Thursday, October 7
Seattle Supersonics return! (to video games)
(Double click to show full-screen)
Even though I've worked on a few basketball games in my time, I'll be the first to admit I haven't really been into them since the Sega Genesis days. Sure, the first NBA Street was fun (before they ruined it by making it all "hardcore"), but since then they really all seemed the same. And when they replaced the Sonics with The Team That Must Not Be Named, well, why bother, right?
Well, it appears the folks at 2K Sports are pulling me back in. Prepare to have your mind blown when you watch the clip from the new NBA2K11 (which drops in stores this week), as our beloved Seattle Supersonics have returned . . . in video game form at least. Sam, Gary, Det, Shawn and the rest of the mighty '96 roster appear in all their green and red glory.
I haven't played the game yet, so I have no idea if you actually get to play as the Sonics, or if they're just "bosses" you must defeat in the Jordan story mode. But still . . . THE SONICS ARE BACK!!!
I don't have the game yet, but from surfing around, I think you can also play them in exhibition mode against any classic or current team but the cool thing is that you can play them in the association mode and enjoy multiple seasons. Sure you're stuck with the green and red unis but I'm going to buy my first pro hoops video game since the Supes were still in the league. The real NBA is dead to me until Seattle is back in but at least we can enjoy them in this manner.
ReplyDeleteThat's great news, Anonymous Commenter! And it's even coming out for the Wii (next week), which means that between this and the new NBA Jam game, there might finally be a decent hoops game on a Nintendo console.
ReplyDeleteWatch the highlight at 1:35 when Hersey Hawkins throws down a dunk in traffic and draws a foul. Can anyone ever remember Hawk dunking in real life? I'll bet he even laid it up on the nerf hoop in his bedroom.
ReplyDeleteYeah, it's true what the first commenter said. I just bought the game and will play it right now.
ReplyDeleteThe Sonics are part of that Jordan mode where you get to play Jordan and the Bulls vs some other classic teams that were Jordan's opponents in many of his greatest games. You have the Sonics because of the Father's Day game (others are, for instance, the Jazz cause of the Flu Game or Blazers because of The Shrug). I was wondering, too, if you could actually play with these other classic teams as well because in one of the trailers you could see the Sonics taking on a classic Knicks' team. So, quite honestly, if it were possible ... screw the Jordan mode, I'm playing with the Sonics! And you can do just that in the ways the first commenter explained. :)
I am wondering, though, who that white bald #6-guy on the Sonics is supposed to be (see at around the 5min mark, for example). Probably just a created player.
ReplyDeletebuying this game gives money to the nba. Dont do it!!! Do you still drink starbucks?
ReplyDeleteI appreciate the boycott sentiment, Anon, but technically the money goes to 2KSports. They pay an upfront licensing fee to the NBA, so they already got paid, whether I buy the game or not.
ReplyDeleteSo, to enlighten us all: I was referring to these kind generic looking white bald dude in the Sonics jersey, right. Thing is there's a bunch of dudes like this on the roster, some look different, but it's all random names or players who never played in the NBA. So what you get in the game is the Sonics' Starting Five and some random dudes to fill up the roster. Bummer. Same goes for the classic Jazz, Knicks etc. (actually, there are the same generic players on each of these teams).
ReplyDeleteHaving worked on a few games in my time, I'm guessing they probably didn't have the time and/or resources to add details and stats for that many retired players. Either that, or they were just lazy.
ReplyDeleteIt's still blows my mind they had the whole starting five--and George Karl!
And Pete, I'm with you on Hersey Hawkins. Maybe they accidentally used his NBA Jam character.
ReplyDeleteI bought the game over the weekend. Good timing too since Toys R Us has a buy 2 get the 3rd free. I wish the subs were in the game, but I'm so Sonics starved right now, I'll take what I can get. Here's something for the unconvinced:
ReplyDeleteWho are these guys anyway:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=52QJaaVpOQ4
Crunchtime and postgame:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ddmFOv0n2cQ
Great videos!
ReplyDeleteMore important - is Vern Fleming available with the Pacers?
ReplyDeleteThe best part of that Sonics/Lakers video is the Sam Perkins vs. Sam Perkins possibilities; though Lakers Perk is guarding Kemp and Sonics Big Smooth is guarding Divac.
ReplyDelete@ GU - I was thinking the same thing. I bet you can adjust the match-ups if you want.
ReplyDelete@ Pete - I checked, and sadly there is no vintage Pacers team in the Jordan Challenge. (You might be able to unlock them somewhere else in the game).
Sadly, I don't have an Xbox 360 or PS3, but when it comes out on the Wii next week, I'll be sure to give a full report (assuming it has all the same features).
Game rosters (excludes majority of free agents) and ratings for the curious:
ReplyDeletehttp://thereal2kinsider.blogspot.com/2010/09/nba-2k11-player-ratings-final-w-jordan.html
They have Chris Paul rated higher than Magic, GP, Isiah, and Spokane's Finest. Deron Williams is on par with Magic! Who knew?