here again.

Despite a few glitches, you'll still enjoy NBA 2K12 as it brings the same intense gameplay like the pros deliver on the court. As such, it's a fast paced game with the occassional slowdown just as if you were watching it on TV. It features all NBA players with the current roster from July 1, 2011.

Substitute players with the current roster 

Controls
You are provided two options to play and you can choose between an onscreen D-pad controller or a single-tap way of playing. With single-tap you perform game actions with simple taps and swipes. I found this type of play a bit difficult and often cumbersome to play. The D-pad is a bit better but it does hinder your view in the game especially if your player is running down to where your thumbs are. I think you'll enjoy it on a bigger mobile device such as an iPad. Additionally, passing the ball can tricky and quirky at times, as you may end up throwing a half-court pass rather than to the player next to you.  Be carefully when dribbling around the perimeter as you can easily step out of bounds.

Derrick Rose drives the lane!

Gameplay

This is as close as you'll get to an actual game.  You can choose to play a Quick Game or enjoy a Season with options for a shortened or regular NBA season.  It's as fast as Chris Paul driving down the lane and simulates the game itself with timeouts, play-by-play announcers and instant replay. With instant play, it's reserved for the best highlights of course, so make it count and show your moves.  The Jordan Challenge is back and just as difficult.  One wonders how he ever got those 63+ PLAYOFF points but it's quite challenging!

Graphics
The player faces are not up to par, feel a bit dated and not as quite visually appealing. Simply put, it stinks! I'll make the comparison to say, NBA Live 2006 on a console, and it doesn't compare. I hope the developers make updates to this aspect of the game because their version of Larry Bird wasn't even close to looking like the legend from French Lick!

Just dunk it!

Summary
NBA diehards will truly appreciate this game.  The overall presentation of  NBA 2K12 really does shine and completely immerses you as if you were playing an actual game. The play-by-play commentary adds to the real-world feeling although it may annoy some.  While the controls aren't perfect and the graphics somewhat adequate, NBA 2K12 will keep you satisfied over and over again!

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