Sim Citi

Da_Czar NBA2K13 Play of the Day Horns 1 Part 4

2013-02-08T12:35:00.000-05:00

What's happening family ?

It's BIG Czar back again with our fourth and final installment of this Horns 1 Super Set Series.

It has been quite a journey. Today we wrap it up with a hidden twin ball screen option that only shows up if you don't choose one of the previous 4 options.

If any of you have any ideas on how these types of options can be visually represented in the game I am all ears to take that info back to 2K.

If you look at 4 videos as options in a single play I don't think there can be any doubt about the SIMtentions of this feature. However the execution must improve, and improve by a lot for this play system to take this game to a new level.

Here is to hoping that happens in 2K14... If not on the 360 or ps3 then perhaps on the next gen consoles that may launch this year.

Join us on blogtalkradio.com for the SimNation Radio show Friday's @ 7:00 PM est and every other Sunday (Feb 10, 2013) @ 10:00 pm est for Czar After Dark.

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/daczar

Da_Czar NBA2K13 Play of the Day Horns 1 Part 3

2013-02-01T15:53:00.002-05:00

What's happening family ! It's your man the Czar back again with part 3 of our Horns 1 SuperSet offensive series. Thanks for joining us today. As we get into today's video we are reminded that despite the depth that 2K's play-system offers us there is still much work to be done.

The pass to center branch is certainly one of the weakest in this play and I avoid it at all costs. If you do choose to proceed be prepared to use your freelance pick and roll or other quick plays in case the play breaks down prematurely.

All plays break but this branch does so at a highly unacceptable rate. Especially when your making the correct pass at the correct time.

If you notice in the video you can start the dribble branches early by standing at the branch point after you call the play or calling the play from that branch point. It creates a great flow offensively and can be used as a substitution for early offense.

Da_Czar NBA2K13 Play of the Day Horns 1 Part 2

2013-01-25T14:07:00.000-05:00

What's happening family welcome back to part 2 of our Horns 1 Super set breakdown. If you missed part one of this series I encourage you to check that out as we will not review much of that information in today's video.

In part one we discussed a backdoor option by Paul that was not a part of the play. So although you could make the pass if open if you did not the play breaks down into freelance offense. In today's video you will notice another backdoor opportunity, but this one is a part of the play. Therefore when the AI makes the decision to go backdoor it does not break the play.

If the PG does not receive the pass he clears out and leaves space for the PF to operate.

This is because there is another pass or do not pass branch point after the pg makes the backdoor cut. If the pass is not available then you Iso and attempt to score with your PF or pass the ball out. While not significant in this play, keep this in mind as there may be other hidden branches nestled throughout your playbooks.

It is apparent that the offense is light years ahead of the defense in 2K. This is an area they will certainly have to shore up moving into 2K14. I plan to focus the majority of my feedback to them on that side of the ball.

We will be back next week as we continue with this series.

P.S, Be sure to join us this and every Friday @ 7:00 Pm EST on the SimNation Radio show as we discuss basketball video-games and life. We have another show this Sunday Jan 27 @ 10 PM EST called Czar After Dark on the same station where we talk about everything except video-games.

Da_Czar NBA2K13 Play of the Day Horns 1 Part 1

2013-01-18T09:16:00.001-05:00

What's Happening family! It's your man Da_Czar the President of the SimNation. Excited as always to be speaking with you. Today I bring you a Play that Illustrates what I call a Super Set.

A Super Set is a superior offensive set that allows the user and AI multiple options. Think of it as a call once use many offensive set that allows you to create virtually any type of shot opportunity.

One of the issues with a set this large is communicating to the user what the primary branch of the play actually is. In today's video we cover all the options available in the primary branch. It becomes important that you examine each scoring opportunity as it appears.

While some plays are ran to get a specific player in position to score. This super set can be used when you have no number 1 options on the floor. Especially when you don't have a player who commands a double team to create easier shots for your teammates.

This set will allow your "others" to use the movement in the offense to possibly create an open opportunity.

From a defensive perspective it is nearly impossible for one user to stop every option in this play. This is a counter heavy play in most instances with the appropriate branch available to take advantage of cheating or overcompensating defense.

While it may take until the next generation of hoop games to account for every human defensive counter, plays like these go a very long way towards increasing the chess match of counter vs solution many Sim gamers desire.

Be sure to join us next week as we continue this series.

P.S, Be sure to join us this and every Friday on SimNation Radio show as we discuss basketball videogames and life.

Right Stick Dribbling... Its NOICE !!!

2012-08-10T11:44:00.001-04:00

What's happening family ?

It's your man DaCzar President of the SimNation.

A couple of fantastic articles out today One by the Verge and Polygon Accessible is not a Dirty word and another by @owengood of kotaku Control Freaks Not Needed.

As well as Developer Diary number 1 Available on Operation Sports Youtube page

Twitter is ablaze this morning with all the new info but the question on most minds is how good is the system ?

While I can not answer any questions at this point I can say that 2k's implementation of right stick dribbling is the best President Czar has seen. Mike Wang proves once again that he is undoubtedly one of the best to ever do it.

This is no mere carbon copy previous games attempts at right stick dribbling. Watch the video above and notice the step forward your about to get broke off walk up by B-easy that has never been in a game prior...

The limitation of previous right stick dribbling schemes has been limitation of animations necessary to produce one to one movement. To have a huge animation variety you have to give a bit on responsiveness but to me NBA 2K13 stikes the right balance between what a person can actually do in real life and video game responsiveness as well as incorporating variety in speed and movement.

Obviously a person who has a bigger step in their cross will take more time than someone who has a basic quick cross. Yet, a top flight guard can have a quick cross with lots of movement. So it is the combination of right stick with the huge dribble move library that set's 2k's right stick dribbling mechanic apart.

In the real world you can't decide to change your dribble or intended direction when the ball in between your hand and the floor. This introduces and natural delay that actually adds effectiveness to hesitation and studder step moves.

In a video game however, users want to be able to change their mind at any point and call a game unresponsive, even if the change of direction or dribble they require, would be impossible in a real world scenario.

So while my intent is not to hype the control scheme to be simple and direct I liked it.... I liked it a lot. So much so that playing NBA 2K12 again I suddenly feel a stark lack of control and can finally see what the NBA Live fans have been screaming about at the top of their lungs. I am certain and I should underline this... That some will want even more responsiveness. Until I play something more realistic and more responsive with the same animation variety I am more than ok with where 2K13 stands at this point.

It is without doubt in my mind that this change alone will secure many who just could not get into I somotion. The clunky Isomotion control is gone. Long live the Control Stick.

P.S. The SHOT STICK is still there family. It is simply a left trigger modifier to shoot. Should take you 3-4 games max to get used to it.

Gearing up for a big year

2012-08-10T07:47:00.000-04:00

What happening family ?

I know you been waiting for the Blog to get back cracking and it's time to start greasing the wheels. Have lots of great things planned for this upcoming year. Took the offseason to get some things in order and hopefully you will begin to see the fruits of all that work as we prepare for the Release of this years NBA Games & the 2012-13 NBA Season.

If you read the blog but have not checked out the radio show I will be posting a link of topics here every time we have a show.

Feel free to call in and participate or even leave some comments here on the blog and we will try to incorporate those into the show as well.

This week we will be discussing the Article by @owengood If NBA Live 13 Doesn't Hit an Oct. 2 Release Date, It's as Good as Failing to Launch.

I will also open up the Barbershop to discuss the Elderly woman bullied by kids on a bus. #THATSNOTSIM

We will discuss with our panel mandatory game-play enhancements for next gen systems.

We will also be visited by one of the best roster makers out there OS'es own Hookupguy and discuss his Olmypic Masterpiece. We will also get into the underhanded practice of roster stealing.

We will also be joined by a few of the NBA2K Teamup program invitee's to get familiar with what they will be looking for.

If all that isn't enough the #SimNations own @Real2KInsider will make his return to the show. #mutecity

And of course we will be talking about the Duhwhight Howard Trade.

Appreciate your support

2012-06-06T09:46:00.002-04:00

Hey family this is just a shout out to all of you who continue to support what Da_Czar is doing. Those following for awhile understand there are always lull's in my video and blog production. I am working hard at my day jobs to clear enough time during the Hot and heavy season to bring you more of the content you enjoy.

So I just wanted to throw this up to say thank you to all those who continue to watch the videos and ready the blog. Were still here. Be sure to check the radio show as we bring that about 3-4 times a month. http://www.blogtalkradio.com/daczar

We talk about basketball video-games and life and the show has it's own around the horn feel to it with our outstanding panel members who show up from time to time.

If you want your ideas on what you want in the games heard call into the show. Developers from both companies listen so stop hoping they hear you and call in and let your voice be heard. They may not find 1 post in a thousand on a forum but everyone can spend an hour listening to a radio show.

So like Bartles and James... We thank you for your support.

Operation Sports Live 13 preview... Animations

2012-06-06T09:36:00.000-04:00

What's good family ?

It's your man Da_Czar President of the SimNation. If you didn't get a chance to read Big Steve of OperationSports preview of NBA Live 13 be sure to check that out here.

To put it mildly Big Steve was NOT all that impressed with what he was able to see. And I quote

"The animations looked robotic and not very good at all in the demo. While the overall graphics package looks pretty solid sans-animations, if the animations aren't there then the whole package falls apart quickly. It's entirely possible that this is due to the early build of the game, but what we were shown wasn't up to snuff to be sure."

Now anyone who understands the history of the battle between these two companies understands that the core of the fight has ALWAYS been animations.

On last gen systems NBA live held the same position as NBA 2K does currently. It was the sales, and in many eyes, the gameplay leader by a wide margin. ( There were a select few who believe things changed with the release of NBA 2K5) The advantage that the live 2002-2007 had over the 2K series was the smoothness of their animations. (Some thought too smooth... sliding)

I can recall comment after comment on how wonky and robotic 2k's animations were and how buttery smooth NBA Live's animations appeared. The majority of gamers could not get over the robotic nature of the game to see the good fundamental basketball advantages that 2K's product had over Live.

Fast forwared to This generation of PS3 and XBOX 360 and you will find the polar opposite. 2K learned a valuable lesson. In the game of basketball more than any other, how the players look and move, are a key component to the immersion of the gamer.

Some might say 2K over-learned their lesson by making short movie sequences that looked more like basketball but left the gamer with less control. Regardless of how you feel about their control or lack thereof. You can not deny that is looks like basketball moreso than any other game released.

The battle now clearly who can make it too the middle first... Can EA solve their animation issues and add to Elite's mantra of control; Before 2k can provide the freedom from 2player animations while still keeping the users immersed in animation goodness.

Understanding the history of these two franchises makes Steve's report above makes for even more interesting fodder.

Is it possible that even after a 2 year hiatus from the sport that Live will return still suffering from the unlearned lessons of the past ? Reading through the forums it is clear that a majority of Live's most faithful gamers are hoping they can.

While the rest of the seasoned gamer have another hope... That live brass understands clearly this truth.

If you can't move with the fluency found in real basketball, it might not matter if that movement has purpose.

World Peace ??? Not so much...

2012-04-25T08:55:00.000-04:00

What's happening family ? Okay we have all seen the replay footage of Metta World Peace's vicious and uncalled for elbow smash to James Harden. As an ardent fan of the principals of competition I have to say boo to Ron Ron's reemergence and the disappearance of Metta.

I still stand by my tweet that said you simply do NOT talk trash to a man who thanks his psychologist after winning a world title. If you have been around sports long enough there is no doubt you have played with or against a player like World. They are really and literally Crazy ! It's not an act. They can be peaceful one minute and have the coach in a strangle hold the next. You don't taunt crazy people any more than you tease a chained animal. The reason is obvious... what if the animal get's off his chain ?

I want to be careful not to infer that one should be ready for dirty play by simply engaging his verbal linguistics. But as my father always told me "Son ALWAYS know who your dealing with !" Thanks to @whitehippo24 I was made aware that Metta's suspension will only allow him to be fined financially for the 1 regular season game.

My original stance was that NBA players care more about playoff games than regular season games. However, since he will only loose money for 1 game I feel a separate financial hit is appropriate given the circumstances. With the size and strength these players possess you don't want players engaging in cheap, revenge shots and catching guys in vulnerable positions with the possibility of serious injury.

That said if I was on the Thunder there is no way I allow a teammate to be hurt in that manner and "allow" my teammates to hold me back. If you a bench guy who doesn't play much, it is your responsibility to leave the bench and tackle Ron Ron World Elbow to the ground and commence to beat some sense into him. LOL !!!

I realize that may not be a popular opinion but that is just the way I roll. Your not going to cheap shot a valuable member of my team and get away with a fine. Oh HELL NAW !!! Can you imagine what the 90's Knick's would have done if someone Hit Starks like that ??? That is exactly why no one did it ! Hell... They ain't crazy. LOL !

NBA Live 13: What do you hope to see ?

2012-04-09T13:53:00.000-04:00

What's happening family !!!

Just want to shout out all of my supporters. I appreciate all of the support. The radio show has been doing extremely well and I couldn't do that without you. That brings me to today's topic. Nba Live 13.

The advisory council will be heading out tomorrow and we wish them all a safe trip. I have yet to ask you guys what you hope to see or expect for Live 13 ?

Do you think they will present a shot stick solution or keep it all on the buttons ? Are you a fan of the separate dunk button or is it a waste of real estate on an already overcrowded controller ?

Would you like to see classic teams in Live or should they leave that to 2k ?

So hit up the comments and let Czar know what you would like to see or hope to see in Nba Live 13.

What play-types should 2k add to NBA 2K13

2012-02-23T13:05:00.000-05:00

IF they play-type assignments do not go away next year what are some play-types you would like to see added or taken away. Any and all thoughts on PLAY TYPE are welcome here. I know there were some issues with Pick and Roll and POP being combined would you prefer having those seperated etc.

It will be most beneficial to me to keep this discussion just on the play-types. Thank you.

So if you have an opinion log in and leave your comments and I will take that feedback back to 2K for their consideration.

Fast Model Sports Technology Play of the Day CHA Horns Circle Part 2

2012-02-22T10:42:00.000-05:00

Welcome back to part 2 of our @fastmodel play CHA Horns Circle. Today we build on the dribble entry branch by passing to the 5 man to initiate the play.

Enjoy !

Fast Model Sports Technology Play of the Day CHA Horns Circle

2012-02-21T13:04:00.000-05:00

What's happening family ? Back today with our @fastmodel play of the day. This is one option of a play ran for the Charlotte Hornets called CHA Horns Circle. Don't forget you can use directional lead passing to influence where the playing coming off the screen will catch the basketball.

Enjoy !!!

Fast Model Sports Technology Play of the Day BOS 14 Side POP

2012-02-08T14:32:00.000-05:00

What's happening family ?

Well after a few weeks off we have restarted our Play of the week for the good folks @fastmodel. I am a little late as this play went live monday. We have switched to using generic teams for these play diagrams, but this is a Celtics play.

I am using the C's in an association and use this play often. With Ray, Pierce and Garnet all great mid range shooters this play gives me lots of flexibility.

Enjoy !

Da_Czar's Inside NBA Offense Part 3 Lakers

2012-02-03T17:01:00.002-05:00

What's happening family ?

I know it has been a few week's but I have been extremely busy with life and family. Thanks for sticking with us. Today I wanted to bring you a look at a play in the Lakers corner series offense.

I thought it would be cool to track a play the use over the course of a single game and see if and how the defense adjusted. Today show's how detrimental it is to the flow and difficulty of a basketball game to have the ability to dynamically branch it's play-calling system.

Enjoy !

Play of the Day:Den 1 Delay Double

2012-01-12T17:39:00.007-05:00

What's happening family ? Back with our play of the day series. This is relatively quick pick and roll play for the Nuggets. Even if the screens do not free you the court is opened up for you to go one on one. Depending on where the help comes from your SF or SG should have a spot up opportunity if your able to get penetration with your PG.

Thanks to your support our first episode of the Simnation radio show reached as high as number 6 in popularity over the past week. We will be back again this Friday @ 7:00 pm. EST To get your thoughts on the state of NBA 2K12 and also find out if your a closet gamer.

Thank you for your support family !!!

Enjoy !

Da_Czar's Inside NBA Offense Part 2

2012-01-10T19:47:00.000-05:00

What's happening family ! Today we dive back into our Inside NBA offense series and talk about a play the Knicks ran several times against the struggling Detroit Pistons.

Be sure to check out the Simnation radio show this Friday at blogtalkradio.com
Enjoy !

Da_Czar's Inside NBA Offense Part 1

2012-01-04T18:47:00.000-05:00

What's happening family ? Today I want to bring out a series on Actual NBA offenses. I hope to show more of the reasons plays work at the NBA level. There are many defensive nuances that have not yet made it into video games so Actual games are still the best place to demonstrate offensive effectiveness.

Today's play is one the Miami Heat have started a couple games with this season.

Enjoy !

Also don't forget the SIMNATION radio show kicks off this Friday Jan 6th on Blogtalkradio.com/daczar Hope to see you there !

Celtics down but not Ofer

2011-12-30T19:26:00.000-05:00

What's happening family ! It's your man the Czar. Today I want to talk about the aging but still adept Boston Celtics. The Celtics are having a ruff run right now but I think they will recover to play some descent basketball IF they address these key concerns.

Oh Yeah be on the lookout for the SIMNATION radio show Friday Jan 6th, 2012 on blogtalkradio.com SIM is a lifestyle !!!

Enjoy !

Dallas Havericks

2011-12-28T17:35:00.002-05:00

What's happening family. Basketball to the left of us. Basketball to the right of us... It's a wonderful time to be a hoop fiend.

Today I wanted to talk about the gaping hole in the Dallas Mavericks defense. This is a team who allowed 3 key players to walk from a championship team. The problem as I see it is that these were the exact three key pieces they could ill afford to leave. ( I would include Caron but he was not apart of the championship run.) You subtract Caron, JJ, Stevenson and Chandler and replace them with the likes of Vince Carter and Lamar Odom and you once again have a "soft" team that lacks toughness.

JJ Barea, Stevenson, and Chandler brought heart, grit, and determination to the Mavericks. All of which appear to be missing as the champs raised their new banner, and as NBA teams raise welts on their behind in this early part of the season.

Some players impact is greater than the stat sheet. For the Mavs Chandler was that type of player.

Fast Model Sports Technology Play of the Day CHI 25 Punch

2011-12-26T17:37:00.000-05:00

What's happening family ? Hope all who celebrated have a wonderful Holiday !!! Today were back with our @fastmodel play of the day. Today we will show a play the Chicago Bulls ran a few times yesterday called 25 Punch. This is a quick post play they run often to get the ball into Boozer. In yesterday's game you also saw them use it as an early offense play for a quick pin post for Boozer.

Enjoy !

Fast Model Sports Technology Play of the Day 71 Knicks 5 X Option

2011-12-19T16:29:00.000-05:00

What's happening family ? Back with our play of the day for @fastmodel today we reach back into the history of the game to bring you the 1971 Knicks 5 X Option.

The Princeton offense was inspired by the set's ran by the 70's Knicks and Celtics. Those offensive set's emphasized the team game and sharing the basketball. While not the complete offense this set does give you a few simple options out of the initial action.

Enjoy !

Patch 1.04

2011-12-16T17:37:00.000-05:00

What's good family ? President Czar back again after Patchgate. As with every patch some things were left out and some things were actually made better. Today's video will briefly highlight a couple of the things I dislike and few of the things Czar is enjoying about the patch.

There were definitely more things adjusted than mentioned in the patch notes. With 2K there almost always are. Thanks for visiting !

Enjoy !

NBA2K12 Xbox 360 3 MB Update... Patch or no Patch

2011-12-14T11:27:00.000-05:00

What's happening family ?

So the story is this. Ronnie 2k and crew say there will be a patch out today. MS usually sends out the updates at 2:00 am PST 5:00 EST. When the PS3 family received their gameplay patch it was 47 MB. The one we received for the X360 is only 3.

WTF is it 2K ? LOL. I mean it's almost comical at this point. Of course in their defense it is still early on the left coast so they are not awake to defend themselves.

Users on OS have gone to war. Some believe they are seeing game-play improvements while others claim placebo. Some have pointed to patch notes like assigning Pippins dunk package and the lowered requirements for triple threat training camp mode as proof the game has in deed been patched.

Some question why with a patch as small as 47 meg would it need to be split up into 2 patches if in fact the 3mb patch is only part 1 of 2.

The million dollar question is why weren't we told there would be a different size patch if that happens to be to case OR that there were in face going to be 2 different patches released for the X360 system ?

Regardless of how this plays out it again illustrates a growing expectation of frustration with how 2K bungles the spread of information to it's most vocal and most supportive user base.

So 3 MB update... Is you is... or is you ain't the big game-play patch for the X360 ?

Play of the Day: NYC Base Quick 5 Offscreen

2011-12-13T19:20:00.000-05:00

What's happening family ? I know everyone is focused on the patch. Should be out soon. In the meantime check out this quick play for the Knicks. This play begins as soon as the sf is in position so it makes a great transition play as you will see in the video.