Is 2k regressing graphics wise?

I don't know about yall, but I feel 2k's graphics have been getting worse every year.
I wish they would've given us the player shadows this year because the models look like horrendous wax figures without them!
If you look back at the 2k9 iff files, resolution sizes were bigger which lead to higher quality graphics. Now, I understand that they probably reduced resolution size to increase performance and all that, but am I the only one disappointed with their graphics? They seem to worsen every year
I feel everything from the lighting to the player models simply looked more realistic back in 2k9.
Check some of clark's 2k9 CFs from back then:




I hope someone can release a global shadow mod that can somewhat mimic the lighting/shadows/player models of 2k9!

What the heck, that is the best looking Yao Ming ever! Can someone create Yao Ming in 2k12? I can't play without him!

BEST CF ever. And yes, their graphics are becoming worse, imo.

Kobe's "PSHHH". Definitely bro, that plastic-not-increasing-throughout-the-game sweat is killin me! My Player's pic looks like he just ran a 20 km race XD

As for your pictures- all of them were modded.

As for your pictures- all of them were modded.

Good thing you didn't read the OP or this could have been avoided!

Well the only thing that I think is really regressing, are CF's. Overall graphics looks very well in 2k12, compared to 2k10 or 2k11 (in my opinion). Also, this year players are too sweated, but it's probably because of the old lightning engine they are using for PC, it probably looks much better on x360 version.

I think the graphics are better this year - even the faces in my opinion. They seem to have done a better job on the role players. Nicolas Batum stands out for me, as his 2K11 cyberface was atrocious.

Yeah the graphics are not bad this year except for the lack of effects the crowd looks amazing but the sneakers do look terrible

In terms of PC modding it seems as if we can't do as much, however if you compare it strictly through the consoles, the graphics have gotten insanely better. They build this game for the consoles as they generate 99% of their sales.

And as someone stated these are all modded, this isn't 2k's doing.

The reason is because over the years 2K has added alot more textures & models(MP, CAL, GM) the draft in MP, More Legends, new sleeves, socks and i think they had to lower the res on certain things like hair/facial hair, sweat, shoes(even though they added alot more)..

Are we all looking at the same thing. The CF for 2k12 is awful! When I play the Bulls, I can't distinguish Deng from Brewer. When I play the Heat, it's hard to distinguish Wade from Charmer. Bosh, Gasol and many other players just look awful. The crowd is awful too and dam, the white players are really white, I mean like super bright white. But u can't compare it to 2k9. 2k9 was the first release on PC and the intention was to eliminate Live completely and get as many fans on board as possible so they not only sold the game for $19.99 but put more efforts into it. When you play 2k9, the players even move like they do in real life. The signature shoots are more defined, a Kobe fade away looks like a Kobe fade away. When Kobe shoot a FT, he moves like Kobe. When Yao is just standing, he stands like Yao. His face even moves like Yao. 2k10 on as been more generic. I'm going through the signature shoots in create mode for 2k12 and they all are similar. As usual, sequel are never as good as the original, except for Terminator 2 - the movie, not the game.

Last edited by nextnba on Sat Oct 08, 2011 3:01 pm, edited 2 times in total.

This year definetley is a downgrade regarding graphics, but who really cares? The gameplay is amazing and presentation also. Besides if you wan't to make better graphics just use crysis 3 photomod, it works with 2k12 .

Like I've said in other threads the game reminded me of 2K9 for some reason, I like the way 2K11 looked while I was playing from the broadcast camera. And yeah, Ronnie Brewer and Deng look the same... from that distance.

i think we need more pic to pic (unmodded of course) comparison between 2k9, 2k10, 2k11 and 2k12 to see if this is true. and not only default cf comparions, also gameplay pics comparison.

putting modded cf and making conclusions doesn't make sense.

but one thing i know without any pic is that gameplay wise, 2k12 is kicking ass to all prior titles. no other nba 2k can compete 2k12 in terms of gameplay.

The xbox360 is five year old hardware. That's why the graphics aren't improving. It's not their fault.

When I play the Bulls, I can't distinguish Deng from Brewer.

That's where the jersey numbers come in. But to think of it, Ronnie Brewer looks like himself now compared to how he looked like in 2k11.

I think we need more pic to pic (unmodded of course) comparison between 2k9, 2k10, 2k11 and 2k12 to see if this is true. and not only default cf comparions, also gameplay pics comparison.

I am playing 2k9 right now and also bought 2k12 when it was released. Graphic is not comparible, 2k9 way better. It looks more natural and the players look more real. 2k10 on, the graphic looks more cartoon like.