12 years ago, Mike Wang and Erick Boenisch launched the Jordan Challenges mode in NBA2K11, in an attempt to highlight important moments in the career of Michael Jordan. For NBA2K23, it seemed fundamental to them, #23 obliges, to revisit the game mode and educate a new audience regarding the GOAT and its accomplishments. Thanks to new technologies and phenomenal background work, the remake will achieve an exceptional level of detail and gameplay quality.
The two heads of Visual Concepts previewed it for us a few days ago and this new version of the Jordan Challenges is one of the most exciting things about this new installment. There will therefore be 15 legendary Michael Jordan matches in which you can participate with missions to accomplish to stick to reality, from the final of the NCAA Tournament between North Carolina and Georgetown to his last under the Bulls jersey with the game winner face at Jazz.
In terms of immersion, we are on very, very heavy ground, since video filters have been added to recreate the atmosphere of the time and 2K has also secured the services of Mike Fratello, who frequently commented on the matches at this period in addition to his job as a coach, and Ray Clay, the official announcer of the Bulls when Michael Jordan raged on the floors.
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To top it off, each match will have its legendary interview to get into the mood and talk about the sides of this meeting: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Dennis Rodman, Phil Jackson, Shaquille O’Neal, Patrick Ewing, Dominique Wilkins, Chris Mullin or Gary Payton have all lent themselves to the game for journalistic content that will be a real added value.
In terms of gameplay, the players of the time will not be able to perform anachronistic moves, BUT and it is a great pleasure, the refereeing and the rules have also been adapted. The handchecking and physical impact of the 80s and 90s have been perfectly transcribed, to allow you to understand what Michael Jordan had to deal with at that time.
Nostalgics should have a very “Madeleine de Proust” moment, while the youngest will be better aware of the style of basketball practiced at the time, without 3-point shooting at all costs. The work is colossal and the pleasure that we will take in living or reliving these key moments in MJ’s career will be simply immense.
As a reminder, NBA2K23, which will include a Jordan edition, will be released on September 9, but it is already possible to pre-order it.
