Right Stick Dribbling... Its NOICE !!!

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

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

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

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...

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 ?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 !