Review: 'NBA 2K13' boasts another strong season

While one pro basketball video game series struggles to return to the virtual court, another continues to cement its status as the premier hoops title available.

As Electronic Arts' NBA Live series sits in disarray following another abrupt cancellation, 2K Sports tightens its grip with the release of NBA 2K13, thanks to key control adjustments and an infusion of swagger from executive producer Jay-Z.

For the past two seasons, 2K has focused on legends such as Larry Bird, Magic Johnson and Michael Jordan. For 2K13, the publisher recruits the "Mike Jordan of rap," who also happens to serve as minority owner of the Brooklyn Nets (fear not, the Nets aren't sporting 99 ratings across the board).

Jay-Z's influence is on the overall presentation, from an incredible soundtrack featuring his music as well as Coldplay and Kanye West, among others. Players also see shots of Jay-Z and other artists scattered throughout in pre-game montages and other broadcast elements. It gives NBA 2K13 an extra edge compared to previous releases.

But that's not the main reason why the NBA title shines this season. Several tweaks to the controls and mechanics still offer complexity for more-skilled players while improving the accessibility. Dribblling and shooting swap places on the controller, so players perform crossovers, hesitation moves and other dribbles with simple gestures of the right thumbstick. Pull the left trigger down, and that thumbstick now shoots the ball. It's a simple change, but makes ballhandling much easier.

It's not only more comfortable to handle the ball, but a bit easier to break down an opponent with the right set of moves. Nothing is more satisfying than crossing up a point guard with Russell Westbrook and gliding into the lane for a lay-up or dunk. The game also seems to better portray player attributes in one-on-one scenarios, so a superstar like Durant can blow past a slower forward with little trouble.

The other important change is the execution of the pick-and-roll. Players push the right bumper to call for a screen, holding the button down to control their teammate. Visual cues such as Fade, Slip and Roll let players know what action the screener will perform.

Again, it's a subtle change, but it makes pick-and-roll gameplay more intuitive. If, say, Kevin Durant sets a screen, it's easier to time a Fade correctly so he slides to an open spot to snag the pass and shoot quickly. The same goes for big men like Javale McGee, whom players can send straight to the basket for an easy bucket.

NBA 2K13 adds Signature Skills, which emphasizes a player's unique abilities. Some players might be known for one skill, such as Floor General, Lockdown Defender and The Closer, while superstars such as Chris Paul and LeBron James exhibit the multiple skills that make them elite.

The pace of games has picked up considerably, but the game's handling of fast breaks isn't perfect. It seems far too easy for a computer-controlled opponent to jump on the break after a missed shot and race down court uncontested for a dunk.

As for the rest of NBA 2K13, it's largely the same game as before with small changes. The game adopts a new currency system for buying in-game items, as well as for MyCareer mode, where players create their own budding star and guide them through life in the NBA. Standard modes such as the franchise-focused Association are still available, as well as some new stuff such as MyTeam, a card-based team management challenge where players collect cards and assemble the best squad.

The legends 2K Sports has promoted over the past two seasons return in the form of classic squads, including the '96 Chicago Bulls and '86 Celtics. There's also the much-talked about inclusion of the 1992 U.S. Olympic men's basketball team -- the Dream Team -- and this year's Olympic squad, for players wanting to settle this summer's hot sports debate.

It's hard to imagine NBA Live returning to the court when you consider the high bar it must vault to compete with NBA 2K13. As usual, the series continues to feel like an authentic game of hoops, and subtle changes make the experience more enjoyable.

Publisher: 2K Sports

Developer: 2K Sports

Platform(s): PC, PlayStation 3, PlayStation Portable, Xbox 360, Nintendo Wii

Price: $59.99

Rating: E for Everyone

Release Date: Oct. 2

Score: 3.5 stars (out of 4)