NBA 2K13 Xbox 360
Metascore
88 out of 100

Generally favorable reviews - based on 41 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 39 out of 41
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 41
  3. Negative: 0 out of 41
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  1. XGN
    Oct 30, 2012
    87
    NBA 2K13 really proves to be the king of sport franchises. The music, the atmosphere, the total package this basketball palooza breathes NBA and America. All there is left to say is that 2K13 basically is a slam dunk on all fronts.
  2. AusGamers
    Oct 2, 2012
    86
    The game looks great and plays extremely intuitively, whether you stay with the buttons or go to the new right stick mechanics.
  3. Games Master UK
    Nov 25, 2012
    84
    A decent if slightly light upgrade to this thoroughly enjoyable B-Ball sim. [Christmas 2012, p.94]
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  4. Worth Playing
    Jan 7, 2013
    82
    This is still a great game, and sports fans will love this, but for those still clinging to NBA 2K11 or 2K12, you'll want to take the plunge if you really need that roster update or desperately want to play as the Dream Team.
  5. Thunderbolt
    Mar 8, 2013
    80
    This is a welcome new standard for sports videogames as a whole and with any luck, will generate interest in getting the audio right. There are only so many places left to make it new and NBA 2K13 has crossed another off the list.
  6. Polygon
    Oct 25, 2012
    80
    NBA 2K13 sits at the intersection of basketball and hip-hop culture, and Jay-Z's production sensibilities marry the two beautifully.
  7. DailyGame
    Oct 12, 2012
    80
    The content is there, the presentation is there, the depth is there and so is the pedigree. The controls and unabashed complexity, however, are also there. And the experience (and final score) suffers because of it.
  8. Digital Spy
    Oct 9, 2012
    80
    Physics complaints, menu screens and minor control issues aside, NBA 2K13 goes above and beyond the rim, packing in an enormous amount of content both on and off the court, providing yet another another slam dunk installment for 2K Sports.
  9. Giant Bomb
    Oct 8, 2012
    80
    NBA 2K13 is phenomenal, if familiar. Go in with the right expectations, and you'll be enjoying it all season long.
  10. Joystiq
    Oct 9, 2012
    70
    The bar has definitely slipped a notch or two, and while it may be the best basketball game you'll play this year, being the best by default isn't enough.
  11. GamesRadar
    Oct 6, 2012
    70
    For the first time since it went from being a good basketball game to a cultural touchstone, it's taken a step backwards. The controls have become far too complex for much of its audience, and there's no one mode that captures your attention as much as the now-absent Jordan and Greatest challenges.
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User Reviews

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User Score
7.3 out of 10

Mixed or average reviews- based on 87 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 16 out of 23
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 23
  3. Negative: 5 out of 23
  1. jaketyler48
    9
    The game is ALMOST the same as last years version. There are a few Minor tweaks that make it a better game the control stick is one of them. In years past you had the same thing you just had to hold down the modifier button (LT) to use it. This year no need to hold down the (LT) button to use the contol stick.. To shoot however you do need to use the (LT) button as the modifier. I enjoy this cause also depending on how you flick the stick will depend on what type of Shooting move you do. A fade away, jumper, lean in, dunk, or under handed layup. It makes for a more realstic game play experiance. Also helping this out is the physics, If the defense switch and you have a bigger man on a point gaurd. You have a better shot of driving the lane. The Commentary is great the 3 man both does another great job and they added on to help the my player feel more relevant. If your into the shoe game the sneaker editor is totally insane and is a nice and welcome add on for me! What I dont like the menus, yes they are only menus but if you dont know what your doing they can be a pain to try and Nav. The fact i had to pre order the game from only certain stores to be able to get the All-star DLC. it should have already been in the game. All in All its up there with the best sports titles. 2K Sports tweaked just enough to get it just a step up from last yr. Which makes it a buy! Excuse me while I go and work on my control stick skills!… Full Review »
  2. phoenix8734
    10
    The game is great. The pick and roll works well this year. I love the animations. Everything seems closer to real basketball than ever before. I can't wait to play more online!!… Full Review »
  3. Trex0321
    4
    Its not entirely a bad game, but its got its major faults. non existent defense. u can literally run through defending players as they step out of the way and let u through. this is especially bad with lebron james and kobe bryant. even on the hardest difficulty defense puts in no effort. thats 40% of the game, so i took 4 marks off. the revitalised offense controls are good, but shooters can shoot over the top of people no problem. thats another 2 points. Will be eagerly awaiting NBA Live this yr, as a $20 downloadable game, might be the good stuff,… Full Review »
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