NBA 2K13
Common Sense says
- Nintendo Wii, Nintendo Wii U, PSP, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360
- $59.99
- 2012
Parents say
Kids say
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A lot or a little?
The parents' guide to what's in this game.
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that NBA 2K13 is appropriate for all members of the family as it doesn't contain any questionable material. Just be aware that those who play online can talk with one another (and strangers) over the Internet -- something parents might not like with younger players.
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User Reviews
- Parents say
- Kids say
this is soooo bad!!!!!
What's it about?
2K Sports' NBA 2K13 is part of the critically and commercially successful professional basketball simulation series, which has "netted" more than 45 Sports Game of the Year nods. As with its predecessors, players can play as or against their favorite NBA team -- with the game's computer-controlled opponents, or better yet, against a friend or sibling beside you, or online against other players. NBA 2K13 offers new modes and a heavier emphasis on music -- including JAY-Z serving as the game's executive producer who hand-picked the 24-song soundtrack. It also introduces a feature called Control Stick, which gives players more control by mapping all dribbling and shooting to the right analog stick, while the left controls the player on the court. The game introduces something fans have been asking for years: a matchup between the 1992 NBA "Dream Team" and the 2012 U.S. Men's National team. Also new is NBA 2K Everywhere, which gives players the opportunity to access game info via Facebook or a mobile app.
Is it any good?
Quite simply, this is a fabulous NBA game, thanks in part to tweaked controls that feels great (putting a more emphasis on the dual analog stick instead of the buttons); outstanding graphics and animation that may fool passersby into thinking it's a real, television game; excellent play-by-play and color commentary; and an outstanding soundtrack to help keep you engaged. The game includes familiar and new modes ranging from 3-on-3 pick-up games and single game matches to franchise and career games. Despite a few issues with the somewhat convoluted interface, NBA 2K13 is an excellent b-ball sim worthy of the coveted sports franchise.
Talk to your kids about ...
Families can talk about whether the product placement makes sense within a video game. NBA fans see ads when they go to a game, but should they also see them within the video game? Or is it a case of 2K Sports double-dipping: making money from both the gamer and advertisers?
What rules does your family have about video games? How do you select what you play?
Game details
- Platforms: Nintendo Wii, Nintendo Wii U, PSP, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360
- Subjects: Language & Reading: following directions, reading
Math: addition, patterns
Hobbies: sports - Skills: Thinking & Reasoning: applying information, decision-making, thinking critically
Self-Direction: motivation, work to achieve goals
Collaboration: meeting challenges together, teamwork
Health & Fitness: fine motor skills - Price: $59.99
- Available online? Available online
- Developer: 2K Sports
- Release date: October 2, 2012
- Genre: Sports
- Topics: Sports and Martial Arts, Great Boy Role Models
- ESRB rating: E for N/A
- Last updated: November 11, 2020
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Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.