NBA 2K Playgrounds 2 Reviews
NBA 2K Playgrounds 2 features many gameplay improvements over the original, and a deeper roster of superstar players thanks to the 2K umbrella, but unfortunately the experience is marred by the return of loot boxes that dictate which players you can even use.
In all NBA 2k Playgrounds 2 lacks some of the simplicity of NBA Jam but more than holds its own with added features, an addictive gameplay loop and a fun, cartoonish presentation style. The microtransactions are the only downer in what is otherwise a stellar bit of arcade fun, one that should be enjoyed by anyone that has regular game nights with friends.
NBA 2K Playgrounds 2 is a great improvement over the first game, and the addition of the ‘Season Mode’ adds that extra layer of fun. Mechanically, the game remains a classic arcade experience, with a sprinkling of difficulty, just enough to make things interesting.
NBA 2K Playgrounds 2 is an excellent arcade style Basketball game that is hauled down by soul crushing microtransactions that tip the gameplay.
This whole ordeal has left a very bad taste in my mouth – in fact, it has put me off NBA 2K Playgrounds 2 in a big way
I immediately wanted to invite some friends around so I had an excuse to bring out Playgrounds 2. It’s a lot of fun, but it’s also difficult to sustain lengthy sessions of play by yourself when there’s not much more than three different modes to cycle through. It’s a decent game that ultimately suffers from a lack of content, and for that, the game stumbles before the finish line, unfortunately. While I’d recommend giving it a look, especially if you loved NBA Jam back in the day, it’s also something you could sleep on for a while before giving it a shot.
Enjoy basketball for arcade lovers
Review in Turkish | Read full review
While the first title was a great start for a genre long forgotten, NBA 2K Playgrounds 2 fell into the modern day trap of microtransaction schemes. A shame considering it's a solid game, accessible for all, and visually correct on all consoles with an upgrade to its multiplayer mode.
NBA 2K Playgrounds 2 is the perfect antidote to the realness of NBA 2K19. It’s fast, simple and easy to get into. You’ll have a great time playing alone or with friends and the game never stops being a fun time.
NBA 2K Playgrounds 2 takes all the arcadey elements from the classic fireball that was NBA Jam and added in a couple of improvements that can really get you hooked on the high-flying, gravity-defying, slam dunking action!
NBA 2K Playgrounds is a simple, yet very enjoyable sports game, focused primarily on multiplayer. There's fun to be had in singleplayer, just don't expect it to measure up to the more serious basketball video games.
Review in Slovak | Read full review
A clear improvement over its predecessor. Looks better and plays better too.
NBA 2K Playgrounds 2 is a great game for anyone who loves over-the-top arcade basketball games. It is great fun even though it's a grind without using microtransactions.
Review in Dutch | Read full review
Starting with the positives the game absolutely looks great, has a ridiculous roster of players (including the likes of Michael Jordan), and features all sorts of preposterous on-court moves and dunks...
Arcade sports games aren't as plentiful as they once were so the fact that NBA 2K Playgrounds 2 is as enjoyable as it is speaks volumes for what the genre is capable of.
NBA 2K Playgrounds 2 has a great presentation, a fun set of mechanics and a solid character progression system. There are microtransactions, as all sports games seems to be laboured with them these days, but it's nowhere near as intrusive as some other sports games I have played. However, without any statistical tracking, limited number of players on the court and only a handful of modes, that this title won't have quite the shelf life for me that a more involved simulation game like NBA 2K19.
NBA 2K Playgrounds 2 brings back the arcade experience in its sequel with some subtle but welcome improvements to gameplay and features more content. It suffers from a terrible player unlock system fueled by microtransactions, which is thankfully still optional and not a necessity to enjoy the game.
Even though NBA 2K Playgrounds 2 is fun on the court, the lack of content to enhance its shelf life, the connectivity issues in online matches and the constant feeling that the game could be better without the way the microtransactions were implemented keep it from reaching its potential.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review
If you liked NBA Playgrounds then this game will surely be a solid improvement you enjoy. If the first game was too buggy, or there were too many issues, then Playgrounds 2 fixes many problems. There are still reasons to be cautious with things like roster unlocks and limitations in the game modes, but it is overall a solid package.
The simplistic nature of the controls is good for anyone looking to turn off their brain for a bit and throw down some dazzling dunks or to play with friends. But if you're expecting anything other than that, you've purchased the wrong game.