Jordan Challenge 2K23 - Three Full Game Previews

[RayRay_953]

phpBB [video]

I found this video on Youtube which highlights the first three games in the new Jordan Challenge ('82 NCAA Championship, '84 USA vs NBA All-Star scrimmage, and the 63-point game against the Celtics). Based on this video, we can see the additions made by 2K to make the experience fresh. I've noticed the following things present:

- Era-specific presentation is appropriately used in various years much like MyNBA Eras.
- Special arena models unique to the Jordan Challenge (these might not be seen in other modes)
- Roster filler players are treated differently in this game. Unlike previous installments with the generic John Smith, Michael Davis, and Richard Johnson players, generated players similar to the ones seen in various draft classes will be used instead. This unfortunately could cause issues such as players using more modern hairstyles in older eras (as seen in the NCAA game against the Hoyas).
- More players have been licensed to be included in 2K23, but there are still some omissions. Only five real players are seen on the Tar Heels (Jordan, Worthy, and Perkins) and Hoyas (Ewing, Floyd), while every other player is generated. Other players such as Orlando Woolridge (who started over George Gervin in real-life during Jordan's 63-point game) are still absent from their teams.
- Court floors have also been updated. Compare the Chicago Stadium, United Center, and Boston Garden to 2K22 to see the differences.

What are everybody's impressions on the Jordan Challenge so far?

[sticky-fingers]

Well, I appreciate the effort on the retro presentation, the filters, scoreboards, shotclock, breakboards etc...

But like you said, rosters arent 100% accurate and as always lazy on details.
New retro arenas are a nice additions BUT look so old olg gen, i mean PS2/3 era or early mod work for 2k9/14.
MJ CFs are really average, lame work.
Ruffles and other current Ads ... 1984 jersey colar is wrong, 86 Cs jersey shoulder are still wrong, retro floor paint are wrong on low post etc...
And from what i see, stamina bar sucks.

[vetmin]

Well, I appreciate the effort on the retro presentation, the filters, scoreboards, shotclock, breakboards etc...

But like you said, rosters arent 100% accurate and as always lazy on details.
New retro arenas are a nice additions BUT look so old olg gen, i mean PS2/3 era or early mod work for 2k9/14.
MJ CFs are really average, lame work.
Ruffles and other current Ads ... 1984 jersey colar is wrong, 86 Cs jersey shoulder are still wrong, retro floor paint are wrong on low post etc...
And from what i see, stamina bar sucks.

Same. I'm very very happy about the new retro additions, but mainly because of their potential to be modded (whether all the Eras stuff in the eventual new-gen game on PC, or even right now using retro assets from Jordan Challenge as a base for custom presentation stuff that enhances retro rosters, etc.). I had plans to make some modest retro stadiums but had temporarily halted myself in case old-gen on PC might have some good stuff already from Jordan Challenge. No offense to the 2K team, but I see that I do not have to hold off any longer (though honestly any new stadium is welcome -- no matter how underwhelming -- if only for use as a modding base).

I agree that the MJ CFs are a disappointment, too. Like, those would be solid for the 10th man in the Dallas Mavericks present-day rotation, but I feel like you gotta do better for your marquee athlete. I feel the same about the new Booker scan, which improves upon the previous one (which had been one of the worst in the game for a star player) but it's still pretty off. It's weird because there are plenty of default cyberfaces that are quite good. Brandon Ingram for instance has looked better for years than either of the new MJ or Booker. 2K seems to have the biggest issue getting the faces right for players who obviously haven't sat for a scan recently (Westbrook, Butler, etc.), which is understandable, except for the fact that the modding community doesn't get to scan anyone either and still ends up with far far superior results with access to / use of things 2K should also have legal access / usage rights to (mainly just hi-res photos). Again I get it if 2K can't justify the time it'd take to create a photorealistic Avery Bradley, but there really isn't time to get Curry / AD / Kawhi / etc. -- or even the game's cover athletes -- right? I just don't get that.

EDIT: And don't get me started on Anthony Edwards. He was the #1 pick... how does that CF happen? That Anthony Edwards CF was/is like the cyberface equivalent of when that amateur artist in Italy or wherever tried to restore that Jesus fresco at a church.