NBA 2K12 is a 2011 developed by and published by . It was released in October 2011 for , , , , , , and, for the first time, . As the thirteenth installment in the , it is the successor to and the predecessor to . For the first time in the series, three different covers are available; the three cover athletes are (who was also the cover athlete for the previous game) for the , of the , and of the . This was the last installment in the series to be released for the PlayStation 2.
Gameplay
NBA 2K12 is a basketball simulation game which strives to emulate the . Players mostly play NBA basketball games with real or created players and teams. The game features several aesthetical details found in real televised NBA games, such as commentary from , , and , sideline reports from , halftime shows, replays, customizable camera angles, and other details.
Along with standard online and quick play game modes, several other game modes are present. Association mode allows the player to assume control of an entire NBA organization, simulating through NBA seasons, managing personnel, and participating in off-season activities, such as the draft and free agency. MyPlayer mode returns, in which the player creates their own basketball player. The player customizes the appearance, animations, and other aspects of their player, and plays through their basketball career, upgrading their attributes.
One of the game's most-touted features is the "NBA's Greatest" mode. The mode centers on past NBA teams and players, and allows the player to recreate historically significant moments. The mode features such teams as the , with , , and others, the , led by , and the , featuring and . The teams and players can be used outside the "NBA's Greatest" mode. Another mode is "Create a Legend"; similar to the MyPlayer mode, it allows the player to play through the entire career of a real player, instead of a customizable player. The player can play with their selected player on any team and will start as a rookie.