First created in NBA2K11, the Jordan Challenge is a groundbreaking sports game mode. NBA fans will be able to relive the most memorable and classic moments of Michael Jordan's legendary career. More than a decade later, we feel that now is the perfect time to restate Jordan's rise from college to NBA legend in NBA 2K23, both in the new and modern generations.
There is a big difference between the audiences of 2K11 and 2K23, and the core point is that many players in the latter have never seen Michael Jordan's game live or on TV. Everything this audience knows about the player comes from short films and/or stories from family members who witnessed him win six NBA titles in a decade. In NBA 2K23's Jordan Challenge, fans of any generation can enjoy Michael Jordan's lifelong career through our immersive narrative experience.
Highlights
In NBA 2K23, the Jordan Challenge consists of 15 unique games, from Jordan's shy opening at the University of North Carolina to the final-minute shot at the Chicago Bulls, making him a six-time NBA champion, and the game's full demo package is richer than anything we've done before, making every game look, feel, and sound like it was played in the year that actually happened. In this mode, you will experience:
A cleverly designed video filtering system designed to recreate the TV experience of watching these games, just as they were originally broadcast in the 1980s and 1990s, with each era having its own unique viewing experience.
● Era-specific broadcast elements that truly capture the broadcast technology when each game takes place. In 1982, you'll experience retransmission footage that is simple in design and nature. Large blocks of letters, not too many graphics. As we enter the '90s, you'll start to see a demonstration of evolution as technology improves by leaps and bounds. In this regard, seeing is believing, wait until you see it...
● It's a broadcast experience that goes deep into the mood and environment of each game, a truly world-class experience. To make the commentary more authentic, you need a real experiencer who has experienced the entire Jordan experience from all angles. Joining the NBA 2K23 Jordan Challenge commentary team will be legendary coach and analyst Mike Fratello, aka Tsar. Fratello brings a unique authenticity to games with its keen insight and unique story, making us committed to making these games look and feel... Right.
● From North Carolina... Fullback... 6 feet 6... Michael Jordan! We've all seen the iconic introduction to the Bulls starting lineup, which features Ray Clay's iconic voice. To capture and recreate that goosebumping moment, we went out of our way to capture Ray Clay's full SET of PA broadcasts, as the bulls' official announcer, and in those games of the '90s, when he was broadcasting on televisions around the world, we included it. Without the Alan Parsons Project's Sirius playing on the court's speakers when each starter is announced, any '90s Bulls starting lineup experience wouldn't be complete. We go to great lengths to provide you with a completely authentic experience!
Each of the 15 Jordan Challenges featured a pre-match interview with a prominent figure, which is part of what makes every game different. Who better suited to tell his story than teammates, coaches and those who commented on Michael Jordan's game? During your experience, you'll be told by Marv Albert (the sideline commentator for The Shrug), Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (opponent at the 1988 Chicago All-Star Game), Dennis Rodman (against the Bad Boys), Phil Jackson (head coach of The Last Dance game), and more. We think you'll find this collision a truly extraordinary and memorable narrative experience.
● Challenge! Each of the 15 challenges gives you three goals. Completing a goal will earn you a star. Collect 40 stars and you'll unlock the unique rewards of Fantasy Teams and Brilliant Career Mode. If you want to put on a Jordan NC jersey through the city and neighborhoods, there's only one place to get to it...
Our "kitchen sink" approach includes everything we can think of, but it doesn't stop there. If the experience on the pitch doesn't fit the way the game was played in this era, what are the benefits of the above? Let's dive into these details...
Game authenticity
In the past 40 years, the sport of basketball has changed dramatically. Enhancing the on-field experience in support of the Jordan Challenge is a major priority for the team this year. Jordan Challenge isn't just a modern game of classic teams and classic jerseys. We investigate, research and make key gameplay changes to accommodate the feel of each era, making each game feel like a time travel through NBA history.
First of all, in Jordan's day, the pace of the game was much slower. In the games of the 80s, you'll notice a higher emphasis on low and mid-range races. This is supported by slider settings, AI, trends, and a tactical manual customized to the times. We also rewrote the offensive transitions of the '80s. It has a more compact selection of conversion routes and more players cutting into the basket with numerical superiority than the three-pointers you see in today's NBA.
You can use the tactics of some of the greatest coaches in NBA history. Jack Ramsey, Hubby Brown, Dick Motta, Lenny Wilkins, Phil Jackson, Jerry Sloan, Rick Adelman, and others. On the defensive end, we rewrite the alignment logic so when Jordan plays Dominic Wilkins, they align in the Spitout Challenge and try to outdo each other's scores. In other races, you'll see more misalignments. When you play Jordan against the Cavaliers, Winston Bennett defends Jordan, Jordan carries Craig Ello, Ello defends Scott Pippen, and Pippen defends Bennett. If you can score with enough efficiency, Ello will eventually take over the defensive responsibilities of Jordan.
Basketball in the 1980s and 1990s was more physically confrontational than basketball is today; This is more precisely reflected in our floor scrambles and paintfield confrontations. Compared to today's more free and fluid gameplay, hand movements and body thrust lift bring a completely different feel to one-on-one combat. We also ensure that all rules, such as illegal cover, are accurately reflected in each particular match. Playing with Jordan against the "bad boys" Pistons is probably the most obvious example of what gives you a glimpse into the tenacity and body of old-fashioned basketball. The Pistons will adopt their famous "Jordan Rules," a set of defensive strategies they use to contain Jordan.
In terms of iconic styles, you'll see our biggest upgrade to date. Magic Johnson has his signature No-look pass, and many classic superstars have all-new jump shots, layups and dunks. We also make every effort to ensure that our dribbling and finishing moves are timely. This means that actions like "Sam Gaud" and "European Step Layup" won't shine in the Jordan Challenge. Of course, if you miss some important moments that everyone remembers, the Jordan Challenge is not complete. Jordan's famous shruging celebrations against Portland, the flu game in the 1997 Finals, the shot against Ello, and Jordan's famous killer goal against Brian Russell earned him the final title. These are just some of the memories that were accurately recreated in NBA 2K23.
When creating the challenge, we paid attention to every possible detail of it, and then some more. The end result is a stunning re-enactment of a bygone era that we know you'll love! Below, you'll find a detailed description of each challenge and the history behind this moment.
Jordan Challenge
1. 1982 National Championship: University of North Carolina vs. Georgetown
The 1982 National Championship showcased The Key's attributes for the first time with the Future Hall of Fame, Legendary Showdown and Michael Jordan. With less than 20 seconds to go before the race, MJ trailed 62-61, and with 15 seconds left in the race, MJ, a first-year tar heel (UNC) player, locked in the title with a jump shot. Many players, not just newcomers, will bend in the spotlight and high intensity of the national championship, but not the no. 23. Experience Jordan's first iconic shot by recreating the magic of the 1982 National Championships.
2.1984 U.S. Men's Basketball Tournament
In 1984, 67,596 fans poured into Indiana Stadium to witness clashes between the NBA giants, with the U.S. Olympic team led by Michael Jordan confronting Magic Johnson and the NBA All-Stars. In a game featuring NBA legends like Larry Bird, Kevin McHale, Isaiah Thomas, and others, Jordan proved that as a rookie, he's capable of beating some of the greatest stars in the game.
3.1986 East Playoffs First Round Second
In Michael Jordan's second NBA playoff series, the then-22-year-old guard showed unparalleled confidence against the mighty Boston Celtics. Michael Jordan's performance in the second game was legendary, and he scored 63 points in the game. Jordan was almost unstoppable, making fancy layups in tall defenders and hitting jump shots again and again. Unleash Jordan's historic offense again in NBA 2K23.
4.1988 NBA All-Star Game
Despite playing just 29 minutes, Michael Jordan scored 40 points and shot 73.9 percent from the field, leading everyone else. He turned the pitch into His Airness against the Western Conference All-Star Lineup including Magic Johnson, James Worthy, Hakim Olajuwon, Karim Abdul-Jabbar and others.
5.1989 Game 5 of the first round of the Eastern Conference playoffs
The knockout round was the ultimate test for any competitor looking to be a "key player," with the Chicago Bulls and Cleveland Cavaliers drawing 2-2 in Cleveland's fifth game, laying the groundwork for Jordan's brilliant performance. The North Carolina native cut 44 points, nine rebounds and six assists on the Cavaliers' head, giving his team a one-point advantage. Jordan showed his versatility during the game, dashing Cleveland's playoff hopes.
6.1990 Atlanta Hawks vs Chicago Bulls
When recalling Jordan's many must-see duels, his battle with Dominic Wilkins cannot be ignored. Facing one of the most important players in Atlanta Hawks history, Jordan averaged 31.6 points, 7.1 rebounds and 6.2 assists in 45 games. Wilkins, on the other hand, averaged 29.8 points and 6.8 rebounds against Michael Jordan in his career. When the two play against each other, it's a heavyweight title race that you can relive in the Jordan Challenge.
7.1990 Chicago Bulls vs Cleveland Cavaliers
Jordan had many great games against the Cavaliers, but the 69-point game was the most impressive. Over the course of 50 minutes, Jordan taught a masterclass in points, rebounds and assists, and by the end of the game, he scored 69 points and 18 rebounds, all of which reached career highs. Jordan hit the jumper consistently, hitting 23 shots and hitting 21 of his 23 free throws. Pass one of the league's most memorable moments by recreating his historic game.
8.1990 Eastern Conference Finals Game 3
In the early '90s, the Chicago Bulls and detroit Pistons were at loggerheads, and their rivalry peaked in Game 3 of the 1989 Eastern Conference Finals. With the Eastern Conference Finals series tied 1-1, Jordan propelled the Chicago Bulls to victory in the best way he knew, scoring 46 points and sending out five steals. In this Heavyweight Contest in the East, Jordan played a role in the deafening shouts from Chicago fans.
9.1991 NBA Finals Game 5
In the finals, Jordan defeated the "Show time" Los Angeles Lakers led by Magic Johnson to lift his first Larry O'Brien Trophy. For six years, despite Jordan's best efforts, the coveted championship trophy has not been won. The then 27-year-old shooting guard beat a team full of Hall of Fame talent, proving he was able to live up to the lofty expectations people had of him. When the streamers and confetti fell at Jordan's feet, he was so remarkable.
10.1992 NBA Finals Game 1
When Jordan took his first title, he developed an insatiable desire for more rings. By the time he reached the Finals for the second time in a row, Jordan had let the game turn into garbage early against the Portland Trail Blazers, and by the end of the first half, the game had no suspense between the two sides. MJ won with 39 points, becoming the main contributor to the Bulls' 33-point victory over their opponents.
11.1995 Chicago Bulls vs New York Knicks
Former college rivals are once again playing off, this time at the Madison Square Garden Arena in New York, the mecca of basketball. Jordan and Patrick Ewing feasted on the fans, especially at the height of their power, in a game full of fierce physical confrontation between scoring goals against each other. Ewing's 36 points are usually enough to beat any team, but Jordan's 55 points proved insurmountable. This game once again reminds people of Jordan's greatness that you can experience for yourself.
12.1996 NBA Finals Game 6
Michael Jordan's fourth overall title is arguably one of his toughest tests. Facing seattle supersonic defensive guard Gary Payton (also known as "Glove"), every possession was a battle between the two sides. Payton did his best to limit Jordan throughout the series, successfully limiting his shooting percentage to 26.3 percent in Game 6, but the offensive Assassin found a way to stop the Supersonics' championship plans. Dig deeper and win the championship in an uphill battle against powerful enemies.
13.1997 NBA Finals Game 5
During a game against the Utah Jazz, Michael Jordan was suffering from the flu and was on the brink of collapse, battling illness and fatigue for 44 minutes and 17 seconds. This famous "flu race" is legendary and widely considered one of Jordan's best moments as a basketball player. In game five, the Bulls were passive from the start, trailing by as many as 16 points at one point. Somehow, Jordan managed to pull his team back from the brink of defeat and eventually won the game. By the end of the game, Jordan had 38 points, seven rebounds, five assists and three steals. He left everything he had on the pitch.
14.1997 Chicago Bulls vs Los Angeles Lakers
Kobe Bryant entered the NBA, and his momentum and confidence are somewhat similar to Michael Jordan's, but whether he is MJ's heir remains to be seen. Bryant, who idolized Jordan since childhood, challenged his idol throughout the game, determined to prove his ability. The Lower Merion High School student scored 33 points against MJ and the Bulls, but Jordan's 36 points are a reminder that he is still the ruler of the stadium. In the process of winning, bryant was taught something to the rising star Bryant.
15.1998 NBA Finals Game 6
Both the Utah Jazz and the Chicago Bulls decided that their 1997 NBA Finals showdown wasn't enough fun, so they met again in 1998. All but one of the five games in the series ended with a 5-point difference or less, and Game 6 was the culmination of the series. Jordan cemented his title with 45 points and used a deadly Crossover to shake Brian Russell with a deadly Crossover with 5 seconds left in the game and shot a deadly goal with 5 seconds left. Relive those final moments of death and celebrate one of Jordan's greatest feats.
Available for all versions of NBA 2K23, we can't wait to give you a hands-on experience of the Jordan Challenge! A clear restatement of Michael Jordan's career was a passionate project for our development team. A tribute to someone so important, he made the NBA what it is today... It's an honor for everyone at Visual Concepts. We sincerely hope you enjoy playing The Jordan Challenge and are as happy as we were when we made it. We saw you on the hardwood board!
Now that you've read the Jordan Challenge in NBA 2K23, let us know what you think!