'NBA 2K13' steps up shoe game

September, 27, 2012
9/27/12
11:50
AM ET


Sneakerheads, rejoice. Not only does “NBA 2K13” feature more brands and shoes than ever before, but for the first time, the producers built special shaders in their game to make everything from the patent leather to the rubber pop on screen.

“The cool thing is that now the shoes look tangible,” “NBA 2K13” producer Rob Jones explains as he details all the cool kicks that made their way into his game.

Joining Adidas, Reebok, Converse and Nike this year are shoes from Spalding and Under Armour. There’s also a robust editor that enables you to create your own shoe, from color to materials. Create a cool pair of Nikes, and the game will even spit out a code for the Nike ID store so you can order your shoes to wear around in real life, while your player is also sporting them in the game.

If only I could get a code to start dunking in real life like I do in the game.
Ever since he first handed the ball to Bo Jackson in "Tecmo Bowl," Jon Robinson has been mesmerized by the world of sports video games. He's been covering the gaming beat professionally for over 15 years, starting his career writing as "Johnny Ballgame" for GamePro magazine before becoming the founding editor of IGN Sports. Robinson co-wrote the book "The Madden Phenomenon," and his two latest works, "Rumble Road" and "WWE My Favorite Match," were released by Simon & Schuster in July 2010 and July 2012.

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