NBA 2K Playgrounds 2 Reviews
NBA 2K Playgrounds 2 proves pick-up-and-play arcade basketball is still alive and well.
There's fun to be had in 2K's arcade-style basketball game, but a lack of variety and flawed gameplay make for a missed opportunity.
While the introduction of microtransactions is hardly surprising considering the history of its new publisher, they don't hit NBA 2K Playgrounds 2 as hard as might expect. It will take you a while to grind out every player (unless you just buy them all from the off), but it helps that the core arcade gameplay remains as fun and enjoyable as ever. It doesn't quite capture the blissful mayhem of NBA Jam, but if the main NBA 2K series has always felt a little too realistic for you, this larger-than-life spin-off offers a bright and empowering way to defy gravity like Air Jordan himself.
Despite the action on the court being fun, it's the looming frustrations of microtransactions that hinder player development and the overall appeal of the game.
When it's all said and done, Playgrounds 2 provides a somewhat enjoyable experience that's not worth its headache. If you want a quick and easy, arcade-style way to play basketball with your friends, you should just go to your local arcade with a fistful of quarters and play NBA Jam. Trust me, even though you have to feed the cabinet money after each game, you'll still feel less exploited.
NBA 2K Playgrounds is a small step forward in the work of Saber Interactive. In addition to greater content, we will have more control over the unlocking of players.
Review in Spanish | Read full review
The 2-on-2 gameplay feels just as smooth as it did last year.
NBA 2K Playgrounds 2 is an extremely fun and competitive game at its core, and with the publisher's history of terrible microtransactions, it's good to see a basketball game that's easy to pick up and enjoy without having to spend money. The game is generous with its in game currency which makes playing the game very rewarding, especially if you invest time in the game's improved Season Mode. If you're looking for a slightly silly, competitive basketball game to play online, this is definitely for you.
This is a game that does absolutely not need to exist but does for the sheer fact that the original game had no way of raking in the dough. I don't expect this game to become a yearly title, because NBA 2K Playgrounds 2 is now set up to appropriately gouge the players for money for years to come. Unless maybe that doesn't work, in which case you can look forward to NBA 2K Playgrounds 3 brought to you by FanDuel to release in 11 months.
NBA 2K Playgrounds 2 is a step forward gameplay wise... but it excessively rely on microtransactions.
Review in Italian | Read full review
NBA 2K Playgrounds 2 offers an arcade basketball experience that's both fun and simple, with fluid gameplay and some over-the-top movements that really stand out when playing.
Review in Spanish | Read full review
As an NBA Playgrounds apologist and lover of arcade sports sims, this game can only be characterized as a disappointment, and a frustrating one at that. NBA 2K Playgrounds 2 has all the ingredients for an excellent game, but its best flavors are overpowered by the saltiness of its microtransactions and repetitive season. It's a shame, because the gameplay itself is absolutely excellent; it's the surrounding constructs, progression system, and a lackluster season that leaves this game tripping over its own laces.
For basketball fans that don't always want the true-to-life simulation of the mainline 2K series, NBA 2K Playgrounds 2 is a slam dunk.
An improvement on the first game ruined by terrible microtransactions.
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NBA 2K Playgrounds 2 is a lacklustre effort after last year's promising start. It attempts to address some of the issues but these end up being unforced turnovers that makes the game actively worse. When you couple this with only one of the major gameplay problems being addressed, you find yourself with a disappointing sequel. This is a series that definitely does not need to be on a yearly cycle, and most people who bought the original last year will find they have already had their fill.
For the most part, NBA 2K Playgrounds 2 is an improvement on the original. The fun, over-the-top, and easy to understand gameplay returns and the online options make it a more complete package.
NBA 2K Playgrounds 2 improves on a quite a few aspects of the original game like game modes and gameplay mechanics. But its microtransaction model leaves a sour taste in the player's mouth. Unlocking great players takes a very long time and the game wants to get you to buy in-game credits. But if you're patient, or spending more money isn't a problem for you, you can have a lot of fun with NBA 2K Playgrounds 2.
Review in French | Read full review
NBA 2K Playgrounds 2 is back better than ever and turns into the perfect companion for NBA 2K19. It will delight those who look for a more arcade gameplay.
Review in Spanish | Read full review
NBA Playgrounds 2 brings a lot of great improvements to the table with enhanced gameplay mechanics and visuals, but the package is brought down by unnecessary, backward changes.