'NBA 2K16' features realistic graphics; gameplay mirrors reality

(2K.COM)

2K Sports had one goal in mind when they were developing the upcoming "NBA 2K16" — to make the game as real as possible.

In order to achieve this goal, 2K invited film director Spike Lee, an avid basketball fan, to direct the "MyCareer" feature of the game.

"MyCareer" was first introduced in 2012. The feature introduces players to social and business challenges of professional sports. With the participation of Lee, the segment injects much more realism and drama into the game's interactive features.

Lee had this to say about MyCareer's gameplay, "We follow a kid through the trials and tribulations of being a top high school player and the decisions he has to make."

Gamers will be faced with tough decisions when it comes to talent and money and will try to overcome the pitfalls that they may bring.

2K entrusted Lee to create a narrative that accurately reflects the real life experiences of professional basketball players. 2K spokesman, Ryan Peters, said, "We just told Spike, 'You transform the narrative, and we'll change that into digital polygons.' And he did that, bringing a protagonist and antagonist to the story."

The MyCareer section translates to about 12 hours of in-game drama.

NBA "2K16" features three athletes in the cover: Golden State Warriors' Stephen Curry, Houston Rockets' James Harden and New Orleans Pelicans' Anthony Davis.

A special edition cover featuring Michael Jordan will also be available.

NBA "2K16" will also feature the life stories of the three athletes. The narratives, released through digital shorts, were recently released.

The short videos tell the story of Harden's dramatic rise to fame and Curry's basketball life from childhood to his recent championship run with the Golden State Warriors. The third installment, focusing on Davis, may be released sometime in the next few days.

Fans will learn about the reality of professional basketball. According to Davis, "It isn't just shooting and dunking but also big decisions about managing your money, what to buy, paying taxes, all that will help them be more knowledgeable about what it takes to succeed in the NBA."

"2K16" also upgraded its "MyTeam" feature to include the "Pro-Am" game mode. Players can design their own team, coach, logos, jerseys and arena. The team will then play in basketball-style tournaments.

More specifically, in the Pro-Am game mode, players can bring their customized team online to compete in 5-on-5 matches against other players.

"Pro-Am" can accommodate up to four games being played at the same time. The teams will play alongside each other inside a huge gym.

"2K16" will be released on Sept. 29 and will be available for the following game consoles: Xbox One, PS4, Xbox 360, PS3 and PC.

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