NBA 2K24 scores big with gameplay, but its microtransaction tactics feel like a costly turnover.
NBA 2K23's on-court improvements should've led it to an easy layup, but the ever-present nuisance of pay-to-win microtransactions make it much harder to enjoy.
NBA 2K21 doesn't break the series' signature basketball gameplay, but its minor improvements and persistent addiction to obnoxious microtransactions mean more of the same isn't good enough anymore.
NBA 2K20 excels at recreating real-world basketball, but loses focus off of the court.
For many, basketball is more than just a game, and NBA 2K19 doesn't take that lightly. It throws every resource it has into the theatrics of the sport, creating charismatic presentation, a well-written story mode, and strong core gameplay. The series' persistent weaknesses are still apparent in areas like the transition game and ludicrous microtransactions, but there's so much variety to how its extensive MyLeague mode plays out that there's always a reason to look forward to the next game of basketball.
NBA Live 18's simplistic and fluid mechanics make for an approachable game of NBA, or WNBA, basketball. But for all that it does well on the court, elsewhere it fails to live up to its potential. There are plenty of side modes, but few have the depth or interesting new ideas to be worth getting invested in.
Madden 17 meets expectations handedly and is poised to break out as one of video game's most elite (sup, Joe Flacco?) simulation titles.
Far from greatness, but now also far from being bad. An above average NBA experience, worthy of a discounted look eventually.
A good and solid launch game. If this is a sign of where indie sports are heading, we're on board.