Review – NBA 2K18

If you’re a basketball fan or even a sports game fan you have likely played an NBA 2K game.

They are generally considered to be the premium of NBA video games.

The mechanics over the years have vastly improved and game modes slowly perfected.

This time around you will need to prove yourself in a streetball tournament.

Once you’re scouted your story in the NBA begins. I found some of the cut scenes and dialogue a little cringe-worthy at times. It was never enough to make me wanna stop playing though.

I feel that as an Aussie there is somewhat of a cultural disconnect.

Breaking Boards

[perfectpullquote align=”left” cite=”I wasn’t happy that I couldn’t apply a beard to my player” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””][/perfectpullquote]

MyCareer also boasts a more MMO-like experience now with the Neighborhood. In this area, you can interact and play with other online players. [perfectpullquote align=”right” cite=”Once I reached the Neighborhood I strolled into the local barber and was able to delve deeper in the customisation” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””][/perfectpullquote]You can stroll over to the streetball courts or challenge others to a dunk comp. I wasn’t happy that I couldn’t apply a beard to my player when I initially created him.

Once I reached the Neighborhood I strolled into the local barber and was able to delve deeper in the customisation. In between each game you can also train with the team to improve your skills.

Fadeaway like LeBron’s hairline

The gameplay is what really keeps your attention and will have you wanting more. NBA 2K18 has certainly focused more on scaling this time around. It feels like you really do start off as a rookie. Stat points are harder to earn which makes for a slower improvement.

I actually liked this as it meant I really had to fight to perform well each game. In previous titles, I was making first season stats to rival the likes of Lebron James. A welcome change that adds a little realism to the game.

The visuals are great in-game. The character models are done really well, as has come to be expected by the 2K franchise. The movement and flow are that good my girlfriend thought I was watching an actual NBA match. The were some jagged cutscenes in the MyCareer mode but nothing that should bother you.

[perfectpullquote align=”full” cite=”Stat points are harder to earn which makes for a slower improvement” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””][/perfectpullquote]

The pre-game and halftime panel boasts some new talent. Made up of Shaq, Ernie Johnson and Kenny Smith. I love this addition, the dialogue is fantastic and entertaining. It’s yet another feature that has added some more realism to the title.

All the previously successful game modes have made a return. As well as MyMareer there is also MyTeam, MyGM, MyLeague and the standard exhibition match. The play now (exhibition match) boasts plenty of options. You can play online with friends or randoms.

Draw fouls like an artist

Blacktop has made a return also so you can set up a 1v1 game for those online/couch coop rivalries. For anyone wanting to learn the game or perfect their skills, the 2KU option allows some good tutorials.

MyTeam hasn’t had a lot of changes to the core structure. You do get a starter pack which will give you some unlocks to start with. These will help you structure your team as to how you want them to play. You can pick up in the draft and trade as like in previous titles.

A game mode like MyGM really hasn’t required a lot of change. Both are fun in their own way and provide options for people to do something different from MyCareer.[perfectpullquote align=”right” cite=”NBA 2K18 is fresh in the places it needs to be.” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””][/perfectpullquote]

2K has really put some work into this year’s title and it’s comforting. Since these titles are annual it was getting sort of stale for me. NBA 2K18 is fresh in the places it needs to be. Which is a really positive sign for future 2K titles. A solid release that covers it all from couch co-op/competitive, online play or a solo experience. I see myself playing a lot of this during the coming NBA season.

Go Suns!!!

NBA 2k18 was reviewed on PS4 with a review copy provided to PowerUp! by 2K Australia.