Looking at 2K11 vs others...

I played NBA2K when it came out because I had bought a Dreamcast and we were all blown away by how many light years it's sports games had jumped ahead. Then off and on I'd try the 2004-2007 2Ks a bit but if I played basketball it was mostly College games. Now, I've recently played 2K19 and 2K20 and liked them. But I've been a member here and elsewhere for years and I've gotten the games for PC over the years when they're cheaper because I like them.

The point here is that I don't have the year by year experience with NBA2K that others have. And certainly not the way I have with several other sports franchises. So I'm not understanding something. There is a great deal of affinity for 2K11 and for 2K14. I've even heard people say 2K11 is the NFL2K5 of NBA games. However, when you go and read not only comments but also reviews, it's commonly accepted that 2K12 is 11 but better. And then that 13 is 12, with some issues, but overall better. And that 14 (previous gen) is the pinnacle of what anyone could ever achieve in a basketball game as seen, I think, by how much modding the community still does. Then from there it's pretty well accepted that 15 and on are all substandard in one way or another but mostly in gameplay.

So my question is, given that the progression is pretty well seen and accepted everywhere I've read as getting better and better until arriving at 14, what makes 11 still so valued compared to say 12 or 14? Keep in mind, if it helps, that I only ever play single player offline Season mode. Not even franchise and no other modes. Though I admit I love "NBA's Greatest".

Thanks for your thoughts. I want actual technical gameplay help here if possible, not, "it was my first 2K game". Thanks!

gameplay wise only:

2k11>2k12>2k10>2k9>2k13>2k14

gameplay wise only:
2k11>2k12>2k10>2k9>2k13>2k14

Ok, so you'd put 2K14 all the way down at the bottom. Interesting. So, as I was asking, can you give me technical reasons why you place 2K11 at the top?

gameplay wise only:
2k11>2k12>2k10>2k9>2k13>2k14

Ok, so you'd put 2K14 all the way down at the bottom. Interesting. So, as I was asking, can you give me technical reasons why you place 2K11 at the top?

It is just the deepest and by far most in depth 2K ever released in terms of single player content.

Meaning much more modding oppurtunities

Best ever post game and just alot of little things

It is just the deepest and by far most in depth 2K ever released in terms of single player content.
Meaning much more modding oppurtunities
Best ever post game and just alot of little things

Wow.. ok, cool. It's just that with so many people saying 14 is the best ever, to see you put so any other games before 14 is rather, well, rare. But I have to agree that while 14 is good, something feels special in 11. Just wish there was a solid up to date mod for it.

It is just the deepest and by far most in depth 2K ever released in terms of single player content.
Meaning much more modding oppurtunities
Best ever post game and just alot of little things

Wow.. ok, cool. It's just that with so many people saying 14 is the best ever, to see you put so any other games before 14 is rather, well, rare. But I have to agree that while 14 is good, something feels special in 11. Just wish there was a solid up to date mod for it.

2K14 Xbox One and PS4 is probably my fave all time but the PC version is just weak, it can be modded easily but the game play itself is broken. Shot metre just doesn't work lol

It is just the deepest and by far most in depth 2K ever released in terms of single player content.
Meaning much more modding oppurtunities
Best ever post game and just alot of little things

Wow.. ok, cool. It's just that with so many people saying 14 is the best ever, to see you put so any other games before 14 is rather, well, rare. But I have to agree that while 14 is good, something feels special in 11. Just wish there was a solid up to date mod for it.

2K14 Xbox One and PS4 is probably my fave all time but the PC version is just weak, it can be modded easily but the game play itself is broken. Shot metre just doesn't work lol

I hear ya. And obviously even up to date rosters for 2K14 PS4 aren't possible.

Play for yourself and decide. It's the only way. All are worth experiencing. I believe 2k11 is best.