NBA 2K13 preview: Justin Bieber featured in Jay-Z produced video game

NBA 2K13 is the latest installment in the NBA 2K series developed by Visual Concepts and published by 2K Sports. The game is executive produced by rap artist Jay-Z, who is also part owner of the Brooklyn Nets. Distributed in the Philippines by X-Play Online Games, Inc (a subsidiary of IP e-Games), it is available on the PC, PS3, Xbox 360, Wii, and PSP. The game is also expected to debut on the Android mobile system. On the cover are Kevin Durant of the Oklahoma City Thunder, Blake Griffin of the Los Angeles Clippers and Derrick Rose of the Chicago Bulls. The game also makes possible the long-awaited match-up between the 1992 Dream Team and the 2012 US Men’s National Team.

It is interesting to note that the game features celebrities as playable characters — among these is none other than Justin Bieber. Other playable celebrities include JB Smoove, Wale, Bow Wow, Chamillionaire, Sean Kingston, Meek Mill, Vinny Guadagnino and Pauly D from Jersey Shore. With the plethora of artists invading virtual NBA land one might wonder how much participation and influence executive producer Jay-Z had in it. What is certain is that Jay-Z had contributed much to its soundtrack, which contains at least six (6) tracks. The game’s soundtrack also features music by artists such as Puff Daddy, Daft Punk, Nas, Coldplay, Kanye West, Mobb Deep, and U2.

This installment of the game introduces the Control Stick, which gives players more control by mapping all dribbling and shooting to the right analog stick. This allows players to effectively string together devastating crossovers and clutch shots. Another feature of the game is the Dynamic Shot Generator, which uses in-game physics to create shots on the fly. In addition to collision physics, this results in a more realistic and fluid gameplay. Each player also comes with a unique ability called a “Signature Skill”. For example, Derrick Rose can perform “Floor General”, while Kevin Durant is “The Closer”. Mastery of these skills can be both fun and rewarding to do.

Another interesting addition to NBA 2K13 is the Virtual Currency system, which can be spent on attribute upgrades, skills, and visual stuff like clothing and pregame rituals. Speaking of customization, there’s even a shoe creator that allows you to create and design your own virtual kicks. Apparently the system is tied to NIKEiD to allow players to purchase the customized shoes in the real world. Virtual Currency can be obtained by playing the game, as well as by converting real money.

NBA 2K13 is quite simply the latest and greatest NBA based basketball game available in the market today. It is now available in the Philippines for PS3 (2,595 PHP), Xbox 360 (2,495 PHP), PSP Vita (1,895 PHP), and Windows PC (1,995 PHP).

NBA 2K13 Philippine launch photos

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