‘NBA 2K16’ Brings Jordan Back For Special Edition Cover, Early Access
2K Sports has turned to NBA legend Michael Jordan once again to help promote NBA 2K16 for the PlayStation and Xbox consoles. The Hall of Famer will be on the cover of the Special Edition version of the basketball sim that comes with some other Jordan-themed physical and virtual goodies, plus the ability to play early.
This will be the third time that Jordan has graced the cover of a NBA 2K title. He had the cover solo with NBA 2K11 before sharing it with Magic Johnson and Larry Bird for NBA 2K12.
The standard edition of this year’s NBA 2K16 will feature Anthony Davis, Stephen Curry, and James Harden as swappable cover athletes. Those that go all in for the $79.99 Special Edition will be able to play the game starting September 25, four days before its official launch. It also comes with the following physical and in-game items.
- Jordan NBA 2K16 Poster
- Jordan Fathead Wall Cling
- Digital Jordan shoes for your MyPLAYER
- Digital Jordan T-shirt for your MyPLAYER
- Digital Jordan jersey for your MyPLAYER
- 30,000 Virtual Currency
- MyTEAM VIP+ (3 Emerald Packs AND a new Special Edition Exclusive Moments Card)
NBA 2K16 comes in both digital and physical versions. Obviously, the Michael Jordan poster and Fathead wall cling will not be included with the digital release.
“I’m excited about this year’s NBA 2K‘s Special Edition,” said Michael Jordan in a press release. “NBA 2K16 allows gamers young and old to not only experience and re-create some of my greatest moments on the basketball court, but also customize their players with Jordan shoes and apparel.”
#BeTheStory in #NBA2K16, ft @StephenCurry30 @JHarden13 @AntDavis23 on covers! Pre-order today https://t.co/L6CyhAWdZj pic.twitter.com/r2ycIXlVL0
— NBA 2K 2K16 (@NBA2K) June 4, 2015
The “all-new” NBA 2K16 career mode is being written by director and hardcore NBA fan, Spike Lee. This gives the game the “A Spike Lee Joint” subtitles, as players will follow a high school basketball player and make the tough decisions needed to reach the NBA.
2K Games last turned to Michael Jordan for NBA 2K12 for the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360. Sales of that game were hampered by the 2011 NBA lockout. Rookies weren’t in the game at launch, and the late start of the season plus the politics between the owners and players put off potential buyers of the game.
NBA 2K13 turned things around by breaking first week sales records for the franchise. However, reviewers and gamers both lamented the loss of the Jordan challenge modes. A cutdown version of the mode called “LeBron: Path to Greatness” returned in a limited fashion with the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 versions of NBA 2K14. It was not available on the next-gen consoles.
NBA 2K16 is scheduled for a September 29 launch on the PS4, Xbox One, PS3, and Xbox 360.
[Images via 2K Sports]
