NBA 2K19 Reviews

NBA 2K19 is ranked in the 83rd percentile of games scored on OpenCritic.
9 / 10.0
Sep 16, 2018

NBA 2K19 has raised the bar once again, not just for future iterations of the series but for every sports game developed moving forward.

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9.1 / 10.0
Sep 22, 2018

It might not feel that different from last year, but NBA 2K19 continues to be the best there is in terms of sports simulation games with neat updates. A definite pick for fans!

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Unscored
Sep 20, 2018

Barring a massive rethink from 2K in regards to their microtransaction focus, I think NBA 2K19 is the last NBA 2K game I will be excited for. It is clear the developers only see its consumers as a walking pile of cash so why would I willingly subscribe to that philosophy.

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Yes
Sep 20, 2018

The biggest question mark on NBA 2K19 is if the game can be separated from its economy? And the answer is no, definitely not. Your character can’t both look cool with baller swag and be good at the game unless you’re willing to put in hundreds of hours or spend a significant amount of money. However, can the game be enjoyed despite its economy? Absolutely. Despite the dire circumstances of 2K going all-in on VC, NBA 2K19 has seen a return to form for MyCareer mode as well as a solid showing across every single game mode. But when 50% of your game is heavily reliant upon a “pay-to-win” system, there is something fundamentally flawed about the product and message that you’re putting out to your players and potential audiences. I understand the need for video games to make money, but there are more ethical ways of doing so without ruining the experience along the way. Please buy NBA 2K19 because it’s a great game, but don’t give in to the pressure of the non-existent shiny gold coins – they’re just not worth it.

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SA Gamer
Ashwar Jacobs
8 / 10.0
Sep 13, 2018

Basketball has seen many legends etch their name in the Hall of Fame since the very beginning and NBA 2K19 is a masterstroke in showcasing the games illustrious career by offering tight controls, stunning visuals and animations in between the best commentary and visual presentations in the sports game industry. It's unfortunately still hampered with the "pay to gain" mechanic that might put some people off, but the gameplay makes the grind worth it.

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PowerUp!
Jackson Wall
7.1 / 10.0
Dec 3, 2018

I think 2K19 is totally fine. The game is huge and if you like a grind the game will be long too.

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8 / 10.0
Oct 10, 2018

What changes or improvements I would probably love to see is a more flexible MyNeighborhood. It needs to start containing something that does not require microtranscations in an already “microtransacked” industry.

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80%
Sep 26, 2018

Make no bones about it, I think NBA 2K19 is a force to be reckoned with. It’s the same core NBA 2K that we know and love, and the small tweaks continue to make it a standout. Unfortunately, much of that good work is undone by overbearing promotion of microtransactions, and keep NBA 2K19 from a real slam dunk.

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4 / 5
Oct 15, 2018

I really enjoyed the time I’ve spent with NBA 2K19 and I’ll undoubtedly turn back to the game throughout the actual NBA season.

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8 / 10
Oct 15, 2018

The NBA2K games present arguably the best basketball gaming experience out there, as well as a near-perfect presentation of NBA Basketball.

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80%
Oct 7, 2018

Microtransactions certainly won't please anyone, but if you can ignore them, NBA 2K19 offers an excellent basketball simulation, which EA couldn't surpass not even this year.

Review in Slovak | Read full review

7 / 10.0
Sep 24, 2018

I don’t see myself ever really going hard for that 99, because the ability to do that requires the use of my wallet just to get started, because grinding for VC for free is insanely slow and I think they made it that way on purpose to push microtransactions.

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8 / 10.0
Oct 3, 2018
NBA2K19 REVIEW - IS IT GOOD | Gameplay [NBA2K19] video thumbnail
7 / 10.0
Sep 21, 2018

Improved in many ways, this year's NBA 2K continues to drag behind some historical problems of the series, among which there is certainly the absence of an anti-cheat for the online sector, which has other annoying design flaws, and the rather invasive presence of microtransactions.

Review in Italian | Read full review

Sep 11, 2018

The game makes the necessary adjustments to huge flaws from the previous year, with nice additions added in that keeps the 2K machine going as the Top Simulation Basketball Game on the market.

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Heavy
Top Critic
7.5 / 10.0
Sep 10, 2018

NBA 2K19 is still a quality basketball sim full of content and strong gameplay. However, it offers an overly familiar experience and is brought down by a litany of issues that are hard to ignore.

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8.5 / 10.0
Sep 12, 2018

You can do pretty much whatever you want, whether it's play every game with your favorite team, sim seasons and be a manager, invent your own team, bring in legends to the modern NBA, or play through cinematic stories. It's a lot to take in and sift through, but if you have a passing affinity for basketball, a mode is likely here for you. NBA 2K19 is a top-tier sports game, even on the Switch. It's just a shame the microtransactions are ever present.

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Sep 14, 2018

"NBA 2K19" is as complete a sports video game as any ever made, and only its aggressive monetization tactics hold it back from being considered one of the greatest. With four different Franchise Mode variants, an enjoyable Story Mode, a rich suite of online features and continued celebration of the history of the league, "NBA 2K19" offers something for everyone.

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7 / 10
Sep 14, 2018

NBA 2K19's on-court disappointments are somewhat remedied by the hugely entertaining off-the-court shenanigans, but a steep learning curve may leave less experienced players a little overwhelmed.

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Digitally Downloaded
Nick H.
Top Critic
Sep 18, 2018

The world class presentation, excellent execution of modes and gameplay mechanics really do make NBA 2K19 the best sports game around.

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