NBA 2K12 Welcomes Back Michael Jordan, Introduces Magic Johnson And Larry Bird

NBA 2K11 gave us Michael Jordan, reigniting the legend of the basketball superstar for a new generation of gamers. Now, NBA 2K12 brings not just Michael, but legends Magic Johnson and Larry Bird. And remember that iconic Michael Jordan cover for NBA 2K11? Well NBA 2K12 is going even further, with your choice of a Jordan cover, Magic cover, or Bird cover.

Speaking of the NBA 2K12 covers, Jason Argent, Vice President of Marketing for 2K Sports, also revealed that the company will "take a pretty big departure this year from our traditional, kind of brand look and cover look" by hiring artist Adam Larson. Argent excitedly claimed that Larson's art style is "perfectly in line with our sort of brand image and the dynamic nature of it." If you didn't click the link to check out his illustration portfolio, let me just tell you: It's dynamic, alright.

If you want to see what that means for what lies just past the cover, on the game disc, hit that Read More button already!

• VIDEO: NBA 2K12 Video Sony Press Conference E3 2011

Although Argent was careful not to give too many details away, when asked if the NBA 2K11 Jordan Challenge would return for NBA 2K12 with the new cover athletes, he explained that, "What I’ll say now is that the Jordan Challenge and the integration of Jordan... ...was so well received and we very happy with how that turned out. And so our kind of guiding principal this year was same as it was with marketing and the covers: how do we take that up a notch? So you know, Magic and Bird will be in the game..." Argent also promised details regarding the legends' in-game presence coming soon.

He also prophesied that gamers "will not be disappointed."

The ongoing negotiations with the NBA won't affect the development of NBA 2K12 either, so don't fret. The team at 2K Sports is squarely focused on the development of the base game first, integration of legends and reaction to the NBA deals second. "Really, we don’t know anything, so the best that we can do is focus 100 percent on building an amazing game," Argent said.

• RATING: NBA 2K11 Review

As for me, I think the inclusion of timeless players like Jordan, Magic and Bird - basketball players even I know - lends itself well to the series and the bringing together of fans from all eras. Thankfully, Argent seems to agree. He and his team "want to continue to honor and pay homage to the legends and heroes who have sort of made basketball what it is."

Sounds like they've got a good start.