NBA 2K12 (Microsoft Xbox 360, 2011)

NBA fans can take a break from lockouts and labor agreements to focus on in-game action and legendary careers in NBA 2K12. The brand new "NBA's Greatest" mode lets gamers experience some of the defining moments in the careers of 15 NBA legends, including Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, and Julius Erving. There are also 30 classic teams to unlock, including the powerhouse Celtics of the 1960s, the "Showtime" Lakers, and the "Bad Boy" Pistons; and the in-game presentation has been tailored to each specific era, complete with short-shorts and black-and-white video feeds.

Players looking to create legends of their own can once again do so via the franchise and "My Player" modes, guiding an entire franchise to the promised land or controlling a rookie from his first tip-off to his enshrinement in the NBA Hall of Fame. New features in "My Player" include position-specific attributes, the ability to play in only key matchups, and a revamped draft experience, complete with commentary from NBA Commissioner David Stern. Gamers can also choose to guide current NBA players to Hall-of-Fame status in the new "Create-A-Legend" mode. The in-game action and presentation has been updated with more than 1,000 new animations and new post-play mechanics, and multiplayer fans can once again head online for dynasty and league play.