With the NBA lockout expected to keep NBA basketball shut down until at least January video game basketball may be all fans have this fall. With events like free agency stalled and rookies unable to sign contracts the rosters are impossible to accurately predict for the upcoming season. NBA 2K developer Visual Concepts will instead have to rely on gameplay tweaks and added features if they want NBA 2K12 to remain relevant through the lockout.

1. Create a compelling campaign mode

Last year’s Jordan Challenge let gamers step into His Airness’s shoes and relive some of his most iconic moments, from the “flu game” to his first trip to the NBA Finals. While it may be hard to top the allure of Jordan, the game needs a hook to keep interest even if the NBA doesn’t play a single game. While NBA 2K12 shouldn't go back to Jordan, the NBA has a rich history of players and games to pick from.

What fan wouldn’t want to relive the Pacers stunning comeback against the Knicks in game 1 of the 1995 Eastern Conference semis (that collapse by the Knicks allowed the Pacers to squeak out a 4-3 series win). On the other side, King’s fans would love a chance to win the controversial foul-plagued game 6 of the 2002 Western Conference Finals and punch their ticket to the NBA Finals.

The NBA has plenty of dramatic comebacks, shocking collapses and intense rivalries and letting fans play even a few of these would give them reason enough to buy the game. With the NBA lockout threatening to shut down the current season there isn’t a better time to reach into the past.

About the Author

Tim Dunn

Tim Dunn recently graduated with a Bachelor's of Arts in Journalism from Indiana University Bloomington. An aspiring games journalist, Tim has written about games for the Indiana Daily Student, Gm3r and Examiner.com. As a gamer Tim plays a little bit of everything, including sports games, shooters and RPGs. Tim currently owns a Wii and Xbox 360 and has also owned a DSi and PS3 in the past. When not writing about or playing games Tim enjoys spending time with his fiancee.