NBA 2K17 Review (PS4/XB1)

[RaychelSnr]

For the past several years, all other sports games have been judged by NBA 2K's standards. It is no surprise NBA 2K is the reigning multiple time Sports Game of the Year Award winner here at Operation Sports as well.

Simply put, NBA 2K has been a bit of a big deal around these parts for a few years.

Enter NBA 2K17. This year's game features important tweaks to the gameplay, a new MyCareer experience, new additions to MyGM, and a whole host of other new features that all add up to a compelling package oozing basketball authenticity.

There's a lot to love about NBA 2K17 -- but the game is still not quite perfect, with a few notable issues continuing to hold the experience back.

Read More - NBA 2K17 Review (PS4/XB1)

[michaelhawj]

great review.. i give this is 10/10..

Gameplay, animations, presentation, commentary and My GM are Top Notch !!!!

Cons : My Career has some negative is ai cpu teammate sometimes playing so dumb and my own player require VC points to improve my player rating, animations and other stuffs because i don't like to waste money on VC points for improve my player rating and animations

[JKSportsGamer1984]

Completely agree with this review. If 2K fixes the issue with players sliding into position when receiving passes (especially on inbound passes) & corrects some of the player body type blunders (some players arms are too skinny), I would probably give this game close to a 10. Gameplay is really good this year. This game is incredibly deep. There are a lot of subtle improvements that you notice the more you play. There are a few legacy issues still remaining (selective ball tangibility, clipping, some unbreakable 2 man animations, etc..) They also have to fix the isse with players not subbing in after timeouts. With a patch or two, this game can be a classic.

[MoneyOvaHuds]

Re: NBA 2K17 Review (PS4/XB1)

Best 2k ever made

[Hooe]

Re: NBA 2K17 Review (PS4/XB1)

For the rest of the audience (most of them), it makes the game daunting and, dare I say it, unapproachable for beginners.

As someone who readily admits he is not the most knowledgable about basketball on the court, this is disheartening to read.

I enjoyed the review otherwise, however. It looks like NBA 2K is still a fantastic game for those who already understand the game.

[speedtrucker]

Re: NBA 2K17 Review (PS4/XB1)

As someone who readily admits he is not the most knowledgable about basketball on the court, this is disheartening to read.



I enjoyed the review otherwise, however. It looks like NBA 2K is still a fantastic game for those who already understand the game.

Not so much understanding the game as it is just being a stickmaster.

I understand the game extremely well but on the sticks I am very simple because I just can't chain the harder moves together.

If you play FIFA, it's like knowing how to do the easy step overs and fake kicks but those that master the concept can pull off amazing Dekes, stopovers, rabonas etc.

[Hooe]

Re: NBA 2K17 Review (PS4/XB1)

Not so much understanding the game as it is just being a stickmaster.

I understand the game extremely well but on the sticks I am very simple because I just can't chain the harder moves together.

If you play FIFA, it's like knowing how to do the easy step overs and fake kicks but those that master the concept can pull off amazing Dekes, stopovers, rabonas etc.

That's part of what I meant to say (admittedly I phrased my thoughts poorly there).

I can learn a pick-and-roll, a 2-3 zone, or other high-level concepts and plays pretty easily. I also have a pretty good understanding of how the NBA works with respect to contracts, the draft, and the salary cap.

However, I have no idea about how and when I might want to use any of the given dribble / size-up / post moves in the various ball-handler gameplay contexts. There are so many options available, I have no idea what advantages / disadvantages each move provides, when to use one over the other.

This doesn't even get to actually performing the moves like you alluded to; I'm probably similar to you that I can hold my own on the sticks in most games and I'm a competent gamer, but I'm absolutely not going to the Evo Championship Series anytime soon or anything like that, lol.

I would be quite ready to plunk down $60 for this game - which is by all accounts great - if there were some sort of interactive tutorial which not only explained how to perform certain actions on the court but explain to me why I might do any one of them. Alternatively, an "auto-moves" option like what Madden NFL 17 provides to inexperienced players on Rookie and Pro difficulties is something I might find useful as well. As is, the learning curve is just too steep, and I know I won't be able enjoy this game and my buying it would be a waste of time. And it makes me sad, because the game does look very good.

[BA2929]

Re: NBA 2K17 Review (PS4/XB1)

MyGM on the other hand, is the best sports gaming franchise mode experience you are going to find.

I'm wondering what makes MyGM better than MyLeague?

I haven't really ventured into MyGM since about 2k12 or so and have put extensive hours into MyLeague in the past few seasons.

What would I get in MyGM that would be better than MyLeague?

(I'm legit asking here, not calling anyone out for their opinion. I just had no idea MyGM was so tremendous and feel like I've been missing out after this review lol)

Solid review, by the way. Sums up how I feel about it so far.

[tril]

As someone who readily admits he is not the most knowledgable about basketball on the court, this is disheartening to read.

I enjoyed the review otherwise, however. It looks like NBA 2K is still a fantastic game for those who already understand the game.

dont let this hold you back.
Ive been playing 2k basketball for 10+ years and I have yet to master all the complex moves, I only know a handful of moves.
playing fundamentally sound, basic basketball in 2k is rewarding enough. mastering the sticks/moves is an added plus but unnecessary. just like real like basketball. everyone has their strengths, and this carries over into 2k.

Ive only played a few games.
game play is solid, but may be a tad too fast for my liking (will have to adjust game speed)
players skate/slide to get into position, more so than years past- this needs to be patched

I like the skinny arms and different body types folks are complaining about.

lip sync is off with the studio announcers and sideline announcers. its really a glaring issue. in other words its just lips moving while the dialogue plays along. years past this seemed more in sync (PC VERSION)

I like the in game play calling system and adjustments, but dont like how the subs are handled.

rebounding and post games are a plus also.
new shooting is a definite plus. I use the shot stick and I do feel the difference. once you get in rhythm with a player, you really get in rhythm. I may have to up the difficulty with this.

I havent played any other modes just play now.

so far its about 8.5-9 for me. Im my gm/my league guy. so I look forward to starting up this mode

[x_irish6]

Re: NBA 2K17 Review (PS4/XB1)

I'm wondering what makes MyGM better than MyLeague?

I haven't really ventured into MyGM since about 2k12 or so and have put extensive hours into MyLeague in the past few seasons.

What would I get in MyGM that would be better than MyLeague?

(I'm legit asking here, not calling anyone out for their opinion. I just had no idea MyGM was so tremendous and feel like I've been missing out after this review lol)

Solid review, by the way. Sums up how I feel about it so far.

It's not IMHO. Although it does let you deal with dynamics of owner etc, you don't have power to veto horrible league rule changes (e.g. golden point sudden death OT) like you can in MyLeague which is a killer for me.

Aside from issue with rule changes it comes down to whether you want to deal with the relationship & business side of being a GM rather than just the traditional franchise mode (with ability to edit & control) that we love.

[Gramps91]

Honestly, I'm loving everything about this game. The only thing I could wish for for next year are more pre-built expansion teams. I'm using those because the presentation is so authentic with them. They're treated like all the other teams.

[mcpats]

Great review. I agree wholeheartedly it's a fantastic game. I also agree that it's so disappointing how tedious MyCareer is. I spent 90 minutes on my first off day dealing with text messages, practices, and shoot arounds before I played a real game

[GisherJohn24]

I expected a little more detail for everything, and why no mention of the Dream team not being there at launch? That hurt like a stinger, but overall, agree with the review.

[speedtrucker]

Re: NBA 2K17 Review (PS4/XB1)

I expected a little more detail for everything, and why no mention of the Dream team not being there at launch? That hurt like a stinger, but overall, agree with the review.

Technically they were there for launch, some just didn't have them for preorder early access.

[tonedef407]

You couldn't have said it better. The learning curve on this game keeps going higher and higher. I saw someone over at IGN refer to it as the "Dark Souls of sports games". I completely appreciate the depth for the hardcore, but try to ease the uninitiated in a little easier. Heck, I've been playing since the Dreamcast days, and I'd still love a skills trainer of some kind.