NBA 2K Playgrounds 2 Reviews
If NBA2K and NBA Jam got mashed together... you'd get NBA2K Playgrounds 2.
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.
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
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 proves pick-up-and-play arcade basketball is still alive and well.
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.
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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.
NBA 2K Playgrounds 2 feels like an evolution from the first game, providing a smoother gameplay experience and a deeper online offering. Anyone can jump into the game and perform a self alley-oop double front flip dunk with ease. It's as accessible as you would expect and demand of a traditional arcade game. However, the inclusion of microtransactions is disheartening. Sure, you can only purchase cosmetic packs, not actual player cards, but you can negate the entire grind in the game, by unlocking all players for a price. The Xbox One version of the game occasional hangs at least once a day, forcing a restart.
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
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
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 offers a solid arcade experience. This title does not yield any significant advancements for the genre or the series itself. Instead, it takes elements from other sports titles, scales them down and wraps it all up in a fetching, exaggerated aesthetic.
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.
The 2-on-2 gameplay feels just as smooth as it did last year.
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.
Next arcade basketball with crazy gameplay. Playgrounds 2 is more fun than first game and good choice for LAN party.
Review in Slovak | Read full review