NBA Elite 11, the anticipated basketball simulation game that was sadly canceled, still sparks curiosity among fans. While it never officially hit the shelves, questions about its potential price point continue to surface. Let’s delve into what we know about NBA Elite 11 and why the game’s cost remains a topic of speculation.
The Rise and Fall of NBA Elite 11
NBA Elite 11 was poised to be a game-changer. Developed by EA Sports, it was meant to replace the long-running NBA Live series and usher in a new era of basketball gaming. The game promised innovative features, including a revamped control system using the right analog stick for dribbling and shooting (“Hands-On Control”), a deeper career mode, and impressive graphics for its time.
However, despite the hype and anticipation, EA Sports made the difficult decision to cancel NBA Elite 11 just days before its scheduled release in October 2010.
Why Was NBA Elite 11 Canceled?
The reasons behind NBA Elite 11’s cancellation were multifaceted. Technical issues plagued the game’s development, leading to glitches and performance problems. The ambitious “Hands-On Control” system, while promising, proved difficult for many players to master.
Moreover, a demo version of the game released earlier received negative feedback from critics and fans alike. Concerns about the game’s overall quality, coupled with the technical issues, contributed to EA Sports’ decision to pull the plug.
So, What About the Price?
Since NBA Elite 11 never officially launched, there’s no official price tag attached to it. At the time, the standard price for new console games was around $59.99 USD. Given NBA Elite 11’s status as a major AAA title, it’s likely it would have followed suit.
However, it’s interesting to consider how the game’s cancellation might have influenced its price had it eventually been released. Would EA Sports have offered it at a discounted price to entice skeptical fans? Or would they have stuck to the standard pricing for a new release?
The Legacy of NBA Elite 11
While NBA Elite 11 never saw the light of day, its legacy endures. It serves as a reminder of the risks and challenges involved in game development, even for established studios like EA Sports.
The game’s cancellation also had a significant impact on the basketball game genre. EA Sports took a step back, allowing 2K Sports’ NBA 2K series to solidify its dominance. To this day, NBA 2K remains the undisputed king of basketball simulation games.
FAQs
While the specifics of NBA Elite 11’s pricing are lost to history, we hope this article has shed some light on this fascinating chapter in gaming history.
