When you put a legend like Michael Jordan on the cover of your sports videogame, it stands to reason that his inclusion in the game would amount to more than just a roster appearance on a historic team. Today, 2K Sports announced a special Jordan-specific mode called “The Jordan Challenge” for NBA 2K11. It sounds similar to the “Madden Moments” feature in EA Sports’ Madden series — you’ll be able to relive (and try to replicate) ten of Jordan’s landmark performances.
Since these moments will span most of Jordan’s career, they’ll involve NBA teams from the 1980s and ’90s, and it’s unclear at this point if the actual rosters from each of the ten games will be recreated in the game; perhaps some generic players will be utilized. (Notice how the two players in the background of the image above — one on the Chicago Bulls, and the other on the Utah Jazz — have no numbers on their jerseys.) Then again, the press release notes that you’ll have many classic teams available, including the ’85-’86, ’89-’90, ’90-’91, ’94-’95, ’95-’96, ’96-’97, and ’97-’98 Chicago Bulls.
Hit the jump for the full list of challenges, courtesy of IGN, and check out two screenshots of Jordan in the gallery below. NBA 2K11, with Jordan and his tongue on the box, will be out on October 5th for PS3, 360, Wii, PC, PSP, PS2, and iPhone.
The Arrival
When: April 20, 1986. Game 2, 1st round playoffs vs. Celtics
Goal 1: Score 63+ points
Goal 2: Shoot 50%+ from the field
Summary: Jordan made his mark with this 63 point playoff game against a heavily favored Celtics team.69 Points
When: March 28, 1990. Regular season game vs. Cavs
Goal 1: Score 69+ points
Goal 2: Shoot 50%+ from the field
Goal 3: Win the game
Summary: This time Jordan gets the win by dropping 69 points and putting a dent in the Cavaliers’ playoff plans.Shootout
When: Any date in 1990. Regular season game vs. Hawks
Goal 1: Outscore Dominique
Goal 2: Hold Dominique under 25 Points
Goal 3: Win the game
Summary: Jordan and Dominique Wilkins face off in some of the all-time greatest scoring performances of the era.Bad Boys
When: May 26, 1990. Game 3, Eastern Conference Finals vs. Pistons
Goal 1: Score 47+ points
Goal 2: Win the game
Summary: Jordan showed the Pistons and the world that no defensive strategy could stop him for long.1991 NBA Finals
When: June 2 thru June 12, 1991 vs. Lakers
Goal 1: Average 31.0+ points
Goal 2: Shoot 55%+ from the field
Goal 3: Win the series
Summary: Jordan silenced the doubters by coming back from a game one embarrassment to thrash the Lakers in these Finals.The Shrug
When: June 3, 1992. Game 1, 1st round playoffs vs. Blazers
Goal 1: Score 35+ points in the first half
Goal 2: Make 6+ threes in the first half
make 6+ threes in the 1st half
Goal 2: Hold Drexler to under 20 points
Goal 3: Win the Game
Summary: Just to prove a point, Jordan sets the tone for the series by dominating the first half of this first Finals game.Double Nickel
When: March 18, 1995. Regular season game vs. Knicks
Goal 1: Score 55+ points
Goal 2: Shoot 55%+ from the field
Goal 3: Win the game
Summary: After a stint with the bat, Jordan returns to New York to tear up the Knicks for 55 points and an unforgettable pass.Father’s Day Victory
When: June 16, 1996. Game 6, 1996 Finals (last game of series as Bulls won 4-2) vs. Sonics
Goal 1: Score 22+ points
Goal 2: Grab 9+ rebounds
Goal 3: Win the game
Summary: Michael ran the table over the entire league but this fourth title would prove to be just as special as his first.The Flu Game
When: June 11, 1997. Game 6, 1997 Finals (not the last game of the series as it went to 7) vs. Jazz
Goal 1: Score 38+ points
Goal 2: Grab 7+ rebounds
Goal 3: Win the game
Summary: A very ill Jordan still manages to both dominate the game and hit the winning shot in the last seconds of the game.Michael’s Last Dance
When: June 14, 1998. Game 6, 1998 Finals vs. Jazz
Goal 1: Score 45+ points
Goal 2: Get 4+ steals
Goal 3: Win the game
Summary: With one final resounding shot, Jordan seals both his legacy and the fate of the Jazz’s championship hopes.
Jordan Challenge Revealed for NBA 2K11 [IGN]
