For too long, the gaming market was dominated by EA titles. Not that there was anything wrong with it when they were putting out good games, but eventually there is an inevitable drop in quality. After having their NFL game blocked by a licensing agreement, 2K Sports set their aim on making the best NBA game they possibly could. This year, they made the best one anyone has ever seen.

NBA 2K12 is a masterpiece of basketball. Also, it appeared to be somewhat psychic. While the real NBA was stuck in a lockout that appeared as if it was going to cancel the regular season, 2K Sports filled the newest version of the basketball game with classic players and game modes that invoke the feeling of old-school basketball. So if you’re one of those people who plays along with the season (I know you’re out there), you’d still have plenty to entertain yourself with if the NBA didn’t come back. Luckily, it did. Now NBA 2K12 is proving itself to be the best simulation game that we’ve seen as it makes available a plethora of player-specific moves and play styles, throwback uniforms, classic game scenarios, and much more.

This game is too packed with so much basketball-y goodness for it to be passed up. 2K Sports has been rising for years and is refusing to play second fiddle anymore. NBA 2K12 is their biggest step into the spotlight, and it deserves all the shine it receives. No basketball fan can call his game collection complete without this one.